Play Responsibly
Lottery participation should be entertainment, not a solution to financial challenges. We're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and providing support resources for all players.
18+ Only
You must be 18 years or older to participate
What is Responsible Gaming?
Responsible gaming means participating in lottery activities as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your time and spending. It's about making informed decisions and recognizing when play becomes problematic.
Entertainment Focus
View lottery participation as entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Set clear budgets and stick to them.
Informed Decisions
Understand the odds, prize structures, and costs involved. Make choices based on facts, not emotions or impulses.
Balanced Lifestyle
Maintain healthy relationships, work commitments, and other activities. Lottery play should complement, not dominate, your life.
Guidelines for Healthy Play
Follow these practical guidelines to ensure your lottery participation remains a positive, controlled form of entertainment.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to spend before you start playing. Never use money needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, or groceries.
Set Time Limits
Establish clear time boundaries for lottery activities. Take regular breaks and don't let play interfere with daily responsibilities or relationships.
Don't Chase Losses
Accept losses as part of the entertainment cost. Never try to win back what you've lost by spending more money or playing longer.
Keep Perspective
Remember that lottery draws are games of chance with odds against winning. Play for fun, not as a financial strategy or income source.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from lottery activities regularly. Engage in other hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Talk to Someone
Share your lottery activities with trusted friends or family. Open communication helps maintain accountability and healthy boundaries.
Warning Signs
Recognizing the warning signs of problem gambling is crucial. If you identify with several of these behaviors, it may be time to seek support.
Spending more money than you can afford on lottery tickets
Feeling the need to play more frequently or with larger amounts
Lying to family or friends about your lottery spending
Using lottery play to escape problems or relieve anxiety
Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities to play
Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund lottery play
Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about your lottery habits
Failed attempts to cut back or stop playing altogether
If these signs feel familiar, please reach out for support. Help is available.
Self-Assessment
Take a moment to reflect on your gaming habits. Answer these questions honestly to evaluate your relationship with lottery play.
Do you spend more on lottery tickets than you originally planned?
Consider whether you regularly exceed your intended budget.
Has lottery play caused arguments with family or friends?
Reflect on whether your habits have strained relationships.
Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce play?
Notice your emotional response to cutting back on lottery activities.
Have you used lottery play to cope with stress or negative feelings?
Consider whether you play to escape problems or difficult emotions.
Have you borrowed money or sold belongings to fund lottery play?
Reflect on whether you've taken financial risks to continue playing.
If you answered "yes" to one or more questions, we encourage you to explore the support resources below or speak with a professional counselor.
Get Support NowSetting Limits
Establishing clear limits is a cornerstone of responsible gaming. These boundaries help ensure lottery play remains enjoyable and under control.
Money Limits
- Decide on a weekly or monthly budget
- Never exceed your predetermined amount
- Keep lottery spending separate from essential funds
- Track your spending to stay accountable
Time Limits
- Set specific times for lottery activities
- Use alarms or reminders to stay on schedule
- Balance lottery play with other activities
- Take mandatory breaks during longer sessions
Frequency Limits
- Limit how often you participate in draws
- Avoid daily lottery play if possible
- Schedule lottery-free days or weeks
- Gradually reduce frequency if needed
Commitment Strategy
Write down your limits and share them with a trusted friend or family member. This external accountability can help you maintain your boundaries and stay on track with responsible play practices.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available 24/7. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
24/7 Helpline
Free, confidential support available any time
Online Support
Chat with trained counselors in real-time
Professional Counseling
Face-to-face counseling services are available through trained professionals who specialize in problem gambling. Many services offer free or low-cost sessions with complete confidentiality.
Support Organizations
We partner with leading responsible gaming organizations to provide comprehensive support and resources for Australian players.
Underage Gaming Prevention
Protecting minors from gambling activities is a critical responsibility. We strictly enforce age restrictions and provide resources to prevent underage participation.
18+ Strictly Enforced
Age Verification
- Valid ID required for all lottery purchases
- Authorized retailers trained in age verification
- Zero tolerance policy for underage participation
- Regular compliance audits at all locations
For Parents & Guardians
- Store lottery tickets and materials securely
- Never send minors to purchase tickets
- Discuss responsible gaming with your children
- Model healthy gaming behaviors
- Monitor for warning signs of problematic behavior
If you suspect underage gambling, please contact us immediately or report it to local authorities.
Our Commitment
At Shadowstage Lantern Theatre, responsible gaming is embedded in everything we do. We're dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of player protection and ethical operations.
Regulatory Compliance
We operate under strict regulatory oversight and maintain all required licenses and certifications. Our operations are regularly audited to ensure full compliance with Australian gambling laws and responsible gaming standards.
- Licensed by Victoria State Government
- Regular independent audits
- Transparent reporting procedures
Staff Training
All our staff and authorized retailers receive comprehensive training in responsible gaming practices, problem gambling recognition, and support resource referrals. We invest in ongoing education to maintain the highest service standards.
- Mandatory responsible gaming certification
- Annual refresher training programs
- Expert-led workshops and seminars
Awareness Campaigns
We actively promote responsible gaming through educational campaigns, clear messaging, and visible support resources. Our theatrical approach includes ceremonial reminders about healthy play practices integrated into the draw experience.
- Visible responsible gaming messages
- Educational materials at all locations
- Partnership with support organizations
Transparent Operations
Transparency is central to our theatrical lottery approach. Every draw includes machine-readable audit trails, serialized program notes, and playbill-style receipts that provide complete verification of results and operations.
- Auditable draw results and procedures
- Clear odds and prize information
- Accessible financial reporting
Additional Resources
Explore these additional resources for responsible gaming information, support tools, and educational materials.
Educational Materials
Access comprehensive guides, fact sheets, and educational resources about responsible gaming.
Visit Resource CenterSelf-Help Tools
Download the Reset App to track your gaming habits, set limits, and access self-help exercises.
Get the AppSupport Groups
Find local support groups and peer-led meetings for individuals affected by problem gambling.
Find a GroupFamily Support
Resources and counseling for family members affected by a loved one's gambling behavior.
Access SupportRegulatory Information
Learn about gambling regulations, player rights, and complaint procedures in Victoria.
View RegulationsFinancial Counseling
Connect with free financial counseling services to address gambling-related debt and money management.
Get CounselingRemember: Play is Entertainment
Lottery participation should enhance your life, not control it. Set limits, recognize warning signs, and seek support when needed. We're here to ensure your experience remains positive, ceremonial, and responsible.
18+ Only · Licensed & Regulated · Support Available 24/7