Enjoying a flutter on a scratch card or a game of bingo on a Saturday night is a treat. It’s essential online casinos and bingo sites actively promote responsible gambling and encourage players to gamble responsibly. Any responsible online casino or bingo site should offer resources to help players stay within their limits. So, how can we practice responsible gambling, and what measures can sites implement to help players gamble within their means?
Protecting minors
First and foremost, players, by law, must be at least 18 years old to gamble and, therefore, play on these sites. You must be over 18 to gamble in a casino. The same rule applies to playing bingo in a hall. This law also applies to online casinos and online bingo sites.
Gambling sites check to make sure players are of legal age. They will show notifications stating players must be over 18 to register. Age verification checks are carried out on all players at the point of registration. Anyone trying to fund their accounts with risky payment methods will be locked out. Once further checks are done and the site confirms the player’s age, your account will be unlocked.
Online casino and bingo sites carry out checks. Parents should know what sites their children visit online. Ways they can do this are:
- Set parental controls on a child’s laptop, mobile, or tablet.
- You can set up parental filters on your home internet. This will block some devices from accessing websites unsuitable for kids under 18. Gambling sites are clearly labelled, so filtering systems can recognise and block them.
- Never leave your laptop unlocked and unattended.
It is essential to know that if anyone under 18 is caught gambling online, they may lose their winnings. They could also be reported to the police.
Setting limits
Many people play in online casinos or bingo sites for free or fun. However, once you start depositing money, it is important to spend only what you can afford. Moreover, you should only spend what you can afford to lose! This is why you can set deposit limits and loss limits.
Deposit Limits
Deposit limits let players set the maximum amount they can deposit into their accounts. A deposit limit can be set daily, weekly, or monthly. Players who want to spend a specific amount on casino games or bingo can set a deposit limit. This way, they don’t need to worry about overspending. Once they have reached your deposit limit, you cannot add extra funds to your account.
Loss Limits
Loss limits are slightly different but are still a great way to ensure players gamble responsibly. Th can be set to ensure that if you have a run of bad luck and start losing, you can’t lose more than the limit you have set. If you deposit money and win a lot of cash or bonuses, you can still protect yourself. You won’t lose everything at once if you set a loss limit. This also helps discourage players from trying to win back their losses.
You can set up loss limits by game type. Online casinos and bingo sites understand players spend more on some games than on others. You can set a total loss limit, which applies to all games. Once you reach your set limit, you cannot play anymore.
Reality checks
Many casino sites now offer reality check tools. Notifications appear on screen after a set amount of time. These alerts remind you how long they have been playing and how much money you have won or lost.
Reality checks help players monitor their gambling activity and decide whether to continue playing or take a break. Some casino sites allow players to pick how often they receive reality checks. Other sites have a set interval that cannot be changed.
Self Exclusion
If you think you need a break from gambling, you can ‘self-exclude’ from sites for a set time. If you are worried about playing too much, this option can help. Your account will be frozen. You won’t be able to play for a set time, usually at least six months.
Some sites allow you to self-exclude from certain games. For example, if players bet heavily on poker but not on slots, they will be excluded from poker. However, they can still play other games.
Some players have multiple online casino or bingo accounts. If you decide to self-exclude, you must do so at all the sites you have signed up with.
If you have self-excluded for a while, unfollow sites like Facebook or Twitter. You should install site blockers on all devices, to block access to online gambling sites.
Most self-exclusion options can be found in the ‘my account’ section of any gaming site.
Gamble Responsibly- on-site information
All reputable UK gambling sites will provide information and resources to help players gamble responsibly.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the regulatory body overseeing gambling in the United Kingdom. It has set guidelines and rules to ensure UK online casinos are safe and fair for players.
One of the main responsibilities of online casinos licensed by the UKGC is promoting responsible gambling. Clear information and resources should promote safe gambling. Online casinos licensed by the UKGC must also have systems in place to detect and prevent problem gambling behaviour.
Gamble responsibly
Gambling responsibly means seeing it as fun. Always play in moderation. It should never be a way to make money. Try to understand more about the games you’re playing and learn the odds of winning and losing. Players should never try to win back any losses. If you are depositing money, only play with what you can afford to lose.
Set deposit or loss limits to avoid spending or losing more than you can afford. Also, keep track of your deposits, winnings, and losses in your account history. One key message is that problem gamblers and all players are encouraged to set limits.
If you’re gambling online, it’s also helpful to regularly assess how you view playing. Do you gamble as an escape from reality? Has anyone criticised your gambling? Do you try to win back your losses? Or do you keep playing until you use all your money? This could include cash set aside for a birthday gift or utility bills.
Another warning sign of irresponsible gambling is skipping studying or working to gamble. Are you lying to family or friends about how much time and money you spend? Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed to spend time gambling? Have you ever stolen money to fund gambling, or when you lose, are you desperate to gamble again as soon as possible? Has gambling made you feel suicidal or depressed?
If any of the above apply to you, you might have gambling issues. It is important to take action quickly. Consider putting preventative measures in place and seek help if needed.
Help and support
If you are worried about your online gambling habits and need help, many organisations offer support.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a leading support group. It includes men and women who work together to help others with gambling problems. There are regional groups across the world, and you can find out more information by visiting www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GamCare
GamCare offers advice, information, and free counselling to help treat gambling problems. A range of services are available, including chat rooms, forums, and a support phone line. To get in contact with GamCare, call
0808 8020 133 or visit their website www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware
You may have seen the Gamble Aware logo on many online casino or bingo sites. Gamble Aware advises how to gamble responsibly, whether online, at betting shops, bingo halls, or casinos. Visit www.begambleaware.org for more information.