Welcome to our responsible gambling guide. As a seasoned gambler, I know that at times gambling can lose the fun and end up being a more than costly habit, not a hobby.
I wanted to add a guide to the site that may be able to help at least one person who may have come across issues in their gambling, address them and possibly prevent a disaster from happening.
Please also see our How to apply a self exclusion guide.
Why Responsible Gambling Matters
Look, we’re all here because we love the thrill of the bet. That rush when your horse crosses the finish line first or your footy team scores in the dying minutes – it’s unbeatable. But like a good curry, too much of a good thing can leave you feeling rough. That’s where responsible gambling comes in. It’s all about:
- Keeping the fun in betting: When it stops being fun, it’s time to stop.
- Protecting your wallet: No one wants to be eating beans on toast for a month because they got carried away.
- Maintaining control: You’re the boss of your bets, not the other way around.
Firstly, The Golden Rules of Gambling
This may be like sucking eggs for some, but follow these golden rules, and you will do perfectly fine.
I compiled this responsible gambling guide to help prevent problem gambling for any of my readers, and for those who already might have an issue, to make a change and get the help they need and deserve.
- NEVER gamble what you cannot afford
- Set a limit or budget and stick to it
- Manage your expectations (expect to lose what you are betting and not win)
- Do not hang around with problem or reckless gamblers (friends and family or not)
- Only gamble when you are in a good mood, not with impaired judgment, and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Take regular breaks from gambling
- DO NOT Chase your losses
- Don’t fall for popular myths such as “my luck will change” or “if I keep spinning, the next bonus will win my money back” For example, learn to accept that gambling is not a career or something that can make you profit.
A responsible gambler:
- Gambles for entertainment purposes only
- Doesn’t rely on gambling as a source of income
- Takes regular breaks in between gaming sessions
- Sets a specific budget on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis – and sticks to it
- Sets a specific time limit for gambling on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis – and sticks to it
- Only gamble with money they can afford to lose, and treat any money lost as the cost of entertainment, and do not chase their losses
- Can take breaks of up to a week or longer without a bet
How To Assess If You Have A Problem
Gambling should be fun, and the first key indicator is if it has become something that makes you Angry, guilty, or depressed, it’s time to stop.
Should you not be able to face the prospect of a day without a gamble on slots or placing a bet on Football, for example, it’s time to seek help.
Urges to win losses back if you have lost money is a very dangerous sign that you should pay attention to. Getting deeper into debt to try to erase debt is never a good option, and the best solution is to stop completely.
Hiding your gambling from your partner is something that is not healthy and also shows guilt and confirms you probably have a gambling issue too.
Putting gambling time ahead of time with family and friends is also another key indicator; many people who have a true gambling issue will have all of these and more. If you think you have a problem, please do not worry and be drastic. There is always a solution.
This brings us to the tools that can help you overcome problem gambling, and more importantly, prevent it from happening at all in the first place.
Top Tips for Responsible Gambling
1. Set Your Limits (And Stick to ‘Em!)
Before you even think about placing a bet, decide how much you’re willing to spend. It’s like setting a budget for a night out – you don’t want to wake up the next day wondering where all your money went!
- Deposit limits: Most betting sites let you set these. Use ’em!
- Loss limits: Decide how much you’re okay with losing before you call it quits.
- Time limits: Betting shouldn’t be a full-time job (unless you’re me, of course!).
2. Never Chase Your Losses
We’ve all been there. You’re on a losing streak, and you think, “Just one more bet to win it all back.” Mate, that’s a slippery slope. It’s like trying to dig yourself out of a hole – you’ll just end up deeper. If you’re on a losing streak:
- Take a breather
- Walk away for a bit
- Come back another day with a fresh perspective
3. Don’t Bet Under the Influence
I love a pint as much as the next person, but booze and betting don’t mix. It’s like trying to ride a bike after a few too many – you’re gonna wobble and probably crash. Keep a clear head when you’re placing bets.
4. Keep It in Perspective
Remember, gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. If you’re relying on betting to pay the bills, it’s time to step back and reassess.
- Bet only what you can afford to lose
- Don’t use money meant for essentials (rent, food, etc.)
- Think of any winnings as a bonus, not an expectation
5. Know the Signs of Problem Gambling
It’s important to keep an eye out for yourself and your mates. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to take a break:
- Betting more than you can afford
- Gambling is interfering with work or relationships
- Lying about your gambling habits
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
Responsible Gambling Guide – Where To Get Help
If none of the above is working for you, it’s time to take control of your gambling, and unfortunately, this may mean you have to close all of your gambling accounts for a period of up to 5 years or more.
Speak with your partner, a friend, or family member and confide in them; sometimes just admitting you have a problem and telling people can be enough to make you go on to the next step of taking control of your life.
Gamstop – a fantastic and free service. Once registered, you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
This service can be ready to roll in just a few days and works incredibly well; it prevents you from being able to open accounts with bookmakers and casinos, and prevents these companies from taking you on as a player. Visit Gamstop here – https://www.gamstop.co.uk/ and speak to their advisors either on live chat or phone to get this sorted.
NHS – The NHS also has tools for people who may be suffering from mental health issues that have led to gambling or as a cause of the gambling addiction, visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/ for more info.
Gamcare – Get help from a real person, either via WhatsApp, Live Chat, Phone, or Facebook Messenger. They can also help you with blocking software, money budgeting, self-help groups, and help with self-exclusion methods.
begambleaware – Another great resource if you need help, visit https://www.begambleaware.org/ for help with gambling and need support, guidance, or anything else.
Your Bank – Surprisingly your very own bank can stop all gambling transactions on your account if you request them to, and if they can, why not move to a bank that can? I personally know that First Direct can do this for you if you ask, and it forms an extra layer of protection on top of Gamstop.
Focus On The Future
Now that you have set your limits and or taken control back, picture what you want to do with all the extra money you will have in the future, as you won’t be losing it all on horse, football, and slots!
Spend more time with your family, buy your wife something nice because you love her, not because you won £200 on a bet as a one-off.
Take that holiday you always wanted to go on, focus on yourself and self-improvement, and maybe one day you will be able to give it another go, but for now I hope everything goes your way you get things sorted and get your life back, please drop me an email if you need any further help I would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Thanks for reading our responsible gambling guide. If it helped you in any way, please let me know.