Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At maria-pena.com, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming. Online pokies and gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun, it's important to understand the risks and gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling. We take age verification seriously and comply with all local regulations. By accessing our site, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the extent of gambling
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed related to gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or cope with negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Many online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose per day, week, or month
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Session Limits: Set time limits for your gaming sessions
Take advantage of these tools to maintain healthy gaming habits and stay in control of your play.
Support & Help Resources for Australia
If you're experiencing problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential counselling and support service for problem gambling
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Support and treatment services for problem gambling - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Prevention, treatment, and research for problem gambling - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Help line and referral services for problem gambling
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please don't hesitate to seek help. There is no shame in reaching out—support is available and recovery is possible.
Contact Gambling Help Online today at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au for free, confidential support.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it's causing you distress, it's time to seek help.