Responsible Gambling: What It Means and How to Recognize the Signs of Addiction

Responsible Gambling means that the player controls their gambling process, not allowing entertainment to turn into addiction. Of course, this depends to a large extent on the characteristics of a gambler, but it also plays a big role in how the casino takes care of its players.

Every casino has some set of tools of responsible gambling. It may be described in the T&C, or there may be a separate page for this. Most often:

• tips on self-control for players, what can be done in order to control their state

• general information about what the first signs of addiction are for a player, or a test for them for players

• a list of tools and limits that the casino offers to its players in order to regulate their activity

• a list of resources and tools that help parents restrict minors from accessing gambling

• a list of organizations that can help players fight addiction

What are the first signs of gambling addiction

The first thing that casinos themselves and organizations that fight addiction state on their resources is that it is easier to prevent addiction by making gambling responsible. For this, the player needs to:

• treat gambling as entertainment, and not as a way of earning money

• not try to immediately chase losses in order to win back the money that has been lost

• spend on gambling only as much as they really do not mind losing

• spend only the amount that will not affect the quality of life of the player and their loved ones

• spend on gambling only their own money, excluding any form of borrowing

• spend only free time on gambling, without harming their daily routine and work

Of course, as with any addiction, symptoms and signs can be different. And from a harmless hobby to addiction there is a very thin line. But if at least one of the following statements is true, then this is the first sign of addiction that must be fought:

• you have lost interest in work, hobbies, friends, or family because of gambling

• you lie to your loved ones in order to hide the amount of money or time spent on gambling

• you do not tell your loved ones about your passion for gambling

• you do not want to spend gambling money on anything else except gambling

• you gamble until there is no money left in your account

• you try to win back losses as soon as possible after losing

• any negative situations in life and a bad emotional state make you start gambling

• you lie to your loved ones, resort to tricks in order to get money for gambling

How to prevent the first signs of addiction with responsible gambling

Casinos often offer to set various limits so that the player does not lose control over their time and money. Some casinos suggest that the player monitors time and sums themselves, but there are casinos where these limits can be set automatically. Often this is done by sending a request to customer support or in the settings of the personal account. Usually new settings take effect within 24 hours after leaving the request or turning on the settings.

Among the limits there are often:

• limits on deposits

• limits on losses

• limits on wagers

As a rule, they can be set for time periods: a day, a week, a month. It is also possible to control the time of gambling sessions, for example, by turning on a Reality Check after a certain period of time. For example, every hour the player will receive a notification so that they do not get carried away and do not lose connection with reality.

Also, if the player realizes that they need a more serious measure, a useful option of cooling-off comes to the rescue. Casinos often state that it is possible to send a request for a break in the use of their products for a certain period. In every casino it is different, but often these are terms from 1 day to 6 months.

Measures of restricting minors from gambling

By the rules of every casino, minors are prohibited from gambling and registering. Casinos themselves have many methods of fighting this, but here the responsibility also lies on parents. It is necessary to control the access of minors to gambling sites on their own. Casinos often recommend filters and software that can help with this.

More serious measures of fighting addiction

Every casino offers the most radical measure for players — self-exclusion. Most often these are terms from 6 months, or even the possibility to self-exclude for an indefinite period. This measure will mean that the player will not be able to log into the site, re-register using the same personal data, and often even not have access to the sites that are partners of this casino. In some countries, the list of self-excluded players is kept at the state level, and once being listed there, the player will not be able to register in any legal casino in the country.

When to seek help and where

In case gambling enthusiasm has nevertheless grown into addiction and the player can no longer control themselves, it is necessary to seek additional help. First of all, the player needs to turn to their loved ones for help — because making decisions about oneself alone is always difficult. Next, it is necessary to seek professional help. In every country there are specialists and volunteer centers that help players cope with addiction. Often, the contacts of such centers are also on casino websites. In every country they are different, but most often the contacts of the following international organizations are provided:

• Gamblers Anonymous

• GamCare

• Gambling Therapy

Conclusion

Responsible gambling must be organized from both sides — the player and the casino. The casino must offer the player the maximum number of tools and information that will help them feel and be safe, and the player must realize the risk of addiction, use all available tools, and control themselves independently.