How to Be a Responsible Gambler
Recently updated on May 19th, 2022
If you enjoy casino games either online or at a land-based casino, then this guide is for you. Casinos are places of entertainment, but it also presents a get rich quick opportunity for others. Seeing casinos as a quick outlet to easy money can pave the way for problems that you don’t need like problem gambling behaviors and attitudes.
Fortunately, we are here to help you prevent ever going down that road. So, if you would like to know more about responsible gambling as well as get tips on how to become a responsible gambler, keep reading.
What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling refers to the ability to remain in complete control of your gambling habits. It involves taking breaks in between gambling sessions, limiting how much money you spend, as well as how long you gamble for per day/week. A responsible gambler never gambles with the rent money or money they ultimately can’t afford to lose. A responsible gambler also doesn’t treat gambling as their main source of income.
Responsible Gambling vs Problem Gambling
Is there a difference between responsible gambling and problem gambling? Good question. We’ve already briefly explained what responsible gambling is above. But problem gambling is when you clearly show signs of addiction towards gambling. Its when you cannot control how much you spend and how long you gamble for. You may find yourself spending big amounts of money while playing games, and often lose track of time. You may also have a hard time accepting losses, and never know when to stop.
How To Identify Problem Gambling
Problem gamblers might not be able to pick up that they’ve got problem, or they might be in denial about it. You may be suspecting a problem within yourself, or you may have a friend, family member or colleague that you suspect may have a problem. Here are some additional pointers to check off and lookout for in persons whom you suspect may have a gambling problem.
- Lying to people about your habits or how you spend your money
- Gambling to get out of debt or getting into debt because of gambling
- Spending less time with the ones you love and care about due to frequent gambling
- Borrowing money from friends and family for the sake of gambling
- Using gambling as an escape, or to avoid dealing with your real-life problems
- Constantly thinking about gambling and ways to make more money through betting
Tips to Help You Gamble Safely
There are many ways in which you can help yourself become a responsible gambler. We’ve shortlisted a few tips and useful advice from experts for you down below.
- Do not gamble if you know you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Do not be overly expectant of winning. Gambling is a risk, and you may never win
- Limit and place self-exclusions on yourself as much as possible.
- Take long extended breaks from gambling – weeks or months if need be
- Use gambling as a source of temporary entertainment
- Never gamble with money that you have borrowed
- Consult the casino or responsible gambling organizations immediately if you suspect that you might have a problem.
