Responsible Gambling: A Guide to Playing Safely
Chris Palmer
Our mission at Betcha is to keep you safe while you have fun gambling online. We want you to have the best experiences at the best casinos available worldwide. What we don’t want is for things to get out of control and for gambling to have a negative impact on you and your life. We’ve put together some useful tools, information, tips, and resources below to help you have fun while gambling responsibly.
How Betcha Keeps Players Protected
If you play for fun and within your means, we know that gambling is a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment. That’s why Betcha is committed to keeping you safe online, both from dangerous sites and from dangerous betting behaviors. To help you stay in control of your play, we thoroughly check all of the casinos we list on our site with a 20-step review process. You can also use the range of help guides we’ve created for a variety of game types to keep you informed. The more knowledge you have, the better your decisions will be, and the safer your gambling will be.
However, we understand that even with safety measures in place, addiction and problem gambling can develop and lead to a range of serious issues.
If you think you might be at risk of developing a gaming or betting problem, all of the information listed below can lead you to the information and support you need to get help.
What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling essentially means playing for fun and keeping your gambling under control.
When you gamble responsibly, you are in full control of your actions, deciding what you are playing and when, and how much you are playing with. You will have set and defined limits which you stick to, and you are not causing yourself financial or mental strain as a result of your play.
If your play stops becoming fun at any point, if you are experiencing a loss of control, feelings of depression, a strain on your finances, lying about how much you play, chasing losses, or generally having bad gaming experiences, even while trying to gamble responsibly, you are showing signs of a gambling addiction. You should find help immediately if this is the case.
Rules for Staying in the Game (Responsibly)
However you like to play, either online, via mobile, in person at a casino, or wherever else you gamble, our tips listed below will help lower your risk of developing a gambling addiction.
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Budgeting properly is one of the most important things you can do to gamble responsibly. Check your income and expenses, and use that information to decide how much you are happy to spend and potentially lose on gambling each week or month. Stick to that limit.
2. Don't Chase Your Losses
Never try to win back your losses by gambling more. This is a guaranteed way to lose even more money. If you’ve followed the above advice on budgeting, stick to that budget. You should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
3. Take Breaks from Gambling
Are you gambling more than you intended? Do you feel stressed or anxious about how much you are spending? Take a break. Taking a few days or even a week off from gambling to clear your head and reset your gambling habits will be a big help to both your mental health and finances.
If taking a break does not help, then you need to consider using gambling exclusion services to keep yourself safe. In situations like this, seeking professional advice is also recommended.
4. Be Aware of the Odds
You should always be aware of the odds when you gamble. The chances of winning are always stacked against you, so don’t expect to win every time you gamble. Understanding how house edge works and what your actual chances of winning are will help you play smarter and more responsibly.
5. Don't Gamble When You Are Emotional
Never gamble when you are angry, sad, or stressed. Doing anything when you are emotional can lead to bad decisions, and that’s true of gambling as well. If you aren’t feeling like your normal self, you should wait until you have calmed down and refocused before you gamble.
6. Do Not Gamble When You Are Under the Influence of Alcohol or Other Substances
Alcohol, prescription medication, and recreational drug use (whether legal or not) alters your state of mind, increasing your risks of making bad decisions. Unless you are calm and thinking clearly, you can, and will, take more risks in this altered state. This is a big problem when it comes to gambling as you should always be fully aware and capable of making smart choices when you play. Always let any substance you may have taken leave your system before you start to gamble.
7. Get Help If You Are Struggling
If you simply can’t cope with your current gambling habits, there is no shame in getting the help you need. There are plenty resources available, all of them judgement free. In most countries and states with legalized gambling, there are a range organizations and services offering support to anyone who has or is at risk of developing gambling problems.
If you are finding the above tips difficult to follow, that may be a warning sign for gambling addiction. We recommend taking a free self-assessment test from a safer gambling service to check your behaviours and risks of developing a problem.
Red Flags: Recognizing Problem Gambling in Yourself and Others
The truth about gambling addiction is that anyone can get it, especially if someone doesn’t gamble responsibly. If you, your friend, or a family member, enjoys gambling and you are worried about any problems developing, our list below should help you spot potential signs and symptoms:
1. Preoccupation with gambling
The person may talk about gambling constantly, or spend a lot of time thinking about it. They may also plan their day around gambling, or make excuses to go gambling.
2. Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
This is known as tolerance. The person may start out gambling with small amounts of money, but over time they will need to gamble more and more, often with larger amounts, to get the same excitement.
3. Trying to control, cut back, or stop gambling, without success
The person may try to quit gambling, but they will find it very difficult to do so. They might promise themselves or others that they will stop gambling, but they will eventually break these promises.
4. Feeling restless or irritable when they try to cut down on gambling
This is a sign of withdrawal. When a person stops gambling, they may experience physical and emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.
5. Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
The person may gamble as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. They may feel like gambling is the only way to escape their problems.
6. Chasing losses
This is when the person gambles more money in an attempt to win back money they have already lost. This is a very destructive cycle, as it often leads to even greater losses.
7. Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of their gambling
The person may lie about how much they are gambling, how much money they have lost, or where they have been. They may also try to hide their gambling from others by gambling online or at casinos that are far away.
8. Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
The person’s gambling may start to interfere with their work, school, or relationships. They may miss work or school, or they may neglect their relationships in order to gamble.
9. Asking others to bail them out of financial trouble because they gambled money away
The person may borrow money from friends, family, or even strangers to cover their gambling losses. They may also max out their credit cards or take out loans to gamble.
What to Do If You See Signs of Problem Gambling
If you are worried that a friend or family member might be developing, or already has, a gambling problem based on the list above, it is important to talk to them about it.
Avoid being confrontational where possible. Offer your support and help in finding resources and services that can provide the care they need.
If you recognize the signs in yourself, it’s important to get help immediately. Some of the types of resources you can turn to based on personal preference and location include:
Gambling addiction treatment programs
These programs can provide you with the support and treatment you need to overcome your addiction.
Gambling hotlines
These hotlines can provide you with information and support about problem gambling.
Gambling counseling services
These services can help you understand your gambling behavior and develop strategies to manage it.
Gambling support groups
These groups can provide you with support from people who understand what you’re going through.
Finding Professional Support for Gambling Addiction
Self-exclusion and blocking tools are vital when it comes to battling and controlling gambling addiction. However, another big part of responsible gambling is seeking professional help and support from experts trained to identify problem gambling and suggest treatment options tailored to your needs.
When you are ready for more tailored advice and to speak to someone in person, most countries with regulated gambling industries have a wide range of help and support options available. To help you find the support you need, we’ve listed some of the most useful resources below:
National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1972 to prevent and treat problem gambling across the US. They provide educational, preventative, treatment, and research resources to individuals, families, and communities affected by gambling addiction. The NCPG also operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network, which provides 24/7 confidential help to those seeking assistance with gambling problems.
- Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- National Problem Gambling Helpline (24/7): 1-800-522-4700
- Chat (24/7): 1800gamblerchat.org
- Text (24/7): Text “800GAM” to 800426
- Other services: National Conference on Problem Gambling, Problem Gambling Awareness Month, ResponsiblePlay.org, Veteran support program
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous has been supporting those struggling with gambling addiction since their first meeting in Los Angeles, California, in 1957. Their internationally recognized program offers a variety of useful resources for people fighting gambling addiction and includes meetings, phone support, and virtual support options.
- Website: https://gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
- Phone (office): (909) 931-9056
- Hotlines: US state hotlines
- Meetings: US meeting finder
- Other options: Conference calls, Virtual meetings, Self-assessment
Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon is a support group for the friends and family members of problem gamblers. They offer a safe and confidential space for people to share their experiences and get support from others who understand what they are going through. They offer meetings, telephone and email support, a sponsorship program, budget meetings, and more.
- Website: https://www.gam-anon.org/
- Email: gamanonoffice@gam-anon.org
- Phone: 718-352-1671
- Other options: US meeting directory
GamTalk
Gamtalk is an online, community led resource for people who are struggling with gambling problems. They offer information on responsible gambling, interviews with experts, and stories from people who have overcome gambling problems, with community based features and chat options.
- Website: https://www.gamtalk.org/
- Chat: https://www.gamtalk.org/online-chat/
- Other options: Community support wall
How to Protect Children from Gambling
While it is illegal for children to gamble in most countries, it’s important to teach them about gambling and how to keep themselves safe if they decide to play when legally allowed to do so. If you’re unsure how to start and what you can do to protect them, we’ve made a list of steps you can take:
Talk to your children about gambling
Explain to them what gambling is, and why it can be both a fun and enjoyable pastime while also potentially being harmful. Talk to them about the risks of gambling, such as losing money, getting into debt, and developing a gambling addiction.
Set a good example.
If you gamble, make sure that you do so responsibly. Don’t gamble more than you can afford to lose, and don’t let gambling interfere with your work, school, or relationships. Always prioritize the needs of your child over any gambling related activity.
Monitor your children's online activity
Be aware of the websites that your children are visiting, and the games that they are playing. Many online games now include gambling elements, and it’s important to be aware of these so that you can talk to your children about them.
Talk to your children about the dangers of loot boxes
Related to monitoring online activity, it’s important to address loot boxes in video games. These are a type of in-game purchase that gives players a random chance of winning a prize. Loot boxes have been linked to gambling addiction, and it’s important to talk to your children about the risks before they start buying them.
Teach your children about financial responsibility
Help them to understand the value of money, and how to make wise financial decisions. This will help them to avoid getting into debt, and to make better choices about gambling.
Use blocking tools to add a layer of protection
Using tools such as parental control software to block potentially harmful sites from being accessed by children is a great way to help protect kids from problem gambling. While the industry is regulated and most markets have legal minimum age requirements for gambling, unregulated and unsafe sites exist. By installing blocking tools you can keep your child from accessing these sites in the first place.
Be supportive
If you are concerned that your child may be at risk of developing, or have already developed, a gambling problem, be supportive and offer your help. There are many resources available to help children and families who are struggling with gambling problems and can be a big help when dealing with the issue.
Stay informed
You should always take it upon yourself to know the status of gambling in your country or region. While regulated in some places, it’s still unregulated in others. Some countries have higher legal minimum ages for gambling than others. Keeping yourself updated on what’s going on means you can pass accurate information to your child to keep them safe.
Keeping College Gambling Under Control
One of the more worrying recent trends in the gambling industry is the rate college students are turning to gambling as an option for paying student loans and other fees associated with student life.
While there is nothing wrong with legal aged adults gambling if they have the funds set aside to allow them to do so, the behavior of relying on winning to pay off debts can become a dangerous pattern if not kept in check.
One of the major risks of developing gambling addiction is becoming reliant on winning as a regular source of income. If you are a college student currently exhibiting this behavior, it is worth taking regular assessments to check you aren’t developing a problem, to keep clear budgets and times for gambling, and to get help as soon as you think you might be developing a problem with your gambling habits.
Tools That Actually Help: Self-Exclusion & Blocking Software
Once someone has developed an addiction, unfortunately, there’s no real “cure” – you can only manage the problem.
To help you keep on top of things, there are lots of self-exclusion tools and blocking software options available for you to install on your devices as a key part of responsible gambling.
These tools can stop you from registering with a new casino or sports betting site, and prevent you from accessing existing accounts if you’re already registered. Blocking software should prevent your device from being able to visit gambling sites completely.
The best tools and software can also provide support to anyone struggling with gambling addiction. Some offer access to resources such as counseling and financial assistance. This can help people to overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, there are many reputable resources available to help. You can talk to a doctor, a therapist, or a gambling addiction support organization to get the help you need.
If you need help, please check the list of some of the most highly recommended self-exclusion, blocking tools, and general support options below.
Remember: it’s vital to find the service that works best for you.
Gambling Website Blocking Tools
BetBlocker
An app that is available free for everyone, everywhere, BetBlocker stops you accessing gambling websites full stop. It can be used anonymously, takes only a couple of minutes to install, runs quietly in the background, and prevents access to over 85,400 gambling websites.
Gamban
Gamban provides international coverage and automatically adds new gambling websites and apps to the block list. While it’s not a free service, the price plans are reasonable with the choice between a monthly and annual subscription based on your needs. It’s also important to note that Gamban can’t be used to block gambling commercials, financial investment sites, adult content, sports statistics platforms, or loot boxes, but it is compatible across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices.
GamBlock
GamBlock is a pricey but strong option when it comes to blocking gambling websites, especially when it comes to protecting children. You can’t get around it with VPNs or Tor, and it blocks both websites and apps on mobile devices, even surviving factory resets of devices. If you can afford the cost and want a permanent option, GamBlock is worth considering.
Gambling is NOT Income.
Gambling can be a fun form of entertainment when done responsibly. But if it’s no longer fun, if you’re losing control, or if it’s causing harm, please reach out for help. You’re not alone, and support is available 24/7.
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, don’t wait. Call, text, or chat now.
