Responsible Gambling
Gambling online can be fun and exciting as you watch different events unfold. However, what starts as a way to pass the time can turn into a risky experience. To help prevent this, we’ve created a short guide to help you develop good practices and recognize when your habits are becoming unsafe.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is a term used widely in the gaming industry. It refers to a series of initiatives and guidelines that online sportsbooks and casinos offer to protect you from the negative effects of gaming. Gambling sites should also provide access to appropriate support services when needed.
Like many entertainment options, gambling costs both time and money. Setting a budget and a timeframe, and more importantly, sticking to them, are the best ways to maintain control. This way, your finances or personal life won’t be affected since gaming is seen just as a fun activity.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
Here are some pieces of advice to follow before you start gambling for real money. These tips can help you avoid a negative impact on your life:
- Set a money budget and stick to it: Each time before you start gambling, decide how much money you are willing to spend. Once you reach that amount, even if you have an overall profit, stop playing.
- Set a time limit: Before you start, decide how much time you want to spend gambling. The longer you gamble, the higher your chances of losing. Therefore, set a time limit, keep track of the time, and stop when it arrives.
- Keep it fun: Pay attention to how you’re feeling. If at any time you start feeling stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed, it’s time to do something else.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while gambling makes it harder to respect your boundaries. It can also affect your ability to notice your feelings. It’s best to stay away from alcohol while gambling.
- Do not chase your losses: In the long run, the casino or sportsbook has the upper hand. Once you’ve set a limit and reached it, stop gambling and start doing something else. Trying to regain what you’ve lost often results in even greater losses.
- Take several breaks: Stopping for a few minutes every now and then while gambling helps keep a realistic viewpoint of what is happening and stay in control.
- Understand the T&Cs: Knowing the basic conditions set by the gambling site is important. For example, keep in mind the minimum deposit and withdrawal limits as well as the bonus terms. An example is the wagering requirement of a bonus that you must meet before you can withdraw any winnings.
Tools Available to Support Responsible Gambling
Licensed and audited gambling sites provide tools to help you keep your gambling in check. Here are some of the tools you’ll find to keep you safe:
Deposit Limits
You can set deposit limits that establish the maximum amount of funds you’ll be allowed to deposit in a given time frame – daily, weekly, or monthly. The gambling site won’t accept payments that go beyond the deposit limit you have chosen. This helps you stick to your budget and manage your bankroll.
Betting Limits
Unlike deposit limits, betting limits determine the most you can bet in a period, such as over 24 hours or in a month. Once you’ve reached your limit, the casino or sportsbook won’t let you wager anymore. This also helps manage your bankroll and stay within your budget.
Session Time Limits
As the name implies, you can place time limitations on how long you spend connected to your accounts. This helps you take frequent breaks and avoid spending too much time playing.
Cool Down Period
If you feel like it’s getting too much, you can contact the casino or sportsbook to set up a cool-down period. This function will not allow you to access your account for a certain period. Once this time has passed, you can reconnect as usual.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is an optional step for anyone who has noticed that their gambling is becoming addictive and harmful. This option is available at all reputable gambling sites and lets you disconnect for an extended period, typically six months or longer. During this time, you won’t receive any marketing material or be allowed to log in, deposit funds, or place any bets.
You can deactivate self-exclusion at any point, but you might need to wait for a cooling-down period to elapse. This option is typically used by those who are finding it difficult to gamble responsibly using deposit or session time limits. You can activate self-exclusion from your customer dashboard. If you need further assistance, get in touch with the gambling site’s customer care team.
Finding Help When You Need It
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reaching out for help is crucial. Several organizations in the US offer support and guidance. Each state also has its own agencies you can contact. Below are some helpful entities you can reach out to for advice and support.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program for those who recognize they have gambling addiction issues. Being part of this group and listening to others who are in the same situation can help you feel accepted and supported. Together, members strive to find the strength and assistance needed to overcome gambling.
National Council on Problem Gambling
The NCPG offers a variety of resources for people and families dealing with gambling problems. They provide answers to common questions, a self-assessment tool, and information on treatment options. A helpline is available 24/7 for anyone needing help. You can contact them by phone (1-800-GAMBLER), text (800GAM), or live chat.
Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon‘s website aims to educate the public about compulsive gambling and the psychological and financial toll it takes on loved ones and families. Here you’ll find resources, videos, meeting information, hotline numbers, and more. Gam-Anon is built on three key concepts: serenity, acceptance, and courage.
GamTalk
GamTalk provides online support for anyone with gambling problems and their loved ones. It offers community discussions and links to podcasts, self-help tools, treatment plans, and support options worldwide. A chat service is available 24/7, where you can connect with other community members.
Our Commitment to Our Readers
At topoffshorecasinos.com, we are dedicated to encouraging and supporting responsible gaming. Our guides offer comprehensive evaluations of online casinos and sportsbooks.
We also verify that the gambling sites we recommend provide a safe and fair experience. Operators must be licensed and audited by leading authorities in the gaming industry. They must also offer tools to help you avoid problem gambling and not accept underage users.
Resources for Responsible Gambling in the US
The organizations listed below provide free resources and support through calls, texts, or live chat. Each state in the US has a dedicated helpline number, many of which are available 24/7.