For the vast majority of Australians gambling is not a problem and can be an enjoyable recreational activity. However, anybody who does gamble has the potential to develop problems.

Problem gambling can be characterised by a strong pull or compulsion towards gambling which becomes more and more difficult to resist. Excessive gambling can lead to significant problems which may harm relationships, finances, work, physical health and mental health and at this point gambling is described as "problem gambling".

The following are some warning signs that gambling may have become a problem for you:

• Gambling more money than is affordable;
• Gambling to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings;
• Lying to others to conceal the extent of your gambling;
• Obtaining money illegally to gamble;
• Borrowing from friends, family or financial institutions to finance gambling or gambling related debts;
• Gambling alone.

The following ideas are provided as ways of reducing the possible harm to yourself and your family as a result of your gambling:

• Work out how much you can afford to spend on gambling and budget for it (only take the amount of money you have budgetted for when you visit gaming venues);
• Do not borrow money to gamble with;
• Do not gamble alone.
• Develop a support network of family or friends to talk to when you want to resist the urge to gamble.

ACTTAB is very conscious of community and government focus on the responsible provision of legal gambling products and accepts that some customers may encounter difficulty in controlling their personal level of expenditure. ACTTAB is fully committed to its obligations under theGambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulation 2002 (Code of Practice). All ACTTAB staff are provided with training in the provision of responsible gambling services and a Gambling Contact Officer has been appointed as a main point of contact for customers concerning gambling issues. Customers who realise they have a gambling problem are able to exclude themselves from some or all gaming venues throughout the ACT. Information on the Code of Practice, self exclusion and copies of problem gambling related brochures are available from all ACTTAB outlets.

ACTTAB management and staff are able to assist in directing customers to qualified Lifeline counsellors. Lifeline Canberra provides timely crisis and ongoing gambling and financial counselling to patrons of ACTTAB.

Contact Lifeline on 131114.

PROTECTION of MINORS

ACTTAB is not allowed by law to accept bets or establish accounts for minors under the age of 18 years. If your children have access to the computer you are using to logon to your ACTTAB Betting Account via the internet, we encourage you to purchase a suitable child protection software package and install it on your computer.