Responsible Gambling

In order to really have fun while playing online casino games, you will need to gamble responsibly and within your budget. The problem with any gambling is that things can quickly get out of hand, so make sure you always keep a clear perspective on things.

If you do end up running into some trouble and feel like things are getting out of control, there are plenty of ways you can help yourself and seek help from others. Before you do anything, remember to assess your gambling activities to see if what you are doing still falls in the category of responsible gambling.

Here is a short list of things that responsible gamblers share and that you should strive to achieve when gambling online:

• Responsible gamblers gamble to have fun.
• Responsible gamblers only play with money they can afford to lose.
• Responsible gambling is a hobby that is time limited.
• Responsible gamblers know that games favour the casino and don’t think they will win every time.
• Responsible gamblers don’t let their gambling wins and losses affect their social, professional and personal lives.

If you feel like you are failing in any of these categories, it may be time to look for some help. Gambling is an activity that can quickly turn from a fun hobby to a dangerous addiction and to prevent this from happening you should always keep your gambling activities in check.

If you do like to gamble online, it is always a good idea to tell a friend or a family member about it. This way, there will always be someone to ask about how it’s going and talk some sense if things do start going downhill.

While all these things are true, there is really nothing to fear in gambling. Just like alcohol or cigarettes, gambling is an adult pleasure which can be extremely satisfactory when done in moderation and very dangerous when taken too far. This is why as a responsible adult you simply need to take full responsibility for all your actions.

Again, the vast majority of online gamblers are in total control of their hobby and their finances. However, for a small minority of players, that hobby can turn into an addiction, sometimes without them even knowing it.

There are a number of simple checks you can make to determine whether you may have a gambling problem. The first involves taking a good look at your private life. Are you missing family events or work deadlines so that you can spend more time playing your online games? If so, take a step back and focus on what is happening in your life.

Personal finance is another clear sign that your gambling may be out of control. Has your bank balance slipped into overdraft? Have you had calls from your bank inquiring about your recent banking activities? Are you hoping that a big win in the casino will help to pay for essential purchases in your home? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you may find that gambling is gaining a hold on you in an unhealthy way.

Another sign that your gambling activities may have become problematic is to remember that online gambling should be fun. Should you find yourself become morose or depressed over a loss or wildly ecstatic over a win, then these may be signs that your gambling has become a problem.

If you feel like you are failing in any of the things listed above, tell your friends or family and have them help you either get back to the plan or completely stop playing. If this does not help please get professional help.

Here are links to certified organizations for problem gambling help:

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware is a responsible gambling resource which is fully administered by an independent charity, GambleAware. This UK-based entity provides useful information to facilitate safe, secure, and responsible gaming practices.

BeGambleAware emphasises the importance of responsible gaming advocacy. The activities undertaken by this organisation are guided by the NRGS (National Responsible Gambling Strategy) in the United Kingdom. The educational initiatives provided by NRGS are endorsed by the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission), and defined by the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG).

At its core, BeGambleAware functions as an awareness-raising entity, helping people to make better decisions about their gambling-related activities. This includes, but is not limited to recognising problem gambling activity, understanding what it entails to be a responsible gambler, and how to gamble safely at UK online casinos, sports betting sites, and online bingo halls, et al. BeGambleAware is designed for the public good; it is not against gambling – it simply stresses the importance of responsible gambling.

High-Profile Celebrities Lend Support to BeGambleAware Initiatives

Players can easily contact the National Gambling Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with additional options such as live chat functionality available in real time. This organisation's mantra is clear – don't have bet regret. To this end, BeGambleAware advises against gambling when bored, gambling when intoxicated, under the influence of medication, or for chasing losses. A variety of powerful tips & tools are provided to help players curb their gambling desires, especially when on tilt. Various high-profile celebrities have teamed up with the bet regret initiative within the community, particularly football players to warn against the risks of gambling.

The Right Info at Your Fingertips

Among others, BeGambleAware provides a treasure trove of information to legal-age players. This includes categories such as: confidential help, understanding gambling, gambling problems, and safer gambling. Each of these topics is tackled in detail, to make it much easier for players to find the requisite information they need. GambleAware is headquartered at Pennine Place in Charing Cross Road, London. It is a registered company in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Visit BeGambleAware.org

Gamblers Anonymous UK

A problem gambling self-help group where recovering addicts support existing sufferers, helping them to overcome gambling addiction.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a responsible gambling body, consisting of a society of men and women who form self-help groups to assist anyone with a gambling addiction. Treating this addiction as an illness, members gather in encounter groups across the UK lending support to one another in an effort to break their habit.

The first stage of any addiction is to recognize the problem. Once this has been established, the group therapy can begin. GA leverages on the belief that it takes one to know one, and GA groups comprise individuals who have either broken their own gambling addiction or who are on their way to doing so.

Following the successful formula of alcoholic anonymous, GA provides a list of signs that compulsive gamblers can use to determine whether they have a problem with gambling addiction. Once recognized, the next stage is to join one of the many GA groups around the country where help is at hand.

Visit gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Gambling Therapy

Gambling Therapy has a wealth of skills and experience in helping those affected by compulsive gambling.

Launched back in 2004, Gambling Therapy has been operating a forum and support groups in many languages, helping problem gamblers and those with gambling addictions since. Gambling Therapy currently helps several thousand members.

Gambling Therapy's services include online advice and support for individuals, but not only. It even sets up online group discussions where people with similar problems or concerns can meet and discuss issues close to heart.

Over the years, Gambling Therapy gained more skills and greater experience in helping those affected by compulsive gambling.

Visit gamblingtherapy.org

GamCare

GamCare utlises online technologies to ensure help and support is readily available to problem gamblers.

GamCare is an organisation that provides support, information, and advice to anyone suffering from a gambling problem in the UK.

It is dedicated to helping problem gamblers regain control over their habit and recover balance in their lives.

Visitors to the GamCare site can talk to a trained adviser via live online chat, call the organisation's helpline and also contact fellow problem gamblers through the site's online discussion forum and chat room.

Visit gamcare.org.uk

Many free online tools are available to address the threat of problem gambling, including questionnaires that can help you know yourself better. Check out the tools and resources accessible to UK players who need in-depth information or professional help.

ResponsibleGambling.org

ResponsibleGambling.org deals with all the essential aspects of problem gambling. Young individuals and adults can find useful information for themselves or someone close to them. There are also helpful resources for Canadians, including region-specific information, such as toll-free phone numbers and self-exclusion programs nationwide, among other things.

Visit the official website

The GT App

GamblingTherapy.org designed the GT app, which can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android-powered devices. The application grants you immediate and unrestricted access to self-assessment quizzes, motivational quotes, and live and crisis support, among other things. All these valuable tools are offered for free, and you can access them whenever you need help.

Visit the official website