For the vast majority of Australians gambling is not a problem and can be an enjoyable recreational activity. However, anyobdy who does gamble has the potential to develop problems.
Problem gambling can be characterised by a strong pull or compusion towards gambling which becomes more and more difficult to resist. Excessive gambling can lead to significant problems which may harm relationships, finances, work, physical and mental health, and at this point gambling is described as "problem gambling".
The following are some warning signs that gambling may have become a problem for you:
- gambling more money than is affordable;
- gambling to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings;
- lying to others to conceal the extent of your gambling;
- obtaining money illegally to gamble;
- borrowing from friends, family or financial institutions to finance gamblig or gambling related debts;
- gambling alone.
The following ideas are provided as ways of reducing the possible harm to yourself and your family as a result of your gambling:
- work out how much you can afford to spend on gambling and budget for it (only take the amount of money you have budgetted for when you visit gaming venues);
- do not borrow money to gamble with;
- do not gamble alone;
- develop a support network of family or friends to talk to when you want to resist the urge to gamble.
ACTTAB is very conscious of community and government focus on the responsible provision of legal gambling products and accepts that some customers may encounter difficulty in controlling their personal level of expenditure.
ACTTAB is fully committed to its obligations under the Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulation 2002 (Code of Practice). All ACTTAB staff are provided with training the provision of responsible gambling services. Three Gambling Contact Officers have also been appointed to act as a point of contact for customers concerning problem gambling issues. Customers who realise they have a gambling problem are able to exclude themselves from ACTTAB outlets, as well as other gaming venues throughout the ACT. Information on the Code of Practice, ACTTAB's Exclusion Program and copies of problem gambling related brochures are availalbe from all ACTTAB outlets, or by directly contacting ACTTAB's Gambling Contact Officer on 02 62456211 or by email gco@acttab.com.au.
ACTTAB also has a strong relations with Lifeline and the ACT club industry through its continued involved in the ClubCare program. ClubCare is a program developed and delivered by Lifeline Canberra to provide timely crisis and ongoing gambling and financial counselling to patrons of ACTTAB and participating clubs whose lives are affected by problem gambling.
Customers can contact Lifeline/ClubCare on eiither 02 62470655 or 1800 858 858.
Protection of Minors
ACTTAB is not allowed by law to accept bets or establish accounts for minors under the age of 18 years. If your children have access to the computer you are using to logon to your ACTTAB Betting Account via the internet, we encourage you to purchase a suitable child protection software package and install it on your computer.
