Responsible Gambling

For many, online gambling is an enjoyable way to pass the time. However, for some individuals, it can become a serious concern. It's essential to understand that responsible gambling is not only for those with gambling issues or those at risk of developing them—it’s the ideal approach for everyone.

What Is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling involves engaging in gambling activities in a way that reduces the likelihood of harm. This includes practices aimed at minimizing risks, such as setting limits on both time and money spent on gambling, as well as recognizing the potential negative impacts and overall risks associated with gambling.

Casinosclub' Commitment to Safer Gambling

As outlined in Casinosclub motto, “Play smart, win big today!,” we are dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information to help players make informed decisions about gambling. Our reviews feature a dedicated section on responsible gambling, allowing players to easily see which responsible gambling tools are available at each casino.

Problem Gambling: How Can I Tell If I Have a Problem?

Problem gambling is characterized by repetitive gambling behavior that continues despite negative consequences. Recognizing the signs of gambling addiction is the first step toward evaluating your own habits and determining whether they align with harmful gambling patterns.

To assess whether your gambling activities may be spiraling out of control, consider the following questions:

  1. Do you gamble alone for extended periods, avoiding work or other commitments to do so?

  2. Have you increased your gambling stake repeatedly in order to achieve the thrill you're seeking?

  3. Do you experience mood swings, irritability, or restlessness as a result of gambling?

  4. Do you gamble as a way to escape from other life problems?

  5. Do you conceal your gambling losses from others?

  6. Have you tried to reduce the amount of time or money spent gambling but failed?

  7. Have you ever been tempted to engage in dishonest behavior to fund your gambling?

  8. Have you tried to win back your losses by gambling again?

  9. Do you hide your gambling activities from people important to you?

  10. Have you borrowed money to fund your gambling or gone into debt because of it?

  11. Have you sold personal belongings to finance your gambling or gambling debts?

  12. Have you broken promises to loved ones in order to gamble?

  13. Do you feel isolated or distant due to your gambling habits?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, it's a good idea to take steps toward managing your gambling habits. More guidance on how to proceed is provided later in the text.

Additionally, you can take the confidential "Is gambling affecting your life or someone else's?" quiz on the BeGambleAware website to get an indication of whether your gambling is becoming problematic.

Gambling Addiction Risk Factors: How to Recognize Them

Understanding the signs of gambling addiction is critical. Some common indicators include:

  • Inability to stop gambling

  • Constantly thinking about gambling when not playing and planning your day around it

  • Chasing losses (believing you can recover your losses by continuing to gamble)

  • Financial difficulties (spending more than you can afford, borrowing money, accumulating debt)

  • Lying or hiding gambling activities from friends or family

  • Loss of important relationships or career opportunities

  • Mood swings or irritability related to gambling

  • Gambling to escape anxiety, stress, or depression

Keep It Fun: Tips for Safe Gambling

Maintaining safety while gambling is crucial. Fortunately, licensed casinos offer tools and responsible gambling practices to help you gamble safely. These include:

  • Reality Checks: Reminders that help players manage the amount of time spent gambling online.

  • Deposit Limits: Setting financial limits on daily, weekly, or monthly deposits, which can be adjusted or removed as needed.

  • Gambling History: Tracking your activity, including deposits, withdrawals, and transaction history.

  • Time-Outs: Setting mandatory breaks from gambling for periods ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks.

  • Self-Exclusion: Temporarily excluding yourself from gambling websites for a period of 6 months to several years.

  • Autoplay Controls: Enabling players to set stake and loss limits for autoplay features and pausing the game when necessary.

What Is Self-Exclusion and Why Is It Recommended?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary measure for those who want to take a break from gambling. It involves contacting a casino's support team to remove your details from their marketing databases. Once activated, self-exclusion prevents you from accessing gambling platforms for a predetermined period.

How to Set Limits on Your Gambling Accounts

Trusted gambling sites offer features that allow you to set financial limits on your account. You can set limits per session, day, week, or month to prevent excessive gambling. Additionally, time limits can also be set to control how long you play.

Track Your Gambling Activity

Regularly reviewing your gambling history helps you understand your behavior, including when and how much you’re spending, as well as which games you’re playing the most. It also keeps track of any limits you’ve set.

How to Block Gambling Payments

To further control your spending, you can contact your bank and request to block gambling-related payments. Methods vary by bank, but options might include blocking your account, freezing your debit card, or using a card lock feature to prevent gambling transactions.

How to Stop Seeing Gambling Ads

If you want to reduce exposure to gambling ads, you can opt out through platforms like Google and Facebook. Here's how to manage your ad preferences:

  • On Google:

    1. Open your account and go to "Manage your Google Account."

    2. Select “Data & privacy,” then scroll to "Personalized ads."

    3. Turn off personalized ads.

  • On Facebook: Visit your ad preferences page and update your settings to remove gambling ads.

More Tips for Keeping Gambling Enjoyable

To keep gambling fun and prevent it from becoming a problem, it’s important to maintain a balance between gambling and other aspects of your life, such as work, social activities, and hobbies. Be aware of your emotional state—avoid gambling when feeling stressed or down. Remember to take breaks and step away from the games to maintain a healthy perspective.

Getting Help with Gambling Addiction

The first step toward regaining control is acknowledging the problem and being honest with yourself about it. If you recognize any of the behaviors listed above in yourself, take action to adjust your gambling habits and regain control.

Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Set limits on your deposits or gameplay time. Our recommended sites offer tools to help you impose these limits.

  2. If necessary, stop gambling altogether. You can self-exclude from all gambling sites, which is a healthy break if you’re struggling.

  3. Consider visiting GamBlock to prevent access to other gambling sites.

  4. Mark your calendar and keep track of the days you don’t gamble to see your progress.

For more support, check out these helpful resources:

  1. The Betting and Gaming Council

  2. GamCare 

  3. BeGambleAware

  4. eCOGRA (iGaming Testing & Inspection)

  5. HM Government of Gibraltar - Remote Gambling 

  6. The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC)  

  7. UK Gambling Commission  

  8. International Association of Gaming Regulators  

  9. Gamblers Anonymous

  10. Gordon Moody

  11. Isle of Man Government - Gambling and E-Gaming

This list has been shuffled for you! Let me know if you need it in a different format or further adjustments.

Preventing Underage Gambling

Underage gambling is illegal.

The legal gambling age varies by country, but in regions where gambling is allowed, it is typically 18. To prevent underage gambling, licensed casinos enforce KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols, requiring players to submit proof of age.

Adults can take additional steps to protect minors:

  • Educate children about how gambling works and the dangers of underage gambling.

  • Set strict rules around the use of digital devices and the internet, such as limiting unsupervised use.

  • Never leave accounts logged in or save passwords/financial information.

  • Use parental control tools or website blocking apps to restrict access to gambling sites.

FAQ

Why's responsible gambling so important? 

Responsible gambling is important since it saves one from huge financial losses that might result in serious troubles. This way, one will not develop bad habits or negative feelings due to stress, anxiety, or depression resulting from gambling. 

Well, what are the responsible gambling key concepts? 

Some of the major responsible gambling principles are prevention, awareness, intervention, and self-control. 

Do most people gamble responsibly?

Most gamblers do so in a responsible manner. However, if you do get into gambling, keep the risks well in mind and always bet in a calm, cool, and responsible manner. 

How to gamble without getting addicted? 

Responsible gambling means knowing the risks. Be aware of how you are feeling, and watch for signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, mood swings, and financial problems. Set clear boundaries for yourself, have a gambling budget, and never go over that budget. 

What is a responsible gambling policy? 

Responsible gambling policy includes guidelines and practices, constituting the need to reduce risks and possible harms arising from gambling, where playing in a safe and controlled manner is fostered. What are the best responsible gambling tools? The best responsible gambling tools include deposit limits, time-out and cooling-off periods, wager limits, reality checks, loss limits, self-assessments, session and time limits, withdrawal locks, and self-exclusion options.