Responsible Gambling
Revised: March 2023
Playing online casino games can be an enjoyable and exhilarating experience when done correctly.
Our mission is to assist our community in maximizing their gaming experience while also promoting responsible gambling.
We recognize that winning is always an exciting feeling, whether it’s a small amount from a poker game or a life-changing jackpot. Nevertheless, it’s critical to keep track of any losses that occur.
As any experienced and prudent player can attest, the pleasure of playing online casino games comes from the excitement of the game itself rather than the potential outcomes. This is a belief we strongly endorse.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some players may become addicted to gambling. If left untreated, problem gambling can result in significant financial, personal, and mental issues.
We are dedicated to your well-being, and so are the best online casinos available. If you believe that your gambling habits are spiraling out of control, there are resources available to assist you.
How to Gamble with responsibility
A crucial principle to keep in mind when engaging with online casinos is to always stay within your limits and not exceed them. It’s essential to approach online gambling with thoughtfulness and caution, making informed decisions about where to play, how much to spend, and when to stop. As the adage goes, failure to plan is planning to fail.
To gamble responsibly, it’s beneficial to follow these guidelines:
- Determine your betting and loss limits based on your financial comfort level, and adhere to them;
- Never resort to borrowing money to gamble;
- Establish a reasonable time limit for each gameplay session;
- Take frequent breaks throughout the session;
- Incorporate other activities into your routine instead of solely focusing on gambling;
- Avoid playing when in a highly stressful, depressed, intoxicated, or otherwise distressed state; and
- Speak with someone if you believe that your gambling behavior is getting out of control.
Underage Gambling
The law strictly prohibits gambling by individuals who are underage, and online casinos carry out routine verifications to prevent anyone under the age of 18 from participating. It’s important to recognize that while gambling can be a risky endeavor for adults, it can have severe and harmful consequences for minors. As a result, we only allow individuals who are of legal age, which is 18, to register and participate on our platform.
These measures are in place to protect individuals who may be particularly susceptible to the detrimental impacts of gambling.
Ways to identify if you are experiencing issues with gambling
Problem gambling typically does not manifest suddenly, making it difficult to recognize in oneself or others. The symptoms typically develop gradually over time, and the earlier they are detected, the greater the chances of a speedy recovery. Here are some common indicators to be aware of:
- Betting beyond your means – gambling with funds that should be reserved for essential expenses, such as rent, mortgage, or groceries.
- Increased frequency and spending – spending more time and money on gambling with progressively higher stakes.
- Chasing losses – attempting to recover lost funds or believing that one is due for a change in luck.
- Loss of enjoyment – feeling the need to gamble despite it no longer being enjoyable, and constantly thinking about the next opportunity to gamble.
- Financial desperation – engaging in risky behavior, such as borrowing, cheating, or stealing, to obtain funds for gambling.
- Neglecting responsibilities – missing appointments or commitments, calling in sick more often than usual, and being secretive about one’s whereabouts.
- Changes in personality – exhibiting frequent mood swings, appearing anxious, irritable, or depressed, and displaying manipulative or controlling behavior.
- Financial difficulties – accumulating debt and lacking a realistic plan for repayment.
- Impact on loved ones – causing distress or harm to those close to you due to your gambling.
If you identify with any of these symptoms, seek assistance as soon as possible. Taking prompt action is critical for your own health and the well-being of your loved ones. For additional information on gambling addiction, please consult the NHS website.
How to deal with a gambling problem
If you’re showing signs of problem gambling or addiction, there are several ways to step back and get the support you need. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to try reducing your gambling, quitting altogether, or seeking help from professionals.
You can take a self-assessment test offered by some gambling support organizations and online casinos to determine the presence and severity of a gambling problem. For example, GamCare’s self-assessment tool involves answering 16 statements to assess your gambling risk level.
“Reality checks” are notifications that appear in online casinos reminding you about your playtime, implemented by the UK Gambling Commission to ensure that players are alerted about the duration of their sessions regularly.
You can take a break or self-exclude from gameplay when you realize you’ve been playing for a while, giving you control over your time spent playing and the decisions you make. Online casinos are also required to offer self-exclusion options that allow you to be barred from accessing your player account for a period ranging from hours to years or delete your account permanently.
If you find it challenging to resist the temptation to gamble, you can go a step further than self-exclusion and block online casino and betting sites. You can do this by adjusting settings on your browser or operating system, or using password-protected website blockers or gambling-specific blocking software like gamban®.
If none of these methods produce the desired results or the problem is too severe for you to handle on your own, you should seek professional support. Several organizations in the UK offer support services for problem gamblers, including Gamble Aware, GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, GamAnon, National Problem Gambling Clinic, and Gambling Therapy/Gordon Moody Association.
IMPORTANT LINKS FOR REFERENCE ARE BELOW
gamban®
The best software for blocking gambling websites (including online casinos, sports betting, bingo, lotteries and any other form of betting) in the UK.
Website: https://gamban.com/
Gamble Aware
An independent charity funding research, education and treatment services to minimise gambling-related harm in the UK.
Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/
Helpline: (+44) (0)808 8020 133 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
GamCare
The leading national provider or information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
Website: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/
Helpline: (+44) (0)808 8020 133 (available Monday to Friday, 8am to midnight)
Gamblers Anonymous
A Britain-based fellowship offering various resources for compulsive gamblers, including a forum, chat room, literature and a meeting finder for locations across the UK.
Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Meeting finder: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/index.php/find-a-meeting
GamAnon
The equivalent of Gamblers Anonymous for relatives and friends of problem gamblers and addicts. A fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, partners, children or close friends and relatives of compulsive gamblers based in the UK and who have been affected by their problem.
Website: http://gamanon.org.uk/
Meeting finder: http://gamanon.org.uk/?page_id=173
National Problem Gambling Clinic
An internationally recognised treatment and research centre of excellence for those affected by pathological and problem gambling.
Website: http://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/cnwl-national-problem-gambling-clinic/
Helpline: (+44) (0)207 3817 722
Gambling Therapy/Gordon Moody Association
A charity providing advice, education and high-quality, innovative therapeutic support to problem gamblers and those affected by problem gambling.
Website: https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/
Helpline: (+44) (0)138 4241 292