Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At The VL Garage, we believe that online pokies and casino gaming should be enjoyed purely as entertainment. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. If you find yourself relying on gambling for income or using it to escape personal difficulties, it's time to seek help.
Play responsibly, play within your means, and always remember that the house has an edge. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is restricted to individuals aged 18 years or older. By accessing and using The VL Garage, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and meet all legal requirements to gamble in your jurisdiction.
If you are under 18, or if gambling is illegal in your location, please do not proceed further.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in your own behaviour, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to win back money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Increasing Amounts: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop or cut down on gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Financial Strain: Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, food, or essentials
- Borrowing Money: Taking loans or borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Making unsuccessful attempts to reduce or quit gambling
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout times to prevent extended gambling sessions
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play to help you stay aware of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites for a period you choose (days, weeks, months, or years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
We encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain a healthy relationship with gaming.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free counselling and support service for Australians affected by problem gambling. Phone: 1800 858 858
United Kingdom
- GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support and information 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
Resources and support for responsible gambling in Canada.
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
24/7 helpline and resources for problem gambling support.
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Gambling addiction prevention and support resources.
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—problem gambling is a recognised condition, and support is available.
Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak to your doctor, or reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Your wellbeing is important, and professional help can make a real difference.
Remember: It's never too late to ask for help.