Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is the practice of playing games of chance in a safe and ethical manner, without causing harm to oneself or others. Responsible gambling involves setting limits on time and money spent on gambling, avoiding chasing losses, seeking help if gambling becomes a problem, and respecting the rules and regulations of the gambling industry. Responsible gambling aims to prevent or reduce the negative consequences of gambling addiction, such as financial difficulties, emotional distress, family conflicts, legal issues, and health problems. 

Principles Of Responsible Gambling

Some of the principles of responsible gambling are: 

  • Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape from reality. Gambling should be done with money that can be afford to lose, not with borrowed money or funds needed for other purposes. 
  • Gambling should be done in moderation, not excessively or compulsively. 
  • Gambling should be stopped when it is no longer fun or enjoyable, or when it interferes with personal or professional obligations. 
  • Gambling should be avoided when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or emotional stress. Gambling should be done only in licensed and regulated venues or platforms, not in illegal or unregulated ones. 
  • Gambling should be done with respect for oneself and others, not with aggression or dishonesty. 

Responsible gambling is supported by various stakeholders in the gambling industry, such as operators, regulators, governments, researchers, educators, and treatment providers. They provide various tools and resources to help gamblers make informed and responsible choices, such as self-exclusion programs, helplines, counseling services, educational materials, and harm minimization measures.

How Do You Understand If You Have A Problem?

Gambling can become a problem when it affects your life negatively, such as causing financial troubles, emotional distress, relationship conflicts, or health issues. Some signs that gambling has become a problem for you or your loved ones are:

  • You or they have an uncontrollable urge to gamble and make bets on sports or other games of chance.
  • You or they spend more time and money on gambling than on other activities or responsibilities.
  • You or they lie or hide your gambling behavior from others.
  • You or they chase losses or try to win back the money you lost.
  • You or they feel guilty, anxious, depressed, or angry because of gambling.
  • You or they have problems with work, school, family, or friends because of gambling.
  • You or they need professional help or treatment for gambling addiction.

If you or someone you care about shows any of these signs, you should seek help as soon as possible. Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can be treated with counseling, therapy, medication, or self-help groups. Remember, gambling should be a fun and safe activity, not a harmful or compulsive one.

Self-exclusion Program

A self-exclusion program is a voluntary option that allows players to limit or stop their access to gambling platforms for a certain period of time or permanently. This option is usually offered by responsible gambling operators as a way to help players who may have gambling problems or who want to take a break from gambling. Self-exclusion programs can vary in different jurisdictions, but they generally require the player to provide some personal information, such as name, email, phone number, and ID, and to choose the duration and scope of their self-exclusion. Once the request is processed, the player will not be able to log in, deposit, withdraw, or play on the gambling platforms that are part of the program until the self-exclusion period expires or is lifted by the player.

Self-exclusion programs can have some benefits for players who struggle with gambling addiction or who want to control their gambling behavior. For example, they can help them to:

  • Avoid spending more money or time on gambling than they can afford.
  • Reduce the risk of developing or worsening gambling-related problems.
  • Focus on other aspects of their life, such as work, family, or hobbies.
  • Seek professional help or treatment for their gambling issues.
  • Recover from gambling addiction and prevent relapse.