Responsible Gambling
This page is for you if you feel overwhelmed or feel like you’re about to lose control. In this article, we would like to assist you throughout your journey of staying safe and sound. Our goal is to help problem gamblers find a solution. That is why we have collected and published a set of information to You about Responsible gambling methods and guidelines.
Please read this material if either your health or finances are in trouble as a result of gambling. We want the best of possible lives to our beloved readers. Hence, if you need any help, we would like to be here to assist you. In this page, we have collected several responsible gambling tips as well as contact numbers for professional experts.
What Does Responsible Gambling Mean?
Responsible gambling is when casinos and online gambling sites care about their players’ well being. As per the Wikipedia definition,
Responsible gambling is the set of social responsibility initiatives by the gambling industry – including governments and gaming control boards, operators (casinos) and vendors – to ensure the integrity and fairness of their operations and to promote awareness of harms associated with gambling, such as gambling addiction.
Long story short, responsible gambling is a movement that tries to help people not to fall victim to the industry. It means a series of ways to help players stay safe and avoid risks they cannot afford. Problematic and pathological gamblers need to be cared for. That is the goal that the Responsible gambling campaign aims to achieve.
How to be a Responsible Gambler?
Responsible gamblers are those players who are capable of controlling their feelings. Those who know how much money they can afford to lose, and will not spend a single penny after they reach their limits. Because, yes, responsible gamblers have strict limits that they keep. They never play while being intoxicated and they stop playing as soon as gambling stops being fun. And most importantly, responsible gambling is all about the consequences. Please keep on reading to learn how to be more of a responsible gambler!
There Will Be Consequences – Think about the Future
Responsible gaming can be hard at first. You might not know your limits. There might be doubts about what you can afford and what you cannot afford. You might want too much too fast. As a result, sometimes you won’t even think about the consequences. That is one of the main traits of a responsible gambler. You always need to think about the consequences while playing at online (or land-based) casinos. You always need to assume that the bet you make is going to lose. Can you afford to lose that stake? If yes, then you can go ahead. However, if it would cause you troubles in the long term, then you better stay away from that wager.
Anxiety Versus Entertainment – Gamblers Just Wanna Have Fun
Online gaming should be an entertaining activity. You should be having fun while gambling. Players aren’t supposed to feel anxious or worry about what happens next. Responsible gamblers are aware of their feelings and they have learnt when they need to stop. When gaming stops being fun, it’s better to start doing something else instead. Whenever your ut tells you that the fun part is over – that is exactly when you need to stop playing and risking. Listen to yourself, you know the best.
Know Your Limits – Set Your Personal Limits
In addition, responsible gamblers set their limits in advance. Before starting to play, you need to check your wallet. You know your wallet better than anybody. Set yourself a daily, weekly, or monthly limit. Make sure that you never spend more than your limit. Responsible gamblers can not do that. As soon as you reach your limits, you need to quit playing. That was enough for that period. Respect your boundaries – not only in your relationships, but in your pay time as well!
Keep a Clean Mind – Never Gamble Under the Influence
It goes without saying that while gambling is a game of luck, in many cases, it is also a game of skill. You need to be there mentally as well. You need to focus hard. If you start playing with a weakened mind, you already give away your chance to win. In addition, while being drunk (or high), people tend to spend more money than they can afford. You don’t want to wake up to an empty wallet. If you want to play, then play. If you want to drink, drink. Pick only one.
Who Regulates Gambling?
Responsible gambling rules are set by the government. Hence, whoever controls gambling differs from country to country. In fact, sometimes even from state to state. For example, in the United States of America, it is the Department of Justice that regulates gambling on a national level, but each state has its own regulatory body for gambling activities. In the United Kingdom, the respective body is the Gambling Commission. The most important inter-regional gaming control boards are GREF (Gaming Regulators European Forum), IAGR (International Association of Gaming Regulators) and NAGRA (North American Gaming Regulators Association). In the table below, we would like to present several countries and the body that regulates gambling in the given country.
Country | Gaming Control Board |
United Kingdom | UK Gambling Commission |
Sweden | National Gaming Board |
Malta | Malta Gaming Authority |
France | Autorité Nationale des Jeux |
Gibraltar | Gibraltar Regulatory Authority |
Denmark | Spillemyndigheden |
Portugal | Inspectorate General on Gaming |
Norway | Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority |
Netherlands | Nederlandse Kansspelautoriteit |
USA | Department of Justice |
Canada | Canadian Gaming Association |
Macau | Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau |
Singapore | Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore |
Why Responsible Gambling is Important
Responsible gambling policy is a must to all those online casino sites who want healthy and happy players as their customers. Online casino sites must follow restrictions and initiatives suggested by Responsible Gambling. It is of utmost importance to keep the players’ rights and well being as the number one priority for all gaming operators.
Not all players are capable of setting their limits, or stopping when they obviously need to stop. No one should be allowed to take advantage of such cases. That is why Responsible Gambling is so important, and that is why gaming operators need to follow the self-exclusion guidelines.
Responsible Gambling and Self-Exclusion Guidelines
Let’s clarify the definition of self-exclusion in gambling. Self-exclusion is the act when you ask either for the operator or for the casino site’s customer service to ‘ban’ you from the site. This way, you will not have access to your account, and hence, you will not be able to lose any money at all. It is an important feature that all serious gambling sites must add to their services. You shall not play at sites that do not pay any attention to this. You want to play at the site where they care for you and do everything to keep you safe, healthy and happy.
A proper casino site must come with a proper self-exclusion procedure. If you ask the customer service agent to exclude you from playing, they must fulfill your request without a moment of hesitation. Naturally, in time, you can request for the ban to be lifted. That’s when you can start playing again. The self-exclusion usually lasts at least 6 months. However, you should feel free to take a longer break if that is what you need.
Responsible Gambling Helpline – Don’t be Afraid to Call for Help!
Please remember to always set and keep your Responsible gambling deposit limits. This is of utmost importance in order to remain healthy and financially stable as well. If you feel like you are losing the battle in this field, please do now hesitate to reach out for the responsible gambling helpline. By calling the contact number, professional experts will assist you throughout your journey. Please check the table below. We listed a few responsible gambling helpline numbers for certain countries. Do not hesitate to use their services whenever in need!
Country | Responsible Gambling Helpline |
United Kingdom | 0808 8020 133 |
USA | 800 522 47 00 |
Australia | 1800 858 858 |
Canada | 888 230 35 05 |
Brazil | 32 29 10 23 |
Argentina | 0800 333 03 33 |
Mexico | 525 510 25 50 |
Germany | 0800 137 27 00 |
France | 0240 84 76 20 |
Netherlands | 0800 22 777 22 |
Spain | 900 200 225 |
Portugal | 211 332 775 |
Philippines | +632 88 90 0000 |
India | +91 900 08 500 01 |