Responsible Gambling
Gambling is a popular pastime around the world, providing entertainment in the form of sports betting, casinos, bingo, and more. As well as being great fun, there's also the chance that you may get lucky and win some extra cash. However, while many do gamble responsibly and within a budget that suits them, problem gambling is unfortunately an issue that impacts the lives of many people.
Here at 8880casino, we want you to have the best possible online gambling experience and stay clear of any of the potential pitfalls of gambling. To help you do this, we've created this guide that you can use to learn more about gambling responsibly. Take a look to find out about how to spot potential issues, steps you can take to manage your gambling, and where you can seek further help and advice.
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What should I consider before I start gambling?
For any gambler, whether beginner or experienced, being conscious of certain issues can help prevent potential problems. Taking the following steps before you start gambling can help ensure that you have fun and gamble responsibly:
Only play at licensed UK casinos
Gambling is strictly regulated in the UK, and all legal online gambling sites are licensed by the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission). These sites adhere to regulations designed to protect the interests and wellbeing of gamblers, so it is important that you only ever bet at UKGC licensed sportsbooks and casinos. Playing at licensed sites allows you to manage your account settings to help restrict your gambling, and also means you can contact customer services for help and support. You can search for licensed casinos on the UKGC website.
Set your budget
Money issues are one of the most common aspects of problem gambling, so it's very important to set yourself a strict budget before you start. You can budget either daily, weekly, monthly, or annually, and this will help you keep a firm grip on your spending. Once you've planned your budget, set a deposit restriction on your account which will prevent you going over this. Only ever gamble when it is financially feasible.
Understand why you're gambling
Before you start gambling you should ask yourself why you're doing it. Whether you want to enjoy casino games, back your favourite sports team with a lucky punt, or try your chances at bingo, you should always be playing for fun. Gambling with the intent of winning money, or using gambling to provide a source of income, can potentially lead to more serious issues. If you are gambling for these reasons, then it is important to seek advice and support.
What should I look out for?
The quicker you are able to identify a potential gambling issue, the quicker you can start working to prevent or address it. There are many telltale signs which may indicate a possible issue, but they can be different for every person. Even relating to just one of these signs may indicate a habit that's getting out of hand, so you should think about taking steps to rectify the issue.
Gambling to earn money
Gambling should be used for fun, not as a source of income. It's important to remember that the odds are always in favour of the house, so being focused only on winning money can lead to chasing your losses and making bad financial decisions.
Gambling as a form of escapism
Gambling to try and block out the world or put negative issues to the back of your mind may be indicative of a potential problem. It's important to maintain a connection with reality when betting and not use it as an escape.
Feeling negative or stressed by your gambling
If betting on sports or playing casino games leaves you feeling negative, stressed or annoyed, then you should avoid these activities. Similarly, gambling when you're feeling down can aggravate these emotions.
Being secretive about gambling
Being secretive about your gambling can be a sign of a serious problem. This includes being dishonest to yourself – if you're telling yourself that you'll only place one more bet but not achieving this, you should seek support.
Losing interest in other activities
Betting should not cause you to lose interest in friends and family or affect your ability to work and enjoy social activities. If gambling has become the main or only interest in your life, you should take steps to remedy this.
Spending too much time gambling
Gambling is not an activity that you should be spending hours doing each day, particularly if this is getting in the way of your daily responsibilities. Similarly, constantly thinking about gambling is a bad sign.
Betting outside of your means
One of the clearest and potentially destructive signs of problem gambling is if your betting is causing you financial difficulties. Chasing losses, betting with money you don't have, borrowing money for gambling, and selling possessions are all warning signs.
Affecting your health
Gambling can have just as much of a negative effect on your physical and mental health as it can on your finances. Stress, anxiety and depression are all mental health issues that can potentially be caused or worsened by problem gambling.
What can I do to manage my gambling?
The common signs of a gambling issue may sound a bit doom and gloom, but sadly this is the reality for many people. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help control your gambling, and there are now more resources than ever that you can utilise to help prevent and treat gambling issues.
Identify the problem
No one starts betting with the intention of becoming a problem gambler. However, gambling can be a slippery slope, so it's important to try and identify potential issues as soon as possible.
As gambling problems often develop gradually, it can be hard to spot when exactly when things are getting out of control. As well as looking out for the signs listed above, there are self-assessment tests and questionnaires you can use to help determine whether you may have an issue.
Education
As hard as it might be to accept, in gambling the odds are never in your favour – this is the only way betting sites can make money. Having a thorough understanding of gambling, how it works, and the effect it can have on people's lives is a measure you can take to help prevent potential issues.
Make sure that you're aware of the rules and odds of casino games you're playing or sports markets you're betting on. Maintaining a realistic and informed perspective can help you better manage your bankroll and control losses.
Deposit and loss limits
An advantage of modern gambling technology is that online accounts have settings that can help you manage your gambling. One of the most helpful features is setting a deposit limit. This allows you to set your maximum deposit limit either daily, weekly or monthly, and is an easy way to control your budget.
If you're unsure about the best way to go about setting restrictions on your account, you should contact your betting site's customer services team. They will be able to provide you with advice and talk you through the process.
Take breaks
When betting on sports or playing casino games it can be easy for time to fly past without you realising how long you've been playing for. Taking breaks can help you avoid getting sucked in and spending too much money. To help with this, you can activate 'reality check' messages on your betting account to serve as a reminder of when to take a breather.
Most licensed gambling sites also offer 'time out' or 'take a break' features. This allows you to restrict your account for a short period, such as a day, week or month, so that you can't bet or play games during that period.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is a setting offered by licensed UK gambling sites which allows you to restrict or block access to your account. You can set the period of time for how long you're excluded – this usually ranges from six months to five years. The restriction can't be undone until the time period is over, so it can be a helpful tool for preventing yourself from problem gambling.
You can either exclude yourself from individual betting sites or at GamStop. This is a national exclusion service which all betting sites are required by the UKGC to join. Signing up to the GamStop self-exclusion scheme will restrict you from accessing any of the gambling sites that are part of the scheme.
What if I know a problem gambler?
If someone's gambling is affecting you
A gambling problem rarely affects just one person – if you're concerned about a family member, partner, friend or colleague, or if their gambling is having a negative impact on your life, then you should seek support. GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous provide support and services for both gamblers and non-gamblers affected by gambling.
Protecting minors
In the UK it is illegal to gamble if you are under 18 years old, and this is strictly regulated by the UKGC. All licensed gambling sites have verification processes used to identify and block underage gamblers. If you're a parent and want some extra security, filtering and parental control software can monitor and restrict access to inappropriate material.
Responsible Gambling Week
Responsible Gambling Week is an annual event that aims to promote safer gambling in the UK and Ireland – during this week, presentations, seminars and discussions are held to raise awareness of how to gamble responsibly, to highlight the safer gambling tools available, and to provide sources of further advice and support.
The initiative highlights the three key licensing objectives:
- •Ensure gambling is kept free from crime and disorder
- •Ensure gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
- •Protect children and vulnerable adults from gambling
You can learn more about Responsible Gambling Week and find information at ResponsibleGamblingUK.org, which serves as a safe gambling information hub.
Where can I get more information, advice and support?
There are a number of charities and organisations dedicated to helping people affected by gambling. These include:
GamCare
GamCare is a national charity and leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. Advisers are available round the clock via web chat and the National Gambling Helpline.
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a free service that runs local support groups where people affected by gambling can speak openly about and receive support for gambling issues.
Gordon Moody Association
The Gordon Moody Association offers advice, therapeutic support and residential courses to those affected by gambling.
GambleAware
This leading UK gambling charity provides education, support and treatment for problem gamblers and those people affected by gambling.
National Problem Gambling Clinic
This clinic provides care and treatment for people affected by gambling and aims to advance the models of treatment and therapy available to problem gamblers.
GamStop
A free service that lets you put controls in place to restrict your online gambling across all licensed operators in Great Britain.
Responsible Gambling FAQ
Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone you know needs immediate support with gambling problems, help is available 24/7.
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
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