Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Virtual Nanny, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or attending a sporting event. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits before you start playing.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in gambling activities. We take age verification seriously and refuse service to anyone under the legal gambling age.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access or use any betting services. If you know of a minor accessing gambling services, please report it immediately.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling: Being secretive about your gambling activities or the amount you're spending
- Gambling with borrowed money: Using loans, credit cards, or borrowed funds to gamble
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when you can't gamble
- Loss of control: Inability to stick to limits you've set for yourself
- Relationship strain: Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling
- Financial problems: Experiencing debt, bill arrears, or financial hardship
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable betting operators provide tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic time limits for your gambling sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing betting sites
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
We strongly encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently perceive a problem.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, professional support is available. Here are organizations that can help:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous: Support groups across Australia for those in recovery
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (available 24/7)
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free counselling and support services
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and support for problem gambling
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Information and referrals for problem gambling
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung: Resources and counselling for gambling problems
All of these organizations offer confidential support and can help you or a loved one manage problem gambling.
If You Need Help
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if someone close to you is affected by problem gambling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. They provide free, confidential assistance and are staffed by people who understand what you're going through.
You can also speak to your doctor or a mental health professional about problem gambling — they may be able to refer you to specialist services.
The most important step is to ask for help. Do it today.