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Responsible Gambling

Playing casino games should be fun and not cause stress or money problems, unfortunately this isn’t always the case. Gambling is extremely addictive and hits parts of your brain which can cause some seriously addictive behaviour which overrules all sound reasoning. Read this guide for some basic help and reach out to the sources provided for better, more tailored and professional help if you need it. Gambling can wreck you, do not let it.

Signs to Watch For

Gambling becomes a problem when you notice these changes in your behavior:

Your spending patterns change:

  • You bet more money than you can afford to lose (your wages are blitzed before you’ve paid your bills)
  • You borrow money to gamble
  • You use rent or bill money for betting

Your thoughts about gambling shift:

  • You think about gambling during work or family time
  • You try to win back lost money by betting more
  • You feel stressed when not gambling
  • You hide your gambling from family and friends
  • You boast about big wins but fail to tell anyone about the crippling overall losses

Setting Personal Limits

Safe gambling starts with clear limits. Before you play:

Set a money/crypto limit: Write down the exact amount you can spend on gambling each week or month. This amount should not affect your basic needs or bills.

Set a time limit: Decide how much time you will spend gambling. Set an alarm to remind you when to stop.

Follow deposit limits: Use the casino’s tools to set fixed deposit limits. This stops you from adding more money when you hit your limit.

Self-Control Tools

Online casinos offer tools to help control gambling:

Reality checks: Set up messages that show how long you have played and how much money you have spent.

Cool-off periods: Take short breaks from gambling. The casino blocks your access for your chosen time period.

Self-exclusion: Block yourself from gambling for months or years. The casino will not let you play during this time.

Getting Help

If gambling causes problems, these organizations provide free, private help:

United States:

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  • Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  • 24/7 chat and phone support

United Kingdom:

Australia:

Professional Support

Trained counselors help people with gambling problems. They offer:

  • Private one-on-one talks
  • Group support meetings
  • Money management advice
  • Family counseling
  • Treatment plans

Steps to Take Now

If you worry about your gambling:

  1. Tell someone you trust about your concerns
  2. Call a gambling helpline to talk with a counselor
  3. Use self. exclusion on all your gambling accounts
  4. Give someone else control of your money temporarily
  5. Join a support group to meet others who understand

Creating Distance from Gambling

Take these actions to reduce gambling triggers:

  • Remove gambling apps from your phone
  • Block gambling websites on your devices
  • Unsubscribe from casino emails
  • Avoid watching gambling streams or videos
  • Find new activities to fill your free time

Remember: Asking for help shows strength. Support services want to help without judgment. Many people have overcome gambling problems and rebuilt their lives.