Be Well Hub

Be Well Hub:

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible Gambling is all about minimising any harm associated with problem gambling as far as possible. It respects the responsibility of individuals for their own actions, but also acknowledges a responsibility on the part of service providers such as MintBet.

What is problem gambling?

Recognising that you may be developing a gambling problem is the first step to regaining control.

Problem gambling occurs when a person loses control over their gambling, particularly the amount of money gambled, and the amount of time devoted to gambling. These behaviours can be a compulsion, which can severely impact the gambler as well as their friends and family.

Possible symptoms of problem gambling include but are not limited to the following:

1. Suffering excessive financial losses relative to your means (including unpaid household bills, credit card debts or loans);
2. Adverse personal effects on yourself (such as anxiety, depression or stress from your gambling behaviours) and/or your friends and family;
3. Feeling pushed towards gambling in times of distress;
4. Adverse effects on employment and work performance (including missing work, having trouble concentrating at work or gambling during work);
5. Feeling distressed at ordinary gambling losses, followed by an urge to immediately gamble again and/or to win back what you have lost;
6. Spending the entire amount deposited into your account in a short space of time;
7. Gambling even the final small amounts deposited into your account (e.g. betting down to the final dollar);
8. Being dishonest to friends and family about the amount of money deposited into your account and/or the amount gambled;
9. Being criticised by others, such as friends, family, and work colleagues for your gambling behaviours;
10. Lying, stealing or borrowing to get money to gamble further;
11. Feeling a reluctance to spend gambling money on anything else;
12. Losing the ability to maintain an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle due to spending an excessive amount of time or money gambling;
13. Regretting the amount of time or money lost or wasted due to gambling; and
14. Other costs which are borne by the community.

Be mindful of these suggestions for controlling your gambling:

• Gambling should be entertaining and not be seen as a means of making money.
• Only gambling what you can afford to lose helps to avoid chasing losses.
• Keep track of the amount of time and attention you are dedicating to gambling.
• Consider how your gambling impacts your relationships with friends and loved ones.
• Tracking your gambling results and habits is the ideal way to gaining self-awareness of your gambling, and to find out if you need help.

Please reach out to MintBet customer service if your gambling is worrying you. You can contact us via email or through our website chat tool.

Self Assessment

The below Gamblers Help website offers a tool to anonymously self-assess, in order to determine your gambling risk level.

https://gamblershelp.com.au/learn-about-gambling/have-i-got-gambling-problem/

Have I got a gambling problem? (gamblershelp.com.au)

Should you be deemed a problem gambler we encourage you to seek advice.

Living with a gambling problem can be tough, but you are not alone. Confidential help and counselling is only a telephone call away at Gambling Help 1800 858 858 where you can engage with counsellors who understand that you need a safe anonymous place to seek such information about problem gambling.

Stay in Control

MintBet will assist you in tracking your punting using 2 important measures – dollars (volume) and time (frequency), to help give you peace of mind and control of your gambling.

Monitor your betting transactions You can readily access a full history of transactions, withdrawals and deposits through the My Account icon on our website or alternatively request assistance using the MintBet live chat tool. In addition, we will also provide you with regular activity statements as required under Victorian law. Activity statements include the following information for each transaction:

• date;
• time;
• amount;
• description of the transaction;
• the account balance; and
• win/loss information.

Self Assessment Tool

Not sure if you have a problem with gambling? Check out this link to a useful tool.

https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/take-a-step-forward/self-assessment/problem-gambling-severity-index-pgsi#/?_k=yg3fbk

Do I have a problem with gambling?

There are several signs that may indicate a problem with gambling, including:

• Persistent thoughts about gambling, such as planning the next gambling opportunity or reliving past gambling experiences
• Difficulty controlling or stopping gambling behaviour
• Spending more money or time on gambling than intended
• Neglecting work or personal responsibilities because of gambling
• Gambling to escape from negative emotions or to cope with stress
• Losing relationships, job, or other important aspects of life due to gambling
• Borrowing money or stealing to gamble
• Gambling despite financial, legal, or social consequences.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be beneficial to seek help from a professional.

What are the signs of problem gambling?

The signs of problem gambling can vary from person to person, but some common signs to look for include:

1. Preoccupation with gambling: The person may think about gambling frequently and have trouble controlling their urges to gamble.
2. Loss of control: The person may gamble more than they can afford to lose and continue to gamble despite the negative consequences.
3. Chasing losses: The person may attempt to win back money they have lost by gambling even more.
4. Withdrawal symptoms: The person may experience irritability, anxiety, or depression when they are unable to gamble.
5. Tolerance: The person may need to gamble more to get the same thrill or excitement they once experienced.
6. Financial problems: The person may struggle with debt, have trouble paying bills, or use money intended for other purposes to gamble.
7. Neglect of responsibilities: The person may prioritize gambling over work, family, or other important responsibilities.

It is important to remember that not all gamblers experience problems. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and with the right help and support, people can overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives.

What can I do to help?

If you know someone who might have a gambling problem, you can play an important role in helping them get the support they need. Here are some steps you can take to support a loved one or friend who may be struggling with gambling:

1. Educate yourself: Understanding the signs and effects of problem gambling can help you recognise the problem and offer support.
2. Talk to the person: Start a conversation in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner. Let the person know that you care and are concerned about their well-being.
3. Listen actively: Let the person talk about their experiences and feelings without interrupting or trying to fix things. Show empathy and understanding.
4. Encourage seeking help: Encourage the person to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specialises in treating gambling addiction.
5. Offer support: Offer to help the person find resources, such as support groups or hotlines, that can provide additional help and support.
6. Be patient: Recovery from gambling addiction can be a long process, and the person may experience setbacks along the way. Be patient and understanding, and offer encouragement and support when needed.
7. Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be emotionally challenging. Make sure to take care of your own well-being and seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.

Remember, the most important thing you can do to help someone with a gambling problem is to offer support and encouragement. With the right help and support, people can overcome gambling addiction and rebuild their lives.

In the process, don’t neglect yourself. Problem gambling can impact on friends and family too. Seek professional help.

What are the effects of problem gambling?

The effects of problem gambling can be far-reaching and can impact a person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Some common effects include:

1. Mental health problems: Problem gambling can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
2. Financial difficulties: The person may struggle with debt and financial problems as a result of their gambling.
3. Strained relationships: Problem gambling can strain relationships with friends, family, and loved ones.
4. Legal problems: The person may engage in illegal activities to support their gambling habit.
5. Health problems: The stress and anxiety associated with problem gambling can lead to physical health problems such as headaches, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances.

It is important to remember that not all gamblers experience problems. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and with the right help and support, people can overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives.

Preventing children from gambling

MintBet only accepts members who are 18 years of age or above. We seek personal documents to verify information given to us and dedicate resources to ensure minors do not wager on our website. We expect parents and guardians not to allow minors to use our services under any circumstances.

If you suspect someone underage is using the MintBet website or app, please contact us and appropriate action will be taken. Internet filters can reduce the chance of underage gambling.

The comprehensive list of filtering options available for download can be accessed through these sites:

1. www.gamblock.com
2. www.forcepoint.com
3. www.27labs.com
4. www.netnanny.com
5. www.betfilter.com

Tools

Set Realistic Budgets

Setting a budget can be a useful tool for individuals who are struggling with a gambling problem, as it helps them control their spending, become more aware of their gambling habits, and prioritise their financial stability. Setting a budget for gambling can have several benefits for individuals with a gambling problem:

1. Control: A budget allows individuals to control their gambling spending, reducing the risk of overspending or incurring financial difficulties.
2. Awareness: By setting a budget, individuals become more aware of their gambling habits, including how much they spend and how often they gamble. This awareness can help individuals make more informed decisions about their gambling.
3. Discipline: A budget helps individuals develop discipline and restraint when it comes to gambling. This can help them avoid impulse gambling and reduce the risk of developing a gambling problem.
4. Financial stability: By setting a budget, individuals can prioritize their spending, ensuring that their gambling does not interfere with other financial obligations. This can help them maintain financial stability and avoid incurring debt or other financial difficulties.
5. Responsibility: By setting a budget, individuals take responsibility for their gambling behaviour and show that they are committed to managing their problem.

Set Deposit Limits

Research shows that gambling problems are reduced when punters decide in advance how much money they are willing to spend.

MintBet offers a 7-day pre-commitment facility for members. Once you set your deposit limit, you can lower the cap effective immediately – but should you decide to increase your limit, you will be required to give seven (7) days notice, allowing you the option to reconsider your change.

MintBet encourages you to also discuss your desired deposit limits with your bank to help you gamble within your means.

FEATURES OF A DEPOSIT LIMIT

• A limit can be set on your deposits.
• Limit time periods can be for 1 day, 7 days, 14 days or 30 days.
• You can choose any amount.
• Deposit limit amounts can be reduced at any time with immediate effect.
• Deposit limit time periods can be increased at any time with immediate effect
• If you want to increase the amount, remove or shorten the time frame of your deposit limit, a 7-day cooling off period will apply before the change will take effect.
• Any deposit limits will not take into account any deposits that were made before the deposit limit was applied.

To set or change your pre-commitment, log into your Account, client on the MyAccount option and set or change the deposit limit (as applicable).

Taking A Break

Self Exclusion (banning yourself from gambling websites) can be helpful in reducing your opportunities to gamble.

If you need a break from gambling, you can opt to self-exclude from our services for a specified period or permanently.

MintBet staff can provide assistance should you elect to close your account, or you can access the self-exclusion facility yourself through the My Account section of our website.

If you feel you need more help to stop gambling, you can download software to disable your access to online gambling sites such as BETFILTER https://download.cnet.com/Betfilter/3000-2162_4-10921002.html

Avoid Chasing Your Losses

If you lose money while gambling, don’t try to win it back by continuing to gamble. This often leads to bigger losses.

Keep Gambling in Perspective

Remember that gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money.

Get help

If you find that you can’t control your gambling and it’s affecting your life negatively, seek professional help.

There are support groups and resources available for people who struggle with gambling addiction.

Preventing Children from Gambling

MintBet only accepts members who are 18 years of age or above. We seek personal documents to verify information given to us and dedicate resources to ensure minors do not wager on our website. We expect parents and guardians not to allow minors to use our services under any circumstances.

If you suspect someone underage is using the MintBet website or app, please contact us and appropriate action will be taken. Internet filters can reduce the chance of underage gambling.

The comprehensive list of filtering options available for download can be accessed through these sites:

1. www.gamblock.com
2. www.forcepoint.com
3. www.27labs.com
4. www.netnanny.com
5. www.betfilter.com