This way, you can easily set limits on bets and the time you spend in front of the screen.
Responsible Gaming consists of the rational and sensible choice of gaming options, which takes into account the situation and personal circumstances of the player, preventing gambling from becoming a problem. Responsible Gaming implies an informed and educated decision by players with the sole objective of entertainment, and distraction and in which the value of what is staked never exceeds what the individual can afford to lose.
Take games as a distraction
Casino games are, first and foremost, a means of entertainment, and they must remain so. You play online poker, slot machines, or even blackjack for fun, not as a source of income, you can easily find casinos where deposits and bets are very low, so you won’t really be risking much.
Gambling can hardly give you sustainable money to live on, even if they generate winnings. Avoid making the mistake of betting again trying to win what you lost. It is important to know when to stop and play again next time.
Avoid unreliable casinos.
Reliable gaming sites incorporate responsible gaming policy into their operation. Here are some clues to recognize them:
- They warn you about the consequences of abusive gambling;
- They let you know when you’ve spent too much time in the casino;
- They set a maximum deposit limit;
- They have an operating license issued by a legal and reputable authority.
- Dubious casinos do nothing to protect players from abusive behavior. On the contrary, they could even encourage them to bet more.
Take a break
Regularly taking a break is important when playing at a casino. This allows you to:
- Take note of the time you have spent in front of the screen;
- Analyze the amount of money spent;
- Think about what you are going to do after playing;
- Have a sense of time, and recognize when to stop.
Taking a break prevents you from being completely absorbed in the games. Take advantage of this moment to quench your thirst or enjoy the company of family and friends.
Do not gamble with emotions.
Only play when you are in a good mood and when you feel good. Avoid going to a casino at all costs if you are sad or angry.
You may see games as a shelter from reality, which is against the responsible gaming policy. Try to lighten/ease your frustration/sadness in another way, particularly by playing sports, hanging out with friends or going on a walk
Set a deposit limit
Surveys conducted revealed people spend more on gambling than on profitable investments. As a result, they have invested more money in this type of entertainment, even during the economic crisis.
This is to illustrate the fact that there are players who have trouble managing their finances. In this situation, you can ask your casino operator to set up a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit, and the amount is up to you.
Practice self-exclusion
One of the ways to practice a responsible gaming policy is to know your limits. For example, you may notice that you are on the verge of becoming an addicted gambler, and you then decide to temporarily block the account or even close the account permanently.
You can talk to your operator about it, and ask them for this favor. It is not uncommon for players to choose this when they suspect a change in behavior. The shutdown can last for months or even more than a year. Discuss this with the casino’s customer service so that they temporarily block your account.
Learn to organize
It is important to remember that the casino is just entertainment, and it should not occupy a large part of your day. Games should not interfere with your work or family life. Otherwise, you risk getting into conflict with those around you and isolating yourself.
Set the amount of time you are going to devote to playing casino games before you start. Organize your schedule around this. Try to stick to this rule, regardless of if it is an online or land-based casino.
Gambling has claimed many lives over the last couple of years, we consider it imperative to prevent or overcome it, given the disastrous consequences. Having an abusive gambling behavior has an impact on several areas of life, including socially, mentally and financially. Be careful when playing and when choosing a casino.
For more information on how to gamble safely and on dealing with gambling problems, seek help at BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and Gam-Anon.
