Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Function Venue Melbourne, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and all forms of gambling carry risk and should only be played with money you can afford to lose.
If you're visiting our venue or playing online, please gamble responsibly and within your limits.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to engage in gaming activities including playing pokies. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and strictly enforce age verification policies.
If you are under 18, gaming venues and online pokies are not available to you. Please do not attempt to circumvent these protections.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be aware of these warning signs:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
- Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using savings to fund gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when unable to gamble
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Limits
Most reputable gaming venues and online platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose
- Time Limits: Restrict how long you can play in one session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming venues and platforms
We encourage you to use these tools as part of your responsible gaming strategy. Speak to staff at your local venue or check your online account settings to activate these protections.
Support & Help Services
If you're concerned about your gambling or need support, confidential help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential online counselling and support for all Australians
International Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support and information for problem gamblers - GamStop (United Kingdom)
www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org
Research, education, and prevention resources - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
1-800-522-4700 (National Problem Gambling Helpline)
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help today. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional counsellors are ready to assist you confidentially.
Contact Gambling Help Online now: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
You don't have to face this alone. Help is available 24/7.