Responsible Gambling Policy

This Responsible Gambling Policy is provided by , located at . At Morqessialuxelodge, we believe that gambling should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. We are deeply committed to promoting safe, responsible, and informed gambling practices for every guest who visits our property. If gambling ever stops being fun, we are here to help.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

At Morqessialuxelodge in Daylesford, we take our responsibility to our guests and the wider community seriously. We understand that while most people gamble for entertainment, some individuals may develop difficulties that affect their wellbeing, relationships, and financial security. We are committed to:

  • Providing a safe and transparent gambling environment for all guests.
  • Offering clear and accessible information about the risks associated with gambling.
  • Training our staff to recognise signs of problem gambling and respond with compassion and professionalism.
  • Actively supporting guests who wish to set limits or seek help.
  • Complying fully with all applicable Australian gambling regulations and responsible service of gambling obligations.
  • Promoting responsible gambling as a core value of our hospitality philosophy.
  • Never targeting vulnerable individuals or encouraging excessive gambling behaviour.

We want every guest to feel welcome, respected, and supported — regardless of whether they choose to gamble or not.

18+ Age Policy — No Minors Permitted

Gambling at Morqessialuxelodge is strictly restricted to persons aged 18 years and over. This is a legal requirement under Victorian and Australian law, and it is a policy we enforce without exception.

  • All guests wishing to access gambling facilities must be able to provide valid, government-issued photo identification upon request.
  • Accepted forms of identification include an Australian driver's licence, passport, or government-issued proof-of-age card.
  • Any individual who cannot verify their age will be refused access to gaming areas immediately.
  • Our staff are trained to ask for identification whenever there is any doubt about a guest's age.
  • Parents and guardians are reminded that minors must not be left unattended in or near gaming areas at any time.

We thank all guests for their understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Recognising the Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. It can develop gradually and may not always be easy to recognise in yourself or in someone you care about. We encourage you to reflect honestly on your gambling behaviour. You may be experiencing difficulties if you notice any of the following signs:

Behavioural Signs

  • Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
  • Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you are not gambling.
  • Returning to gamble after a loss in order to win back money ("chasing losses").
  • Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about your gambling habits.
  • Neglecting work, study, family, or social obligations because of gambling.
  • Feeling a constant preoccupation with gambling, planning your next session, or thinking about how to get more money to gamble.
  • Continuing to gamble despite knowing it is causing harm.

Financial Signs

  • Borrowing money or selling personal belongings to fund gambling.
  • Using bill money, rent money, or savings intended for essential expenses on gambling.
  • Experiencing significant financial losses that are impacting your daily life.
  • Taking out loans or using credit cards specifically for gambling purposes.

Emotional and Psychological Signs

  • Feeling guilt, shame, or regret after gambling sessions.
  • Experiencing depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness related to gambling.
  • Using gambling as a way to escape personal problems or emotional distress.
  • Feeling a loss of control over the amount of time or money spent gambling.

If any of these signs resonate with you or someone you know, please do not hesitate to reach out. Help is available, and you do not have to face this alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and there are caring professionals ready to assist you.

Self-Exclusion and Responsible Gambling Tools

We offer a range of practical tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. These tools are available to all guests and can be accessed confidentially by speaking with any member of our management team.

Self-Exclusion Program

If you feel that you need to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion is a powerful and effective option. Through our self-exclusion program, you can formally request to be excluded from our gaming facilities for a set period of time or indefinitely. Once enrolled:

  • You will be prohibited from entering gaming areas at Morqessialuxelodge.
  • Our trained staff will take reasonable steps to enforce your exclusion and support your commitment.
  • Any winnings accumulated in breach of a self-exclusion agreement may be forfeited in accordance with applicable regulations.

To apply for self-exclusion, please speak privately and confidentially with a member of our management team at the property, or contact us directly using the details provided on this website.

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation — Barred from Venue

In addition to our in-house self-exclusion, guests may also apply for exclusion through the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) and Victoria's venue exclusion scheme, which can extend protections across multiple licensed venues. We strongly encourage guests to explore this option for broader coverage.

Additional Responsible Gambling Tools

  • Deposit and Spend Limits: Speak to our team about setting personal limits on how much you spend during your visit.
  • Time Limits: Ask our staff to assist you in setting time reminders or limits on your gambling sessions.
  • Reality Checks: Our staff can provide periodic check-ins during your visit to help you remain aware of how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent.
  • Cooling-Off Periods: You may request a temporary break from gambling activities without committing to full self-exclusion.
  • Pre-Commitment: We support Victoria's pre-commitment framework, encouraging guests to decide in advance how much they are willing to spend before they begin gambling.

All requests for self-exclusion and responsible gambling tools are handled with the utmost respect, empathy, and confidentiality. We are proud to support every guest who takes a positive step toward safer gambling habits.

Support Services and Helpline Numbers

If you or someone you care about needs support, please reach out to one of the following free, confidential, and professional services. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You deserve support, and making that call is a brave and important step.

Australia — National and State Services

  • Gambling Help Online (Australia)
    Free, confidential counselling for people affected by gambling problems.
    Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call, 24/7)
    Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  • Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF)
    Provides support, counselling, and resources for Victorians affected by problem gambling.
    Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)
    Website: www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
  • Lifeline Australia
    Crisis support and suicide prevention services, available around the clock.
    Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
    Website: www.lifeline.org.au
  • Beyond Blue
    Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and related concerns.
    Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
    Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
  • Financial Counselling Australia
    Free financial counselling for individuals experiencing financial hardship related to gambling.
    Phone: 1800 007 007
    Website: www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au

International Support Services

  • GamCare (United Kingdom)
    Leading provider of information, advice, and counselling for problem gambling in the UK.
    Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free call, 24/7)
    Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  • BeGambleAware (United Kingdom)
    Independent charity promoting safer gambling and providing access to support services.
    Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free call, 24/7)
    Website: www.begambleaware.org
  • National Council on Problem Gambling — NCPG (United States)
    National helpline providing crisis counselling and referrals to local gambling support services across the USA.
    Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (free call, 24/7)
    Text: Text HOME to 53342
    Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  • Gamblers Anonymous (International)
    A worldwide fellowship of men and women who have joined together to support each other in recovery from problem gambling.
    Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
  • Gordon Moody Association (United Kingdom)
    Specialist residential and online treatment programmes for people with severe gambling problems.
    Phone: 01384 241292
    Website: www.gordonmoody.org.uk

If you are experiencing a crisis or are in immediate danger, please call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency services immediately.

Our Responsible Gambling Pledge

Morqessialuxelodge is proud to be a responsible operator dedicated to the wellbeing of our guests and community. We pledge to continually review and improve our responsible gambling practices, to listen to our guests, and to ensure that our property remains a safe and enjoyable destination for everyone.

If you have any questions about our Responsible Gambling Policy, wish to access any of our support tools, or would like to speak with a trained staff member in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.

This policy is published and maintained by , .

Last reviewed and updated: 2025. This policy is subject to periodic review to ensure ongoing compliance with Victorian and Australian responsible gambling legislation.