In Australia, responsible gaming practices at sweepstakes-style sites are taken seriously at both the state and federal levels.
Responsible Gaming
This is to minimize harm to players and ensure fair play. There are helpful resources and tools for players to use right upon signing up at a site.
Our approach to responsible play
At DingoSweeps, we take responsible gaming seriously and evaluate the resources a sweepstakes-style casino provides to players.
Sweepstakes-style gaming is meant to be entertainment
Sweepstakes-style gaming is meant to be played for fun. There are various ways a site offers free coins so players can enjoy casino-style games without ever having to make a financial transaction.
Optional purchases and budgeting
Social gaming will always offer free gameplay with optional purchases. They’re supposed to be for entertainment purposes and always offer a “no purchase necessary” policy. When making a purchase, always spend what you can afford to lose and set a budget beforehand. Setting limits from the get-go can go a long way toward budgeting.
Signs gambling/gaming is becoming a problem
There’s a certain turning point for players when casino-style gaming becomes a problem. The tell-tale signs include:
Financial signs
- You’re spending more than your intended budget
- You’re not able to pay your bills or cover expenses
- An increase of debit or financial issues
Emotional/behavioural signs
- Gambling/gaming is always on your mind
- Sudden mood swings
- You may use gaming as a way to cope with stress
- Anxiety/Depression
- You feel restless when you can’t play games
- You may become defensive
- You have a hard time controlling the compulsions to play games
- You progressively bet more
- You go back to attempt to win back losses
- You no longer enjoy other activities beyond playing games
Relationship/work impacts
- You withdraw from people
- You perform inefficiently at work
- Unexplained absences from work
- Potential loss of a job
- Loss of family members and friends
Practical tips to stay in control
Sweepstakes-style casinos in Australia offer resources and tools to help players stay in control. We strongly suggest you take advantage of them once you’ve completed the registration process.
Set spend and time limits
Spending and time limits are available for players and are often found in your account section or by contacting customer support. You can set spending and time limits by day, week, or month, and it’s possible to adjust this at any time.
Avoid chasing losses; take breaks
If you find yourself starting to chase losses because you’ve played more than you budgeted for, this is an ideal time to take breaks. Chasing losses puts you in a panic state where decisions aren’t based on logic, causing you to lose control in some situations. Take a break from all sweepstakes-style casinos and make sure to take apps off your phone.
Use account tools (limits, self-exclusion) where available
The account tools made available at sweeps-style sites allow you to set limits on the amount of time you spend on a site as well. The site may also include a “Reality Check” function that displays a pop-up and pauses your gameplay. It often lets you know how long you’ve been playing and how much you’ve wagered.
Self-exclusion is a helpful tool that allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from a site. This helps you to avoid triggers and creates distance from the site. You can choose a specific time, and once your request has been processed, you will no longer be able to access the site. Additionally, you won’t receive any email or SMS notifications. Self-exclusion usually takes within 24 hours from when you submitted the request, while closing an account can take 7-10 days.
Support services in Australia
Australian responsible gambling organizations include national helplines, government-funded support, and not-for-profit groups.
Gambling Help Online (24/7)
https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Available across Australia with 24/7 support. The site is full of helpful information and tools like self-assessment and a community forum. You can click on the state or territory you live in to find local support as well. Live online chat and email is available 24/7.
Gamblers Help (24/7 phone support)
The site offers tools and resources for people living in Victoria, including a self-assessment and guidance on controlling or stopping gaming. Support includes peer connection and gaming counselling. There’s also a toll-free number that’s available 24/7 with a callback option.
Crisis support (if needed)
Lifeline offers crisis control to Australians who are dealing with problematic gaming issues. Their Problem Gambling page also offers many resources. Beyond the 24/7 crisis hotline, there’s also live chat and an email option.
Parents and young people
The minimum age to register and play at a sweepstakes-style casino is 18+. Reputable sites will always put players through a verification process, in part, to protect underage players.
Keeping accounts private; device controls
Parents who play on sweepstakes-style sites should make sure to keep their account details private. Set device controls to prevent your underage children from using built-in tools, set app limits, and filter content. It’s also a good idea to monitor your kid’s online activity.
How to get help with a sweepstakes casino account
Steps to close an account/request self-exclusion
How to self-exclude:
- Log in and find the responsible gaming section: Go to the Responsible Gaming section in your account settings for self-exclusion.
- Select the amount of time you want to self-exclude (days/months/years)
- Review the terms
- Confirm the self-exclusion
How to close an account:
- Withdraw any remaining funds
- Locate where to close your account – Look in your account section or for a “Close Your Account” button. You can also contact customer support.
- You may have to verify your identity as part of the account closure process. This may include a photo of you holding the valid ID that you registered with.
- Disconnect third-party links – If you followed a sweepstakes casino on social media, make sure to unfollow it.
- Remove any apps relating to sweepstakes sites.
FAQs
Is sweepstakes gaming ‘gambling’ in Australia?
No, sweepstakes gaming is different than gambing because you’re not obligated to spend money. Gambling regulators don’t regulate sweepstakes casinos.
What if a site won’t close my account?
Escalate the issue by sending legal correspondence and involving regulatory bodies. You can also block the site so you’re not tempted to log in.
Can I block transactions with my bank?
Yes, major banks in Australia, such as NAB, CommBank, Westpac, Bank Australia, and Suncorp, offer a service that lets you block transactions on debit/credit cards.
What is the legal age in Australia for signing up at a sweepstakes-style casino?
Players must be at least 18 years old to sign up and play at a sweepstakes-style casino. This is the case for all states and territories.
Where can I find the responsible gaming support and information?
While this varies from site to site, you can usually find a designated page in the footer of any page. Your account may have a setting section where you can set time, limits, and spending. Customer support is a helpful resource as well and in some cases, you may need to get in touch with them to self-exclude or close your account.