Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Occasional Cakes Canberra, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or enjoying a meal out. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

PayID pokies and all forms of gambling carry real financial risks. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits before you play.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities including pokies. By accessing our site and using PayID poker machine information, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction.

If you are under 18, or if you are concerned about a young person's gambling, please seek support through the organisations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:

• Chasing losses by gambling more money to try to win back what you've lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, food, or other essential expenses
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social relationships due to gambling
• Increasing the amount you gamble to achieve the same level of excitement
• Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
• Experiencing financial difficulties or legal problems due to gambling

If you identify with several of these warning signs, it's important to seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most online and venue-based gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose before you stop playing
• Reality Checks: Enable reminders during gaming sessions to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gambling services
• Time Limits: Set alarms or automatic session timeouts to prevent extended play

Use these tools proactively. They are designed for your protection and wellbeing.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling across Australia

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Free support and advice for problem gamblers and their families
• GamStop
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
  Education, prevention, and treatment resources for problem gambling

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org
  Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
  Support, referrals, and resources for those affected by problem gambling

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Information and support for responsible gambling in Germany

If You Need Help

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please take action today:

• Contact one of the support organisations listed above
• Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
• Use self-exclusion tools available on gaming platforms
• Call a helpline in your country for confidential support

Remember: Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. You don't have to face this alone.