Responsible gambling is a two-way street between the online casino and the player. Online casinos should always take steps to ensure that their players are gambling safely, but players themselves also need to ensure they don’t slip into toxic gambling habits. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how to ensure you’re practising responsible gambling, and keeping yourself safe when playing online.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Gambling should be viewed as a recreational activity rather than a source of money. While the majority of people can approach gambling as a form of entertainment and spend just what they can afford to lose, it can be more challenging for others.
Responsible gambling is a straightforward concept: it's an agreement between online casinos, high-street bookies, and land casinos to protect players from the dangers of betting.
There are numerous policies and behaviours involved with responsible gambling, but the following are the most important:
- Underage gambling prevention
- Protecting gambling addicts
- Data protection for gamblers
- Keeping track of all bet payments
- Marketing with integrity
Alongside the commitment that online casinos must make, responsible gambling also comes down on the shoulders of the player.
Players should always practice safe gambling which is to gamble without endangering yourself or others. This can occur in the following ways:
- Spending only what you can afford.
- Setting time and financial constraints.
- Understanding that gambling is not a solution to any issue.
- Not gambling when you are angry or unhappy.
- Understanding that your personal connections should not be harmed by gambling.
Know When To Stop
Gambling addiction can strike anyone from any background. Your gambling transforms from a harmless diversion into an unhealthy addiction with catastrophic implications. Gambling addiction is an impulse-control disorder also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder. If you're a compulsive gambler, you can't stop yourself from gambling, even if it's causing you or your loved ones harm.
You can have a gambling issue without being completely out of control, of course. Any gaming behaviour that disturbs your life is considered problem gambling. You have a gambling issue if you're obsessed with it, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite major implications in your life.
At the heart of the matter is knowing when to stop. If you’re starting to feel that you don’t know when, that is when you might have problem gambling. There are many signs of dangerous gambling behaviour such as those listed below:
Having Problems Controlling Your Gambling
Is it possible to stop gambling once you start? Or do you feel forced to gamble until you've spent every last dollar, increasing your stakes in the hopes of recouping your losses? Has Gambling become an essential part of your day-to-day routine?
Gambling When You Don’t Have Money
You may gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, and then move on to money you don’t have—money to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell, or even steal things for gambling money.
Lying About Gambling
You can gamble in private or lie about how much you bet because you think others won't understand or that a huge win will surprise them.
Personal Relationships are Getting Affected
Gambling addiction can put excessive strain on the people around you. You may make rash or dangerous decisions that are hurtful or harmful to others or neglect those you love because you’re so focused on achieving your next gambling high.
Committing Unlawful Behaviour
When gambling has a stronghold on someone it can lead to desperate and even sometimes unlawful behaviour such as selling your belongings, borrowing money (often from disreputable sources) or even stealing money to gamble.
Know More About Responsible Gambling at Slingo.com
At Slingo.com we care about all our players which is why responsible gambling practices are at the heart of all we do. If you want to find out more about responsible gambling, click on one of the many links at the bottom of our site, or explore our FAQ section. Remember to always have fun, and when the fun stops, stop.
