Last updated: May 2026 — Lachlan Mercer, Backthebackwalk

Responsible Gaming

Our Commitment to Player Safety

At Backthebackwalk, we believe that gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment — never a source of stress, financial hardship, or personal harm. Lachlan Mercer and the entire Backthebackwalk.org team are genuinely committed to promoting safe, responsible gambling practices for every Australian player who visits our site. This page exists not as a formality, but because we truly care about the people behind the screens.

If you ever feel that gambling is no longer fun, or that it is causing problems in your life, please read this page carefully. Help is always available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

The Golden Rules of Responsible Gambling

Before placing any bet, every player should keep these principles in mind:

• Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems.
• Only ever gamble with money you can genuinely afford to lose.
• Set a strict budget before you start and stick to it, no matter what.
• Never chase your losses — walk away when you reach your limit.
• Take regular breaks and keep gambling sessions short.
• Balance gambling with other hobbies, social activities, and responsibilities.
• Never gamble while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or strong emotions.

Strict 18+ Policy

All gambling in Australia is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. Every licensed online casino we review on Backthebackwalk.org is required to enforce robust age verification procedures before allowing any player to deposit or wager real money. We do not recommend, endorse, or link to any platform that fails to uphold this standard. If you are under 18, please leave any gambling site immediately.

If you share a household with minors, consider using parental control software such as Gamban or Net Nanny to block access to gambling websites on shared devices.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Recognising the warning signs early is the first and most important step toward getting help.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you originally intended.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you are not gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Hiding your gambling habits from friends or family members.
• Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, depression, or difficult emotions.
• Repeatedly trying to cut back on gambling but finding it impossible.
• Chasing losses in an attempt to win back money you have already lost.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, we strongly encourage you to seek support:

• Have I ever gambled with money set aside for bills, rent, or groceries?
• Have I lied to someone close to me about how much I gamble?
• Do I feel the need to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement?
• Have I missed work or important commitments because of gambling?
• Have I felt depressed, guilty, or ashamed after a gambling session?
• Do I find myself thinking about gambling when I should be focused on other things?
• Have I tried to stop or cut back but failed to do so?

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

Deposit Limits

All reputable licensed casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits directly in your account settings. Use these tools proactively — before you feel you have a problem — to keep your spending within a comfortable range.

Reality Checks

Reality check notifications remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent during a session. Enable these alerts in your casino account to maintain a clear picture of your activity in real time.

Cooling-Off Periods

A cooling-off period temporarily restricts your access to gambling for a chosen duration — typically 24 hours, one week, or one month. This tool is ideal if you feel your gambling is becoming excessive and you need a short break to reassess.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion allows you to permanently or long-term block yourself from a gambling site. In Australia, the National Self-Exclusion Register enables players to self-exclude from multiple online gambling platforms simultaneously. Contact your casino's responsible gambling support team or visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au for guidance on how to self-exclude today.

Australian Crisis Helplines

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, these free and confidential services are available around the clock:

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 — available 24/7 across Australia.
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 — crisis support and suicide prevention.
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — mental health and emotional wellbeing support.

Responsible Gambling Organisations

The following organisations provide free, confidential, and professional support for anyone affected by problem gambling:

• GamCare — gamcare.org.uk — counselling, advice, and a peer support forum.
• BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org — guidance, self-help tools, and treatment referrals.
• Gambling Therapy — gamblingtherapy.org — free online support available globally, including Australia.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — ncpgambling.org — resources, research, and helpline services.
• Gamblers Anonymous — gamblersanonymous.org — peer-led support groups operating worldwide.

A Final Word From Backthebackwalk

We review online casinos to help Australian players make informed, confident choices. But no review, bonus, or jackpot is ever worth your wellbeing. If gambling stops being fun, please stop — and please reach out for help. You are never alone, and support is always just a phone call or click away.