Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Dead Shades, we believe that online pokies and casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself viewing gambling as an income source or a solution to financial difficulties, it's time to seek help.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Set a budget you can afford to lose, and stick to it.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to legally gamble online. Dead Shades is committed to preventing access by underage individuals. If you are under 18, please do not use our website or participate in any gaming activities.
Parents and guardians can help protect young people by discussing the risks of gambling and monitoring online activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling: Keeping gambling activity secret from family, friends, or partners
- Loss of control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling instead of working, studying, or caring for family
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking out loans or using credit to fund gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Relationship problems: Gambling causing conflict with loved ones
- Financial difficulties: Struggling to pay bills or debts due to gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Many online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during your gaming session to help you stay aware of time and money spent
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to encourage regular breaks
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling services
- Account Pause: Temporarily suspend your account if you need a break
These tools are designed to give you greater control over your gambling. Use them proactively to maintain responsible gaming habits.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you're experiencing problem gambling, professional help and support are available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call) - Gamblers Anonymous – Support meetings and peer assistance
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free gambling support service
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Resources and support
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Referrals and information
www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential helpline)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung – Federal centre for health education
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They offer free, confidential assistance and can connect you with counselling services, support groups, and other resources.
Remember: it's never too late to ask for help, and recovery is possible.
Dead Shades is committed to promoting responsible gaming. This information is provided for educational purposes and to help players make informed decisions about their gambling activities. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.