1. Recognizing Problematic Play
Gambling should always be enjoyed as a leisure activity. However, we understand that for some individuals, it can become a problem. It is important to be honest with yourself and recognize the warning signs early. Ask yourself:
- Are you spending more money on lottery tickets than you can afford to lose?
- Are you chasing losses or trying to win back money you have lost?
- Is playing interfering with your work, family responsibilities, or personal relationships?
- Do you lie about or hide the amount of money or time you spend playing?
- Do you borrow money or sell assets to fund your ticket purchases?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we strongly encourage you to utilize the platform tools detailed below or reach out to the professional support services listed in section 4.
2. Platform Protection Tools
GoAU Play empowers you to control your spending and time on our platform. The following tools are available within your 'Account Settings' dashboard:
- Deposit Limits: You can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money you can deposit into your GoAU Play wallet. Once set, any request to decrease the limit takes effect immediately. Requests to increase the limit require a 24-hour cooling-off period before taking effect.
- Spend Limits: Similar to deposit limits, you can cap the total amount you spend on ticket purchases over a specific period.
- Session Reminders (Reality Checks): Enable pop-up notifications that remind you how long you have been logged into the platform during a single session (e.g., every 30 or 60 minutes).
- Account Pause (Cooling-Off): If you need a short break, you can temporarily suspend your account for a period ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks. During this time, you will not be able to log in or purchase entries.
3. Self-Exclusion Process
If you feel that you need to stop playing entirely to regain control, GoAU Play offers a formal Self-Exclusion process. This is a severe step and should be used if you feel your gambling is out of control.
How it works:
- You can request self-exclusion directly through your account dashboard or by contacting our support team via email at support@goauplaylotto.com.
- You can choose an exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanent exclusion.
- Once activated, your account will be immediately closed, and any remaining wallet balance will be refunded to your registered bank account.
- You will be removed from all marketing databases and will not receive any promotional material from us.
- Crucially, self-exclusion cannot be reversed before the chosen time period expires. We will also use reasonable endeavors to prevent you from opening new accounts under different details.
4. Underage Prevention and KYC
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to open an account or play on GoAU Play. We take our responsibility to prevent underage gambling extremely seriously.
We employ stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, utilizing independent third-party verification agencies to confirm the age and identity of every registered user. If we are unable to verify that you are over 18, your account will be suspended, and any winnings will be forfeited.
We also advise parents to use filtering software (such as Net Nanny or CyberPatrol) to restrict access to gambling sites for minors sharing household devices.
5. External Support Resources
If you need help, free and confidential support is available 24/7 across Australia. You don't have to face this alone. Please contact the following organizations:
- National Gambling Helpline: Call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for free, confidential, 24/7 counseling and support.
- GambleAware: Access resources, tools, and support at gambleaware.nsw.gov.au.
- Lifeline: If you are experiencing emotional distress or a crisis, call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
- Financial Counselling Australia: Call 1800 007 007 for free financial advice if gambling has impacted your finances.