Responsible Gambling Guide
Gambling should always be an enjoyable leisure activity, not a way to make money or a cause of stress. Responsible gambling is about staying in control of how much time and money you spend, ensuring that the fun element remains at the heart of your experience.
Whether you place a bet on the weekend football or like spinning reels on slot games, understanding how to play safely is the most important rule of the game.
This guide explores what it means to gamble safely, the tools available to help you manage your play, and the organisations ready to support you if things stop being fun.
What is Responsible Gambling?
At its core, there’s a simple concept here. Gambling is a form of entertainment that requires boundaries. It involves making informed decisions about the risks involved and knowing when to stop. The industry, regulators, and operators promote initiatives to protect players from gambling-related harm and to ensure fair, safe, and transparent gaming environments.
For you as a player, it means understanding the odds, never chasing losses, and treating any money lost as the cost of entertainment, just like buying a cinema ticket or a meal out.
What Should I Consider Before Betting?
Before you even place a deposit or fill out a bet slip, take a moment to pause and think. Preparing yourself mentally and financially is the best way to ensure a positive experience.
Setting a Budget
Decide exactly how much you can afford to spend before you start. This could be a weekly or monthly allowance that comes strictly from your disposable income. That is money that you don’t need for rent, bills and other life essentials. Once you set this limit, stick to it. If you lose that amount, walk away without chasing and attempt to claw it back.
Understanding Your Motivation
Ask yourself why you are gambling. Is it to add a bit of excitement to a match? Is it for the thrill of the win? These are healthy reasons. However, if you wager because you need to pay a debt, or believe you can earn a regular income from it, you’re in dangerous territory. Always remember: the house always has an edge, and you cannot rely on gambling for income.
Choosing the Right Betting Site
Don’t just sign up for the first site you see. Do a bit of window shopping online at the various platforms available to you. Look for licensed platforms as these ensure sites adhere to strict safety standards. Consider what interests you most. Do you like betting on sports, or do you prefer casino slots and table games? Choose a platform that specialises in what you enjoy and offers the safety tools you need.
Responsible Gambling Tools to Help You
Every licensed operator in the UK must provide responsible gambling tools to help you manage your activity. You can usually find these in your account settings under a ‘Safe Gambling’ or ‘Player Protection’ section.
- Deposit Limits: Often the most effective tool. You can cap the amount of money you deposit into your account over a 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day period. Once you hit your limit, the site won’t let you add more funds until the period resets.
- Reality Checks: It’s easy to lose track of time when engrossed in some game. A reality check is a pop-up notification that reminds you how long you have been playing. It interrupts your session and gives you the chance to log out.
- Time-Outs (Take a Break): Need a short break? You can use the time-out facility to lock your account for a short period, typically between 24 hours and six weeks.
- Self-Exclusion: If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, self-exclusion allows you to block access to your account for a longer period, usually starting at six months. During this time, the operator will take steps to prevent you from reopening the account or opening new ones.
- Account History: You can view your full transaction and game history. Seeing exactly how much you have won and lost over time can provide a helpful reality check on your spending.
Organisations That Offer Help & Support with Responsible Online Gambling
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. The UK has a network of organisations dedicated to helping players. These charities and services offer free, confidential advice and support for responsible online gambling.
GamStop
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme. By registering with GamStop, you can block yourself from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. It’s a powerful first step if you need or want to stop playing completely.
BeGambleAware
Providing information and advice, so people make informed decisions about their gambling is BeGambleAware‘s mission. They offer help and support to those who need it and fund education and treatment services. Their website is a hub of resources for understanding player behaviour.
GamCare
As operators the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They offer one-to-one support, group chat services, and forums where you can speak to others in similar situations. GameCare are a leading provider of information and support for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
As a support group of people trying to overcome addictions related to betting, Gamblers Anonymous is proof that others experience similar problems. They provide lots of information through forums and live chats on how best to tackle gambling if or when it becomes unhealthy. Gamblers Anonymous also put on face-to-face meetings in local areas.
Responsible Gambling Tips
Staying safe requires constant vigilance. Here are some responsible gambling tips to keep in mind every time you play:
- Check Your State of Mind: Never bet when you’re angry, upset, or depressed. Emotional distress clouds your judgement and leads to rash decisions.
- Avoid Intoxicants: Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances lower your inhibitions, so can make you take risks you would normally avoid.
- Balance Your Life: Ensure gambling doesn’t take over. If you find you’re neglecting other aspects of your life, such as spending time with family, work, or other hobbies, it’s time to stop.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Step away from the screen regularly. Go for a walk, make a cup of tea, or chat with a friend. This helps you break out of the zone and reassess if you want to continue.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Trying to win back money you have lost is a surefire way to lose more. Accept the loss and move on.
Protecting Minors from Underage Gambling
In the UK, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. Operators carry out strict age verification checks that prevent minors from accessing their sites. However, if you share your computer or mobile device with children, you must take extra precautions.
- Keep Details Secure: Never save your login details or passwords on a shared device.
- Use Filtering Software: Consider installing software like Net Nanny or CYBERsitter, which can block access to gambling sites on your devices.
- Educate: Have open conversations with young people about the risks of gambling, much like you would about drugs or alcohol.