Responsible Gambling

For many players, gambling is just a fun way to spare free time, spicing up their everyday life, while for others, however, it is a real struggle, an addiction, a hidden illness that affects their lives. That’s why you should enjoy gambling in moderation.

It’s essential that all players, regardless of their level, must acknowledge the importance of responsible gambling. Also, they should try to keep a controlled game to become accountable and well-behaved players.

We gave a lot of thought to this issue, and for that reason, this page provides guidance, advice, and expert tips to have a fun and safe experience.

Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is not only about losing money. It also attracts several consequences that affect your regular routine and behaviour.

This gambling problem is going beyond reasonable limitations with your spending habits and also crossing the threshold between safe and fun gambling to harmful activities. 

Whether you bet on sports, roulette, poker, or slots, you should always remember that your responsibility is keeping control of the game and stay on a fixed budget.

Not counting that principle will only bring up consequences and issues highly unlikely to pass without harming your relationships, workflow, and financial status.

For this reason, we encourage our readers and players to stay safe and play responsibly. You will still have the same exciting and authentic experience, even though you keep a limited responsible game. By all means, you’ll even have an excellent, rewarding outcome. 

Rules to Gambling

If you want to be a responsible gambler, then you should always respect the basic rules. The key to a thriving gambling journey remains the golden rule that reminds you that all entertainment is good but with a limit.

A good player knows and meets his boundaries and limits. You’ll know when to keep up playing and when to say no. You are the only one who can control your skills and limits; thus, you are responsible for your experience. Let us give you a hand and guide you through the always thrilling gambling world.  Here are some rules you should bear in mind when playing online:

  • Never gamble more money than you can afford to lose: If you want to be a responsible player, then it’s essential to set a budget and play only with the money reserved for this activity. Don’t go over that set amount, and especially don’t use the money for essentials like rent, bills, and food. 

  • Know when to stop: In gambling is not smart to chase your loose ends. You’ll just end up wasting more money since emotions will drive you. Remember playing with a clear mind is key to a great outcome.  

  • When it stops being fun, it’s time to take a break: Feeling that gambling is no longer fun? Take a break and reflect on the things that make you happy. If slots no longer bring joy and excitement, it’s ok to step back for a while.

  • Set money and time limits: If this is your first time playing online, it’s best to decide beforehand how much time and money you want to spend on gambling. Set your own boundaries and limits, and you’ll know when to stop. Time is as crucial as money, so make sure you don’t waste it. 

  • Remember that you are here to have fun, not make money: Remember, the only purpose of online giving you a great opportunity to have fun while winning some money in the process. While it entertains you with countless games, it’s important to keep in mind that gambling can’t be your extra income source.  

  • Don’t gamble if you are not in the right state of mind: If you’re not in the right mood for gambling, like you’re upset, sad, angry or anxious, then you shouldn’t do it. Play only when you’re in the right mood to make smart decisions and get only positive outcomes.

  • Don’t gamble if you are drunk or have taken any drugs: Play j under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. All substances will overwhelm your brain, making it hard to think rationally while gambling.

  • Get help: The first and probably the most challenging step is admitting a gambling problem. Seek help whenever necessary. It’s best to surround yourself with professionals, friends, and family to help you control and heal addiction. 

Most Common Signs Of A Gambling Problem

Health experts refer to gambling addiction as a “hidden illness”. This name comes as there are no physical signs or symptoms to confirm it. It’s not that visible, like symptoms of drug or alcohol use, and what’s more, people don’t even realise they have a problem.

Most of them will even deny they might have this issue. To help you get to the bottom of your problem and realise if you’re struggling with addiction or not, here are some of the most common signs you should be aware of: 

  1. You spend more money and time than you can afford to lose.

  2. You gamble more to cut your losses.

  3. You lie about the amount of money and time you spend gambling.

  4. You stopped hanging out with your friends and family and spend all your time gambling.

  5. You can only think about gambling.

  6. You gamble all your money away until you run out entirely.

  7. You only get excited about playing online when you up the stake.

  8. You borrow money from friends, family and even loan sharks to use it to gamble.

  9. You lie, steal, cheat or commit any sort of fraud to get money and spend it on casino games.

  10. When you think about it, you get anxious, worried, depressed or guilty about your habits.

Seek Professional Help

The first part of your healing process starts with admitting you have a problem gambling. This step requires a lot of strength, courage and effort, especially if you’ve experienced financial or relationship loss.

When advancing in the healing process, remember that you don’t have to do anything all by yourself. There are people who can help you.

Many former gamblers managed to break the chain of addiction and gained their life back with the help of professionals. Many organisations and institutions aim to help you free of charge. They have a trained staff which is able to guide you and give proper advice through phone, email, chat or even personally in a meeting. Here is a list of the most popular organisations: 

  • BeGambleAware is well known for promoting responsibility in gambling and helping players admit they have a problem. They aim to give you all the support you need right away.

  • Gambling Therapy is a free service that gives advice and emotional support to people with a gambling problem who reside outside Great Britain.

GamCare is a charity that offers telephonic support to players that have gambling issues.