Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Melbourne Musical Theatre Festival, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites should be enjoyed responsibly and within your means.
Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and never use gambling as a substitute for employment or financial security.
Age Verification
All gambling in Australia is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. This is a legal requirement to protect younger people from the risks associated with gambling.
If you are under 18, you must not use any betting services. If you are accessing this content and are underage, please stop immediately and seek support from a trusted adult.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with increasing amounts: Needing to bet more money to feel the same excitement
- Loss of control: Unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Financial strain: Borrowing money or using savings to fund gambling
- Emotional distress: Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Relationship problems: Conflicts with loved ones over your gambling habits
- Lying about gambling: Deceiving others about the amount of time or money spent gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Session Limits: Set time limits for your gambling sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing betting services
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you need to step away
Use these tools to keep your gambling in check and within your budget.
Support Organisations in Australia & Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Offers free counselling, information, and support for problem gambling in Australia. Phone: 1800 858 858
United Kingdom
GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk
Free, confidential support for problem gamblers in the UK.
GamStop
www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK.
Canada
Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org
Resources and support for problem gambling in Canada.
United States
National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (Free, confidential, 24/7)
Germany
Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Provides information and support for problem gambling in Germany.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you're experiencing difficulties with your gambling, please don't hesitate to contact one of the support organisations listed above. Speaking to someone is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Remember: Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in most cases. You don't have to face this alone.