Play It Safe at Slingo
Here at Slingo we want all our players to have fun, and an important part of that is responsible gambling. From setting a budget before you start playing to being aware of potential warning signs, there are lots of different ways to make sure you remain in control of your gambling.
In this article we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the do’s and don’ts of responsible gambling, which are important for both newbies and more experienced players alike.
Feel free to refer back to this page whenever you need to for a quick refresh about how to gamble responsibly!
Gambling Do’s
Here are a few things we want all of our Slingo members to do:
Know the rules of your game
At Slingo we have over 1,200 Slingo, slots and casino games to choose from! Although it’s great to have such a huge variety, it does mean that there are lots of games with different rules. Many slot games have different features and ways to win, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the rules and the payout info of each game you play.
Set a budget
Before you start playing, take a moment to decide how much you will spend - and stick to it no matter what. Only play with what you can afford, and don’t be tempted to spend more than your budget if the game is going well - or badly! Setting a time limit is also a great idea; you could even set a timer on your phone to let you know when it’s time to stop.
Check your activity regularly
Go to the Balance page of My Account to check how much you’ve been spending. If you’re worried that your gambling may be becoming a problem, it’s time to take a break (see below) or speak to someone about how you’re feeling.
Take breaks
It’s important to take regular breaks from gambling whenever you feel like you need to. You could decide to take a break for a day, a week or even longer. If you’re finding it hard to stay away, tell a friend or family member so they can support you or find a fun activity to do instead, like exercising. You could also use our responsible gaming tools to help you (see below).
Use our responsible gaming tools (Cooling-off & Self-Exclusion)
At Slingo we’ve developed a range of responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. If you need to take a break from gambling but need some help sticking to it, you can use our Player Limitation tools. Choose a Cooling-Off period of between 24 hours and six weeks, or use our Self-Exclusion option to freeze your account for an extended time period. During the Cooling-Off or Self-Exclusion period you won’t be able to gamble or deposit, and you won’t receive any marketing material.
Gambling Don’ts
And here are a few things NOT to do:
Play when in a bad mood
Gambling should be a fun and entertaining activity. That’s why it's important to play only when you are in a good mood and can really enjoy it. Don’t gamble if you’re in a bad mood or under the influence, as this can alter your perceptions and lead to irresponsible gambling.
Spend money allocated for bills, rent, other expenses
Gambling isn’t a way to make money or earn a living, and it shouldn’t be relied upon as a way to make a quick buck. Don’t ever play with money you don’t have or can’t afford to lose, and make sure you don’t use funds that should be used towards rent, bills, or other expenses.
Chase losses
Gambling more in the hope of winning back money you’ve already lost is called chasing losses, and it’s a sign of irresponsible gambling. All outcomes in gambling are random, and just because you’ve had a string of losses doesn’t mean you’re ‘due a win’.
Play under the influence
Don’t gamble if you’re under the influence, as this can alter your perceptions and lead to irresponsible gambling. If you’ve ever made a bad decision after having a few drinks, you’ll know what we mean!
Ignore the warning signs (of a possible gambling problem)
It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of a potential gambling problem so that you can recognise them in yourself (and in others). If you can identify with any of the following habits or feelings, it’s time to take a break and ask for help. Here are a few of the most common warning signs:
- Spending lots of time gambling (and thinking about gambling)
- Regularly increasing your bet in order to feel fulfilled
- Chasing losses
- Hiding your gambling from friends and family
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems
- Looking for ways to finance gambling
Gamble Responsibly at the Official Slingo Site
Here at Slingo we’re dedicated to promoting fun and responsible gambling in a safe, secure environment. With a range of player limitation tools to help you stay in control of your gambling plus a friendly customer support team, we’re here for you. If you’re concerned about your gambling or need help setting your limits, please use our responsible gambling tools or get in touch with our support team for help.
