While gambling can be fun and entertaining, it is important to remember that gambling also carries the potential for negative consequences, both financially and emotionally, if not managed responsibly. That’s why we’ve created this guide, which is packed with information to help you stay in control and gamble responsibly.
What is responsible gambling?
Responsible gambling is all about making informed choices and setting limits when you gamble. It means understanding the risks involved and knowing when to stop. It’s about enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment, not as a way to solve financial problems or escape from life’s stresses.
If you feel that you have lost control and not able to stop, feeling depressed or financially strained, lying about how much you play or chasing losses, you are at risk of developing or already have developed gambling addiction and should seek help.
Tips for responsible gambling
- Set a budget: Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gambling and stick to it. Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.
- Set time limits: Determine how long you want to gamble and set an alarm to remind yourself to stop when the time is up.
- Take breaks: Get up and move around regularly. Take breaks to eat, drink, and rest.
- Don’t chase losses: If you lose money, don’t try to win it back by gambling more. Walk away and come back another day.
- Avoid gambling when stressed or upset: Gambling when you’re not in a clear headspace can lead to impulsive decisions.
- Don’t gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs: These substances can impair your judgement and increase the risk of making poor decisions.
- Know the odds: Understand the odds of winning and losing in different games.
- Gamble with reputable operators: Choose operators that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities.
- Use responsible gambling tools: Many online casinos offer tools to help you manage your gambling, such as deposit limits, timeouts, and self-exclusion.
Spotting the signs of problem gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you intended
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more
- Lying to others about gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
- Feeling depressed or suicidal due to gambling
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help.
Getting help
There are many resources available to help people with problem gambling. These include:
- Gambling support groups
- Gambling addiction treatment programs
- Your local gambling helplines
- Gambling counselling services
Many states and countries have such problem gambling resources that can provide confidential support and advice.
Tools to prevent gambling
If you’re concerned about your gambling habits, there are tools available to help you limit or block access to gambling websites. These tools can be installed on your computer or mobile device. Here are a few examples:
- BetBlocker: https://betblocker.org/
- Gamban: https://gamban.com/
Remember, gambling should be a form of entertainment. While we promote responsible gambling, our advice and information should not be used in lieu of seeking professional help. It is here simply to serve as guidance. Should you, a friend or family member, suffer from a gambling addiction or problem behaviour, that person needs to seek professional help.