Responsible Gambling Guide

Gambling can be a fun and thrilling activity, offering the chance for excitement and entertainment. But like any form of entertainment, it’s important to approach it with care and caution. We believe that gambling should always remain an enjoyable experience and never become a source of stress or financial difficulty.

This guide is designed to help UK players gamble responsibly, understand the risks involved, and offer practical advice on maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling. Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, it’s essential to recognise the importance of responsible gambling.

Kaiden Laverty —

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means ensuring that gambling stays within your control and doesn’t negatively affect other aspects of your life, such as your finances, relationships, or mental health. It’s about recognising the boundaries between entertainment and risk and taking active steps to stay in control.

In the UK, gambling is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which works to ensure that gambling remains safe, fair, and transparent for all players. But it’s up to you to make sure that your gambling remains a fun activity, rather than something that feels out of control.

Responsible gambling involves knowing your limits, taking breaks, and always having the ability to stop when needed. It’s about playing for enjoyment, not as a way to solve problems or escape from stress.

The Risks of Problem Gambling

While gambling can be a fun pastime, it’s important to acknowledge the risks it carries. Problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, can have serious consequences. It can lead to financial hardship, strained relationships, and significant emotional distress.

Problem gambling occurs when a person is unable to control their gambling behaviour, even when it has negative effects on their life. It’s a progressive issue that often starts small but can spiral out of control over time if not addressed. The impact on personal relationships, work life, and overall mental health can be profound.

It’s essential to recognise the warning signs of problem gambling early, so you can take action before it becomes a serious issue.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can be subtle at first, often disguised as occasional “bad luck” or “winning streaks.” However, there are key signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:

  • Increased time spent gambling: You might find yourself playing for longer periods than you intended or gambling more frequently.
  • Chasing losses: If you’re gambling more in an attempt to win back money you’ve lost, it’s a sign that gambling may be becoming more than just a casual activity.
  • Financial difficulties: Borrowing money, using credit cards to fund gambling, or neglecting bills and expenses to support gambling habits are all signs of potential problems.
  • Emotional impact: Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable due to gambling can be an indication that things are getting out of hand.
  • Neglecting responsibilities: If gambling is affecting your ability to fulfil responsibilities at work, school, or in relationships, it’s time to assess your gambling habits.

Recognising these signs early is crucial in preventing a problem from escalating. If you notice any of these behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to take steps to address the situation.

Practical Tips for Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be about enjoyment and entertainment. Here are some simple but effective ways to keep your gambling experience in check:

Set Limits

Before you start gambling, decide how much time and money you’re comfortable spending, and stick to those limits. For example, set a budget for your gambling activities, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you lose the amount you’ve set aside, it’s time to stop and take a break. The same goes for time, be mindful of how long you’re playing.

Take Regular Breaks

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a game and lose track of time. Taking breaks will help you stay in control of your gambling and prevent you from losing more than you intended. When you take breaks, it’s easier to step back and assess whether you’re still enjoying the activity, or if it’s starting to feel more like a compulsion.

Use the Tools Available

Most online casinos offer tools to help you manage your gambling behaviour, including deposit limits, time-out options, and self-exclusion. Use these tools to your advantage. Set a deposit limit before you start playing, and take regular time-outs if you feel you’re spending more time gambling than you intended.

Don’t Gamble Under the Influence

Gambling while intoxicated can impair your judgment, making it more likely you’ll make risky decisions. Alcohol or drugs can cloud your thinking and cause you to bet more money than you originally planned. Always gamble when you’re sober and able to think clearly.

Keep Gambling Fun

The most important aspect of gambling is to keep it fun. It should be a form of entertainment, not a way to escape problems or seek a source of income. If you find that you’re gambling to relieve stress, boredom, or anxiety, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship with gambling. Seek healthier ways to manage difficult emotions, such as talking to a friend or engaging in other hobbies.

Seeking Help if Gambling Becomes a Problem

If you’re starting to feel that gambling is no longer just a fun hobby, there are several resources available in the UK to help you. It’s important to recognise that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There’s no shame in reaching out if you’re struggling to manage your gambling.

Helplines and Support Organisations

  • GamCare: Offers free, confidential advice, support, and information about problem gambling. You can call their helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit their website.
  • Gambling Therapy: Provides online support for people affected by problem gambling. Their website offers self-help tools and access to support groups.
  • National Gambling Helpline (UK): Call 0808 8020 133 for free, 24/7 support. You can also text 800-830 for confidential support and guidance.

Self-Exclusion Schemes

If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, self-exclusion programs allow you to take a break from gambling for a specified period. You can self-exclude from individual casinos or from all UK gambling sites via GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion service. Once you’ve registered with GAMSTOP, you won’t be able to access any licensed online gambling site until the exclusion period has ended.

Professional Support and Counselling

If you find that gambling is taking a significant toll on your life, speaking to a professional therapist or counsellor can provide valuable help. There are many UK-based services offering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other treatment options tailored to gambling addiction.

Conclusion

Gambling can be an enjoyable and entertaining activity when done responsibly. By setting limits, taking regular breaks, and using the tools available to manage your gambling, you can ensure that it remains fun and safe. It’s important to recognise the signs of problem gambling early and seek help if needed.

We are committed to supporting responsible gambling. If you ever feel that gambling is affecting your life in a negative way, there are numerous resources and support services available to help you regain control. Gambling should always be about having fun, and if you follow the advice in this guide, it can stay that way.