Right to play vs. right to addiction protection

Introduction

Every Australian adult has the legal right to play online casinos and place bets. However, there is an equally important right - to be protected from excessive damage associated with gaming addiction. The balance between these two rights is ensured by a combination of legislation, operator tools and personal self-protection measures.

1. Legislative context and operator responsibilities

Interactive Gambling Act 2001 obliges online operators to provide mechanisms for self-exclusion and responsible play.
The National Consumer Protection Framework complements the laws with state rules (VGCCC, OLGR), setting requirements for the implementation of limits, timeouts and reality checks.
Operators must:

• 1. Provide easy access to RG tools (limits on deposits, rates, losses, timeouts, self-exclusion).
• 2. Stop promotional mailings and marketing during the period of self-exclusion.
• 3. Provide transparent game behavior statistics at the player's request.

2. Right to Play: Freedom of Choice and Economic Interests

Gambling is legal for persons over the age of 18:

• Leisure and entertainment opportunities.
• Wide selection of operators and products (slots, bets, poker).
• A legitimate source of income for some individuals (professional players).
The protection of this right guarantees:
• 1. Access to platforms without unreasonable restrictions.
• 2. Transparency of the playing conditions and fair payments.
• 3. Freedom to use funds at their own discretion.

3. The Right to Protection: Preventing and Minimizing Damage

Gaming addiction is a recognized psychological problem:
• From 1% of players, clinical ludomania occurs; up to 10% exhibit risky behavior.
The right to protection includes:
• 1. Self-exclusion - voluntary and centralized blocking of access for 6, 12 months or for life.
• 2. Limits - mandatory daily/monthly limits on deposits and losses.
• 3. Timeouts and reality checks - automatic pauses and reminders of the time and amounts of the game.
• 4. Psychological and financial support - hotlines, online chats, Gamblers Anonymous groups, therapy in the direction of Better Access.

4. Personal strategies for balancing rights

1. Informed consent

Before registering on the platform, study the RG section: limits, timeouts, SD procedures.
2. Installation of own barriers

Supplement the bank's mandatory limits (MCC-blocking of gambling transactions) and technical barriers (Gamban, BetBlocker).
3. Buddy-system

Appoint the person with whom you are reporting: daily "check-ins" and instant support if you want to play.
4. Recovery plan and alternatives

Make a list of hobbies and social activities that replace excitement; keep a diary of emotions and expenses.
5. Professional assistance

At the first sign of relapse, contact Gambler's Help (1800 858 858), Lifeline (13 11 14) or GP for referral to CBT.

5. Practical implementation in the casino personal account

Set up limits:
• 1. Deposits: 50-100 AUD per day;
• 2. Losses: maximum threshold of 30% of the monthly budget;
• 3. Bets: No more than 5 AUD per round.
Timeouts and reality checks:
• Pauses 15-60 minutes after three consecutive sessions or every 60 minutes of playing time.
Self-Exclusion:
• Activate for at least 6 months, store the password for accessing the SD settings with a trusted person.

Conclusion

Freedom to play and the right to protection from addiction do not contradict - they complement each other. Legislation and operator tools create a framework, and personal self-policing and support measures ensure excitement remains entertainment rather than a source of disruption.