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Responsible Gambling
& Play Safe Guide

Contents

Contents

We care about your safety!

The gambling world is growing rapidly, offering new games, exciting features and even more rewarding opportunities daily. However, whether you play at a land-based or online casino, acknowledge that this enjoyable experience involves potential risks

Gambling can lead to unhealthy habits and, for some, even to addictions. If you notice that you are spending more time and money than you planned, or if gambling starts to feel more like a necessity than a source of fun, then you'd better step back. It is good to take a step back and ask yourself a few important questions. You can also try to learn more about the gambling problems, and if needed, ask for support from family, friends or professionals.

CasinoWow is fully committed to responsible gambling. We take care to ensure you are playing in a safe environment, and our mission is to support you every step of the way! 

Take a look at our Play Safe guides, which will help you learn more about problem gambling. Before you move on to our questionnaire, it might also be useful to watch our short documentary about responsible gambling.

BET ON CHANGE is our way to offer hope and inspiration while talking about such a serious subject. It includes all points of view of problem gambling, including industry representatives, psychologists, gambling addicts and those who have already recovered from addiction. Watch it below:

1Are you playing too much?

Sometimes, it is hard to notice that activities that become part of your daily routine can become problematic. Playing online casino games can be a good example, as they are so engaging that you can easily get into trouble and develop unhealthy behaviour

Take a look at the following statements regarding online gambling. If you can answer 'yes' to any of them, you may need to contact someone for more help and information.

  • Do you find yourself preoccupied with online gambling?
  • If you lose, do you feel the need to increase your deposits?
  • If you try to cut down on how much you gamble, you become irritated?
  • Have you lied about how much or how often you spend gambling?
  • Has gambling come between you and a loved one?
  • Have you asked your friends and family for money to use for gambling?

It's important to recognise the problems that may be brewing beneath the surface of your seemingly innocent time spent spinning the reels. Ask yourself these questions and find out more.

2Have you set limits to your gambling habits?

Having the self-control to set limits is an important aspect of gambling online. Limiting how often you play, how much you're willing to lose, and how much money you can deposit into your account is of the utmost importance.

Gambling can be a fun way to pass the time or a dangerous activity that can lead to serious problems. Your habits, behaviour, and choices lead you to one option. Be smart, aware of your gameplay, and play responsibly. Setting limits is key, but sticking to them makes the real difference.

Pro tip: Take advantage of smart, responsible gambling tools! Many online casinos also allow you to set account limits, which cannot be changed once they've been triggered.

Set limits to how often you play.

3Do you take breaks while gambling?

Just like all forms of entertainment, when gambling, it's essential to step back and take a break regularly. This form of entertainment especially needs to be enjoyed in moderation

Taking a break could be as simple as stepping away from the casino frequently. Instead, go for a walk or use the time to avoid any activity that overstimulates your mind, like scrolling on your phone. If you feel like just a short break is not enough, taking one or more days away from the casino is advised or, if necessary, shutting your account for a certain amount of time.

This time away is helping you reflect on your casino experience, as well as on your gambling habits and ensure you are not in danger. It can help you prevent unhealthy habits and remain in control

In general, time away from casino games will clear your head and improve your mindset. It will give you a better perspective and eliminate impulsive decisions that can evolve into big troubles. 

Taking a break could be simple.

4Do you borrow money to pay for your gambling habits?

Borrowing money for gambling is one of the most common revealing signs of developing a gambling problem. It often leads to a cycle of debt, stress and loss of all control.

Setting limits on how much you're willing to spend can be a good way to keep track of how much you spend. Once you've run out of cash, that's when it's time to stop. 

Suppose you feel the need to consistently borrow money from family, friends, financial institutions or other available sources just to cover your gambling costs. Playing with money you don’t have is not sustainable and will lead to deeper problems, so try to pause on time and look for a way to get out as soon as possible.

If you feel like you're unable to stop yourself, you may need to ask for help.

Limits are of essence. Set your limits now.

5Responsible gambling features. Take the test.

Online casinos around the world are working to make your playing experience safer than ever before. The addition of responsible gambling features has led many to believe that online gambling is, in fact, safer than gambling in a land-based casino.

Whether or not that's true, these features could be a huge help for many players who require a little help along the way. These features include the following.

  • Deposit Limit: Activate this feature and the amount of money you're able to deposit into your account will be limited. Once the limit is reached, you'll be unable to make any new deposits for a set amount of time. These limits can generally be set for a day, week, or month.
  • Wager Limit: Similar to the Deposit Limit feature, once you max out the amount of wagering you're limited to on your favourite casino games, you'll be unable to make any other wagers. Even if you still have cash in your account, the wagering limit will lock you out for a predetermined amount of time.
  • Loss Limit: If Lady Luck simply isn't on your side, this feature can prevent you from chasing after that elusive big win and protect your pocket. If you've lost a certain amount of cash or a particular number of hands in a row, your account will be locked down.
  • Self-Exclusion: If you feel that you need help and you don't want to be tempted, activate the self-exclusion feature and you'll be locked out of your account entirely. Whether you choose to do this for a week, a month or a year is entirely up to you.

If you want to know whether or not you have a gambling problem, why not take a quick and easy test? Found at helpful websites such as GamCare, answer the questions listed, and you may just learn something new about yourself.

Once you've completed the questionnaire, reach out to an organisation that can help you when you need it most. Remember, there is no shame in reaching out for help from those who have the expertise to help you change for the better.

Remember, there is no shame in reaching out for help. We have pointed out the major limits to give you the best gambling experience.

6Organisations and ways to help

Gambling responsibly is a large focus for many online casinos now, but this wasn't always the case. Thanks to organisations such as GamCare, Lifeline, and GambleAware, online casinos are making changes to help their customers play responsibly wherever possible.

There are many organisations to reach out to when you're in need and there may be those that are specific to your country of residence.

Contact the following organisations for more information:

  • United Kingdom

Organisation(s): Gamblers AnonymousGamCare
Helpline: 0808 8020 133

  • United States

Organisation: National Problem Gambling
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

  • Australia

Organisation: Gambling Help Online
Helpline: 1-800-858-858

  • Canada

Organisation: Problem Gambling Helpline

Helpline: 1-800-463-1554

  • Netherlands

Organisation: Anonieme Gokkers Omgeving Gokkers
Helpline: 0900-2177721

  • Germany

Organisation: Gluecksspielsucht Problem Gambling
Hotline: 0800 0776611

  • Finland

Organisation: Peluuri
Helpline: 00 358 (0) 800 100 101

  • Norway

Organisation: Hjelpelinjen
Helpline: 800 800 40

  • Sweden

Organisation: Stodlinjen
Helpline: 0046 20819100

  • New Zealand

Organisation: Gambling Helpline
Helpline: 0800 654 655

    • Denmark

    Organisation: Danish Gambling Authority

    • Ireland

    Organisation: GamblingCare.ie

    Helpline: 1800 936 725

    • Greece

    Organisation: KETHEA – Therapy Centre for Dependent Individuals
    Helpline: 0030 210 9241993 – 6

    • France

    Organisation: Adictel Prevention Addiction
    Email: contact@adictel.com

    • Austria

    Organisation: Spielsuchthilfe
    Helpline: 01-544 13 57

    • Belgium

    Organisation: Gok Hulp
    Helpline: 0800 35 777

    • Poland

    Organisation: Gamblers Anonymous - Poland

    Helpline: 0048 22 635 91 91

    • Czech Republic

    Organisation: National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction

    Helpline: 0042 800 350 000

    • Estonia

    Organisation: Hasartmängusõltuvuse Nõustamiskeskus
    Helpline: 15410
    Email: info@15410.ee

    • Croatia

    Organisation: Gamblers Anonymous – Croatia

    Helpline: 00385 91 754 35 34

    • Hungary

    Organisation: Szabályozott Tevékenységek Felügyeleti Hatósága (SZTFH)

    Helpline: 0036 1 299 4000

    • Italy 

    Organisation: Gambling Helplines Italy

    Helplines: 800 921 121, 800 921 122, 800 921 123

      • Bulgaria

      Organisation: Bulgarian National Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling Helpline

      Helpline: 00359 888 991 866

      • South Africa

      Organisation: National Responsible Gambling
      Helpline: 0800 006 008 

      • China

      Organisation: Chinese Gambling Concern Inc.
      Helpline: 1800 881 663

      Some might feel ashamed or deny their issues, others could get lost on the way, but the truth is, the most important part is taking a step. Doing anything is infinitely better than doing nothing and there are many different opportunities to seek help. After all, every small step matters, and here, you can take each one in a supportive and safe space.

      In the process of creating any of our RG resources, we draw on our industry experience and consult with mental health and addiction specialists. As a result, we have gathered a few more ideas that could help or where you will be welcomed with open arms in your efforts to regain control and get better!

      • Shift your focus by finding a new favourite activity. You can try some high-adrenaline gambling hobbies as an alternative that could get you outside and change your perspective (e.g., cycling, taking trips, etc.). Another idea is to attempt to quiet down your mind by getting into a creative pastime or volunteering to connect with others.
      • To reduce stress and anxiety and help with your compulsions, you can practice meditation (or use similar techniques). There are many benefits, such as getting better at monitoring yourself and identifying your triggers. Essentially, that way, you start a conversation with yourself and really listen to what you have to say, not just numb it down.
      • Join a gambling community or a support group, as many times, the only ones who could truly understand what you are going through are those who have gone through the same themselves. Even being part of it all without taking an active stance (e.g., talking about a problem) could make you feel less alone and normalise what you are facing.

      The best thing is that a community can take the form of an online or in-person group, it can be anonymous or not. It could also be a gambling addiction app you can download to help you track your progress, set SMART goals, get tips and support to manage urges, and find a way to focus on healthier habits. Some even give out rewards or have an SOS feature that gets you immediate help.

      We tested out the majority of options online and we found some favourites. They feature working tips, tools, and resources to provide help. Players can even use them for sessions with support groups or professionals, if needed. Here's a CasinoWow-recommended list of responsible gambling apps: RecoverMe, GambleStop, Evive, GambleAware, and Gambling Addiction.

      Get more information from responsible organisations featured at CasinoWow. Take your time and learn all the information in details.

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