Keep Your Gambling Safe by Playing Responsibly

This page will discuss the topic of responsible gambling. It is exceedingly important to play responsibly to avoid the potential pitfalls that can arise when betting at online casinos.

We offer some very valuable advice for you, your friends, and your acquaintances. Even if you don’t feel as though you have a problem, those who are close to you may see one.

We Are Committed to Promoting Responsible Gaming

Online betting is an excellent way to add some extra spice to a sporting event. A bet can add an element of fun to any contest. When attending a game or watching one on television, a lot of people decide to amp up the excitement by betting with an online bookmaker or with their friends. Similarly, playing casino games like slot machines offer plenty of entertainment, but the prospect of winning also gets the adrenaline flowing.

Almost everyone has experienced the thrilling feeling of gambling at some point in their lives. However, we don’t all experience it in the same way. Some people see gambling as a harmless and simple form of fun akin to going to a movie or concert. Meanwhile, others take gambling more seriously or they see it as a way to solve financial problems. Some bettors find it a lot easier to stop or take a break than others.

For these and other reasons, we at Slotjava have an obligation to offer useful advice to those who have a problem gambling issue, those who think they might have a problem, and those who feel that someone they know is afflicted by it.

How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

Merriam-Webster defines addiction as “a compulsive, chronic, psychological, or physiological need for a habit-forming behavior or activity”. In this case, the behavior or activity is gambling.

Gambling addiction comes with a variety of unmistakable symptoms which can include some or all of the following:

• Needing to increase the amount of time and/or money you spend betting to achieve the desired effect or to gain a sense of revenge for what has been lost.
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Betting in a state of psychological discomfort such as anger or depression.
• Constantly talking or thinking about gambling.
• Noticeable changes in meaningful relationships with others at home, at work, or elsewhere
• Lying to cover up how much time and/or money you spend gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble with

Such symptoms are immensely unpleasant, but those who have had experience with gambling addiction are undoubtedly familiar with them. This applies to afflicted parties as well as those around them.

How to Deal With a Possible Gambling Addiction

If you even suspect that you may be addicted to gambling, then we strongly urge you to immediately stop betting and call the National Helpline toll-free at 1-800-522-4700. You can also visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website. They will provide you with referrals and resources in all 50 states and US territories. The NCPG is there to help 24/7 and it is 100% confidential and free.

Those who are unsure about the state of their gambling health should at least take a break from gambling for a couple of months. If the temptation to return to gambling grows too strong, then we suggest that you contact the National Helpline and even discuss the issue with family, friends, or a mental health professional.

You might not have a gambling problem, but you may know somebody who does. In these situations, it’s a good idea to calmly and delicately broach the subject with the person. If you conclude that the person may have a problem, then you can recommend they follow either or both of the paths mentioned above.

Getting in touch with the NCPG, however, is the best solution as they have the required experience and expertise to deal with these problems. You can even attend support group meetings such as Gamblers Anonymous. Coming into contact with people in similar or worse situations can give you a better understanding and clearer perspective.

Responsible Gambling Tools Provided by Online Casinos and Betting Sites

New and improved gambling regulations require operators to provide tools to help customers avoid problem gambling. We highly recommend that you take advantage of them before you start placing sports bets or playing online casino games. At most gambling sites, you can either hit the “Responsible Gambling” link at the bottom of the page or in your account profile.

Spending Limits

You can set limits on the amount of money you spend in a day, week, or month. This applies to both limiting deposits and limiting the amount you can lose. Doing this ensures that you don’t go beyond your financial capabilities which can result in a host of other problems.

Self-Exclusion

Anyone who thinks they have a problem with their gambling can voluntarily enter into a period of self-exclusion. Most American online casinos and sports betting sites give you the option of self-excluding for 30, 60, or 90 days. You can also opt for an indefinite term ranging from one to five years.

When you self-exclude, you will not be able to open a new account or access your existing account until the self-exclusion period you opted for expires. While there is no national registry available yet in the United States, many individual states have one.

Gambling Should Be Fun

Before you start betting on sports or playing online casino games, you should always ask yourself why you do it. If you do it because it’s a fun, enjoyable, and affordable way to get some entertainment, then you are on the right path. The secrets to healthy gambling entertainment are:

• Only spend what you can afford.
• Don’t spend too much time at it.

Under no circumstances should you gamble with money needed for life’s necessities and financial obligations like rent, bills, and groceries. Nor should you ever borrow money to fund gambling activity. If you can come up with a responsible gambling budget after accounting for everything else, then just make sure you stick to that budget.

Also, establishing time limits will help keep your gambling safe. Gambling should be a fun form of entertainment and an opportunity to spend a bit of time doing something different and engaging. It is merely one of life’s many pleasures.