Playing Smart: Our Responsible Play Toolkit

Limits you set yourself

Every member can set session time limits and tray budgets at the desk or by email — once set, the floor enforces them. Hit your limit and the machine politely winds down; no override until next visit.

Spending reminders work the same way: set a threshold, get a tap on the shoulder from a host when you reach it. About one in four of our members uses some form of limit — it makes the fun last longer, full stop.

Breaks and self-exclusion

Cooling-off breaks run from 24 hours to 6 months — your membership freezes, machines won't take your card, and we don't send marketing until you're back. Longer self-exclusion is handled the same way, permanently if you choose.

Importantly: asking is frictionless. One quiet word to any host, one form, done in five minutes. No interrogation, no justification needed — half our staff have set limits on themselves at some point.

"The goal was never to stop people playing. It's to make sure playing stays a good night out."

Where to get help

Beyond the lounge's own tools:

• Host desk — limits, breaks and referrals, any time we're open.
• Gambling Help Online — free 24/7 counselling (gamblinghelponline.org.au).
• Victorian Gambling Support — state-run, free, confidential.
• Gambler's Help Southern — local face-to-face services in Melbourne.
• Your GP — always a valid first conversation.

The full policy — including our staff training obligations — is published on the legal notice page.