For many people, playing at casinos is an enjoyable pastime. Unfortunately, for some gambling can have negative impacts. Responsible gambling is about playing casino games, or making bets on sports events, for fun and entertainment. It becomes problematic when gambling is used as a source of income or when players lose more than they can afford to. If you identify any signs of addiction, there are professional bodies who can assist – there’s no shame in asking for help.
At Australia Internet Pokies, we want you to enjoy yourselves at our recommended online casinos in a safe way. Below we help you understand what responsible gambling is and recognise the signs of addiction if they arise. Our guide will show you how to set limits, where to go for help and how to stay in control.
Responsible Gaming is a concept which aims to ensure playing casino games for real money and betting on sports events are carried out in an environment where the potential for harm is minimised. In other words, betting at an establishment which allows players to set personal limits and enforces them.
Examples of how to gamble responsibly are:
It is easy to lose track of things when you’re having fun, so make sure you set yourself limits. This could be the amount of time you spend playing (set the alarm on your phone as a way of reminding yourself), or the amount of money you wager. Many casinos and payment methods will allow you to set limits, whether that’s daily, weekly or monthly, on the amount of money you deposit. Take advantage of this option to ensure you are betting safely.
We’re not all Rockerfellers, so it makes sense to set aside a budget for betting. Calculate your income and outgoings each month, and set aside the amount you feel it is OK to play with. Just as you would give yourself a budget for going out, give yourself a betting allowance.
Most importantly, you should see that playing casino games is a form of entertainment, something to do for fun not as a source of income. Casinos make money through people’s losses at the tables or on the pokies, and the odds are stacked in their favour. It is highly unlikely, unless you’re a top player on the Poker tour, that you can make a liveable income from gambling.
If you’ve made a loss, leave it at that. Throwing more money at the problem is not going to make it go away. Let it go, trying to win back your losses is not going to work.
You gamble responsibly when you know there are times to have a break. Perhaps you feel things are getting out of hand; that is the time to use the self-exclusion function. What it means is that you will not be able to log into your player’s account or place any bets. Most casinos allow you to have a temporary self-exclusion or a permanent one. Choose whichever is best for your circumstances.
Also look for a casino that has a robust self-exclusion policy. Also, they should be registered and licensed by a gambling authority. Look for the eCOGRA, GPWA and GLI logos, the registration number and authority which has issued the licence.
It is not always easy to recognise a problem until the gambling behaviour starts to have a negative impact on yours or a loved one’s life. By understanding what problem gambling is, you can take action early.
The negative impact can manifest itself in many ways, including, but not exclusive to:
If you recognise any of these signs, then it is time to get help. There is no need to feel embarrassed about asking for help, it is the biggest step you can take to address the issue.
There are7 recognised types of gamblers, but there are three which are of particular concern. If you recognise any of yours or another person’s habits in these, you should consider asking for help.
A compulsive gambler has a life controlled by gambling and money. They frequently spend too much time gambling, chase their losses, and continue to gamble despite the negative effect it is having on their life. Compulsive gambling can quickly take over all aspects of a person’s life.
Similar to a compulsive gambler, a binge gambler will chase losses and ignore any self-limitations once they start betting. However, they only binge for periods, giving the illusion that everything is under control.
Using gambling as a coping skill can lead to problems in the future. Lots of hours spent gambling in order to cope with stress can lead to addiction while struggling to maintain relationships.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are organisations which can assist. In Australia, you can count on the following:
Gambling Help Online provides free support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.
Gamblers Anonymous is a support group where people share their experiences, strength and hope with other in order to solve their common problem of gambling.
National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.
GambleAware free online or telephone support 24/7 for gamblers. Plus free, regular counselling available for individuals, a couple or family.
Relationships Australia a non-profit organisation providing a range of family and relationship services including counselling.
Lifeline a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support.
Types of Gamblers Source: TheRecoveryVillage
Responsible gambling is a broad concept whereby people gamble in a manner where the potential for harm associated is minimised. In other words, in a controlled environment, not losing more than can afford to be lost, for entertainment not as a source of income, and without negatively impacting relationships at work and home.
The signs of problem gambling include:
If you or a loved one feel there is a problem then it is time to seek help.
In Australia, there are a number of organisations you can contact to get help for problem gambling, including GambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, Gambling Help Online and the National Debt Helpline.
Gambling responsibly means taking breaks, only gambling with money that you can afford to lose, and setting limits for yourself (time and money).
Seven different types of gamblers have been identified, from casual social gambler to compulsive gambler. If you’re a compulsive, binge or serious social gambler, it means you are no longer gambling responsibly.
