How to Recognize Gambling Problems And Play Responsibly

For all players, it’s vital you learn how to gamble responsibly. Without being aware of the potential drawbacks of gambling, you may end up practicing habits that have a detrimental effect on the lives of you, your family, and your friends.

 In this article we’ll go over what responsible gambling is, the tools you have to ensure you gamble responsibly, and where to find help if necessary.

What Do We Mean by ‘Responsible Gambling’?

Responsible gambling is a phrase used to encourage players to be aware of the risks and best practices of online gambling. Upon acknowledging that there are some serious drawbacks to irresponsible gambling, initiatives were designed to help prevent its occurrence. 

The initiatives designed to promote responsible gambling differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and may even differ depending on the type of gambling, such as online and offline gambling.

Here’s a collection of responsible gambling initiatives from around the world: 

  • United Kingdom
    All forms of commercial gambling in the UK is presided over by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). The role of this institution is to regulate the industry, and ensure that effective measures are put in place to reduce the risk of problem gambling. 
  • Australia
    The rules and regulations in Australia differ depending on the state or territory. Two of the most influential initiatives, however, are the Gamblers’ Help and the Responsible Gambling Fund. Gamblers’ Help offers professional support to players, whereas the Responsible Gambling Fund provides financial support to projects that reduce or prevent problem gambling. 
  • United States
    While many states run their own initiatives, the US federal government has set up a National Council on Problem Gambling to help promote social awareness of the issue and provide help to problem gamblers. 
  • Sweden
    Similar to the UK, the responsibility of preventing problem gambling and helping problem gamblers is given to their national gambling authority, Spelinspektionen. It is the job of this institution to ensure that the market is safe and acts responsibly. 

Tools You Can Use to Gamble Responsibly

Despite there being a variety of approaches taken by different countries to encourage responsible gambling, the tools used by online casinos to encourage it are mostly universal. 

Most of the tools offered by online casinos are centered around the idea of limiting online gambling.

These include: 

Session Limits

This is a control you can utilize to limit the amount of time you spend gambling. For instance, some online casinos will allow you to set a session limit of 1 or 2 hours. Once you meet the session limit, you will be automatically logged out of your account.

Loss Limits

With loss limits, you set the maximum you are willing to lose over a period of time (say a day, week, or month). Once you reach the preset limit, you won’t be able to play again until the beginning of the next period.

Wager Limits

Wager limits can be used to ensure you don’t make recklessly large bets. By placing a limit on the amount you can bet per hand, you can ensure you don’t lose significant amounts quickly.

Deposit Limits

This is a limit imposed on the amount you can deposit over a period of time. These are useful as they help you to budget your gambling in advance. Once you reach your desired limit, you cannot make another deposit until the next week.

Self-exclusion

If you are worried about the extent of your gambling, or you have recently accepted you have a gambling problem, you can opt for voluntary self-exclusion. This allows you to ban yourself from your account for a set period of time to help prevent you from accessing online gambling.

How To Gamble Responsibly: 10 Essential Tips 

It is in everyone’s best interest to avoid habits that may lead to problem gambling. In this section, we’ll provide you with ten essential tips that you can practice to ensure you gamble responsibly. 

#1. Set a Budget

The trick here is to only gamble what you can afford to lose. And the best way to ensure this is by setting a strict budget. Figure out what you need for essentials, such as housing, food, and bills, and then set aside a small amount of what’s left over for gambling.

#2. Set Time Limits

Another key consideration is how much time you’ll spend gambling. It’s deceptively easy to lose track of time while playing your favorite casino game. Setting a time limit helps to ensure you spend an appropriate amount of time on your responsibilities and other activities.

#3. Understand the Odds

Before you play you should come to terms with the salient fact that the odds are never in your favor. The casino or gambling establishment has been designed to make profit, and this is reflected in all the casino’s games.

#4. Avoid Chasing Losses

You should always fight the urge to chase your losses when you are on a losing streak. Treat the urge itself like a warning sign. If you feel the need to chase your losses, it’s because you haven’t appropriately budgeted, and you aren’t using money you feel like you can lose.

#5. Gamble for Fun, Not to Solve Financial Problems

The primary reason there aren’t many “professional” gamblers in the world is because it is incredibly difficult. Gambling is not a reliable source of income, and you should not turn to gambling to solve any financial issues.

#6. Balance Gambling with Other Activities

Gambling should not become your only hobby. If you have no other outlet for your spare time other than gambling, there is an increased risk you will develop a gambling problem. Try to maintain multiple sources of entertainment and remain cognizant of your gambling activity.

#7. Recognise Problem Gambling Signs

Common signs that you may be developing a gambling problem include the likes of spending more than you can afford on gambling, feeling anxious or depressed after a gambling session, and neglecting other areas of your life.

#8. Get Help When Needed

If you have a slight suspicion that you may be developing a gambling problem, you should seek professional help immediately. Go to our section on Where To Find Help and find an organization that supports players in your jurisdiction.

#9. Use Self-Control Tools

Self-control tools are there for good reason: they help. Even if you don’t believe you have any issue whatsoever and your relationship with gambling is healthy, we still recommend you use self-control tools.

#10. Do Not Gamble Under the Influence

Drugs, such as alcohol and cannabis, alter our perception and reduce our inhibitions. We highly recommend you only gamble when sober, so you are not inclined to gamble impulsively.

Where To Find Help 

If you want more information about how to gamble responsibly, or you are seeking professional help for a gambling problem, there are many charities and government institutions that you can contact. We will provide you with a list of the best organizations below. 

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Council 

Operating primarily for residents of Victoria, this organization helps to promote responsible gambling initiatives and create awareness surrounding the issue. They are able to provide support to those affected by problem gambling. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au(03) 9452 2600[email protected] 

Gambling Help Online

Australians looking for immediate assistance can contact Gambling Help Online using their 24/7 helpline. The organization can offer online counseling, self-help tools, and access to a community forum.

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ 1800 858 858 Not available

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand 

The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand promotes responsible gambling in NZ and helps those suffering from gambling related issues. They are able to provide you and your family with free counseling. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.pgfnz.org.nz/0800 664 262[email protected] 

National Council on Problem Gambling

This organization provides a helpline nationwide for anyone suffering from a gambling related issue. This helpline operates on a 24/7 basis and has been set up to exclusively assist problem gamblers. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.ncpgambling.org/1-800-522-4700[email protected] 

GamCare 

GamCare provides a wide variety of services, which includes direct help for problem gamblers (via their helpline and live chat), as well training for professionals that regularly come into contact with problem gamblers. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/0808 8020 133[email protected] 

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware is an organization designed to prevent and treat issues associated with problem gambling across England, Scotland, and Wales. The organization also funds research into the issue and runs public awareness programs.

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.begambleaware.org/0808 8020 133Not available

Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

The RGC is a government organization designed to reduce problem gambling through research and the development of effective policy. Players can access helpful resources that aid in the understanding and prevention of problem gambling. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.responsiblegambling.org/+1 (416) 499-9800Not available

Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)

The BZgA provides a telephone helpline and online counseling services to players suffering from gambling related issues. The website also provides a comprehensive range of helpful resources. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.bzga.de/+ 49 221 8992-0[email protected] 

ADICTEL Prevention Addiction

ADICTEL is an organization that provides assistance to anyone in France with gambling related issues. They offer a 24/7 helpline, a self-assessment tool, prevention programs and can even refer you for further treatment. 

WebsiteTelephoneEmail
https://www.adictel.com/fr/Not availableNot available