Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Surfers Wax Hands, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming. Online pokies should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or playing sports. Gambling should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

Remember: the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses by gambling more.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online gambling. We take age verification seriously and comply with all Australian gambling regulations.

If you are under 18, online pokies are not for you. If you have concerns about a young person's gambling, please contact the support organizations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Are you experiencing any of the following? This may indicate problem gambling:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
• Hiding your gambling habits from family or friends
• Feeling irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Experiencing financial difficulties related to gambling
• Lying to loved ones about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Experiencing failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Most reputable online gambling platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a gaming session
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or session cutoffs to prevent extended play
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications at regular intervals reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from online gambling platforms for a set period (days, weeks, months, or years)

Use these tools proactively. Taking control of your gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organizations provide free, confidential support:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and support for problem gambling
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Problem gambling support and self-help tools
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme
  www.gamstop.co.uk

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council – Resources and support
  www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Confidential helpline and resources
  www.ncpgambling.org
  Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free and confidential)

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Center for Health Education
  Phone: 0800 1 37 27 00 (free helpline)

All of these services are free, confidential, and available to help you 24/7.

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is a real issue, but it's treatable. If you're struggling with gambling, whether it's pokies, sports betting, or any form of gambling, don't suffer in silence. Reaching out for help is a brave and important step.

Talk to someone you trust, contact one of the support organizations above, or call a gambling helpline today. Support is available, and recovery is possible.

Your wellbeing matters. Help is just a phone call away.