For most people, online sports betting and online gambling, in general, are fun activities. That’s how it should be – it should never be looked at as a source of income. Unfortunately, it is seen that way for many problem gamblers, so the industry came up with the Responsible Gambling initiative.
It is a concept that aims to help punters and players in need. Compulsive gambling is a serious problem with online betting sites and casinos, especially among the youth. The industry is doing its best to subdue it, introducing the concept of responsible betting. It aims to prevent gambling addiction by allowing players to limit their time spent at the bookies or limiting their deposits.
Betting responsibly is governed by more than one foundation and council. In many cases, governments manage it, which shows how big the problem is. If you want to bet online, you will have to act responsibly as an adult unless you want to risk gambling addiction, which can quickly destroy your life.
Gambling Addiction Causes
Gambling addiction sounds like a pretty far-fetched idea to all beginners. We see it in movies, but when you start to bet online, you’re most likely thinking, “It won’t happen to me.” The problem is that it can happen to anyone, even to the most responsible gamblers.
The thrill of winning sports bets or online casino games is too big to ignore. The reality is that we’re all thrill-seekers. Online gambling is like a drug that will suck you into its vortex if you’re not careful. Playing without a strategy is all too common these days, and that’s why many gamblers fall into the trap.
It’s not the sportsbook’s fault. Bookies are trying their best to get help to those in need. All sportsbooks have some responsible gambling policy that aims to prevent gambling addiction. The thrill of winning may be too big to ignore for some players who fall into the trap of the gambler’s fallacy and lose money fast.
Chasing your losses and believing a win is just around the corner because you’ve lost several times doesn’t mean you’ll win. Gambling is random, and so are the results. Believing that you must win is a trap many fall into, and that’s exactly why programs such as Gamcare are here to help.
How to Gamble Responsibly
A few unwritten rules will help you avoid gambling addiction’s toxic claws. Punters should stick to them to prevent gambling therapy later. If this is your first time at an online bookie and you think you won’t fall into gambling addiction, you’re wrong. It’s easy to become addicted, especially when you win several times.
Below are some examples of responsible gambling you should keep in mind if you want to avoid big problems.
- Never bet with money you can’t afford to lose: the most significant problem bettors have is betting with money they can’t afford to lose. The money market for grocery supplies, rent, or essential expenses should never be placed on sports bets or casino games. That’s one of the first telling signs of problem gambling. This money should never be in your pocket to gamble with. If you can’t keep your hands away from it, you have a problem.
- Set limits: setting deposit and loss limits for yourself is the first step toward responsible gambling. It’s a must for new players and seasoned bettors too. It would help if you stopped as soon as you’re over the limit you’ve set for yourself. Going further means spending more, in most cases, the money you can’t afford to lose.
- Never chase your losses: chasing your losses, believing that you must win your next bet, is a big problem. It’s a major step toward problem gambling and a sign that you need help. Responsible gambling laws use this example as one of their key points. If you can’t stop yourself from chasing your losses, you must seek help immediately.
- Realize that gambling should be fun: getting caught in the whirlwind of online betting is easy as emotions get the best of us all. However, you should never forget that gambling should be fun, not an income source. If you keep it that way, you won’t ever need gambling therapy.
How to Determine if You Have a Gambling Problem
Determining if you have a gambling problem is a bit hard. No gambler will ever admit to having problems – that’s part of the problem itself. However, some warning signs and symptoms show you’re too deep that you should never ignore them.
Gambling stimulates the brain in the same way alcohol or drugs do. If you don’t act on time, unexpected troubles can arise.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
There are many symptoms you should note when it comes to gambling addiction. We’ve listed the most common ones below. If you notice that you exhibit a few or all, it’s time to get help and enter gambling therapy.
- All you ever think of is gambling. You’re constantly planning how to get more money and place bets on your favorite teams;
- Small bets don’t get you excited anymore – only big money does;
- You’re feeling restless when you try to gamble less;
- You’re trying to put your losses under control, but nothing works;
- Lying to family members and friends about the extent of your losses;
- You gamble to escape problems;
- You lose your job, relationships, or work opportunities because of it.
What is the safest betting site? These are all very serious signs and symptoms of gambling you should be aware of. These warning signs should never be ignored – that’s a road to Hell. Instead, enter gambling therapy with a clear mind and let experts help you. Make no mistake – if you let it continue, you could be in for huge problems.
Compulsive Gambling
No gambler gets addicted in a day. It’s a process that can take a while, but with each passing day at a bookie or in an online casino, the addiction grows stronger. Psychologists have identified four key stages in the development of compulsive gambling.
- Winning phase: this phase begins when you hit a big win for the first time. In this case, the gambler gets super-optimistic about the chances, playing more often and risking more money. It is a non-obligatory phase of compulsive gambling. Some players don’t experience it, which brings us to the second stage.
- Losing phase: unlike the winning step, the losing phase is something all gamblers experience. It’s not a positive stage, but it is significant and pervasive. At this point, a gambler loses loads of cash which may push them into debt. It is the stage where bettors start feeling ashamed of what they’re doing, and bit by bit, they lose their relationships as well.
- Desperation phase: during this phase, gamblers are desperate as they’ve lost all control over the situation. The debt is too much to handle, and they believe the only way is to play more and score a big win. Anxiety and restlessness appear, affecting the gambler’s physical health.
- Hopeless phase: the last stage of compulsive gambling is called the hopeless phase. Most addicts will seek help before hitting rock bottom, but some may find themselves in this stage.
Compulsive gambling is a major problem that harms gamblers’ mental and physical health. The key is to seek help before the problem goes deeper. If you hit the hopeless phase, you most likely don’t have anything more to lose, which is why around 20% of gamblers attempt suicide at this point.
Getting Help for Problem Gambling
The key to problem gambling is preventing it in the first place with responsible gambling. However, if things have already gone south, gambling therapy can help. All players should keep in mind the responsible gambling tips we mentioned earlier. Those will help you stay within your limits and play reasonably and responsibly. Stick to them if you want to prevent the problem rather than treat it. If you cannot do so, programs such as GambleAware can help.
Before getting in touch with professionals, you should talk to your friends and family. Admitting that you have a problem is complex but required if you want to stop. Your loved ones will provide emotional support, one of the key factors to recovery. Tell them that you’re too deep and need their help to stop. Your friends or family can be emergency contacts you can call whenever you feel the urge to gamble.
Whenever you bet, don’t put your money down right away. Think before you bet and consider all possible outcomes. Imagine what might happen and how you will feel if you lose the bet. It can help you opt out against the stake and give yourself time to subdue the urge to bet impulsively, placing one wager after another.
If everything else fails, there’s no shame in seeking experts’ help. Seek treatment by calling professionals or contacting a betting site’s customer support team. Many offer a responsible gambling service with plenty of information on how to get help available via customer service.
Self-help gambling resources are also available online these days. Whole communities of players suffering from gambling problems are online trying to help each other, and you can easily join these groups and share your experience with players who’ll understand.
Problem Gambling Resources
If you need help to stop gambling, you should know that you’re not alone. Many special services can help you overcome the addiction, and self-help resources you can find online. The organizations you see below aim to protect gamblers in need and have already helped thousands cure their addiction.
GambleAware
GambleAware (formerly BeGambleAware) is a UK service that operates by the National Responsible Gambling Strategy. It helps confidentiality and supports those suffering from gambling addiction with numerous channels available around the clock to get in touch with.
GamCare
GamCare is another UK-based service funded by online casinos, bookmakers, and game developers. Its badge is often available in the footer of UK gaming sites for easier contact. GamCare also offers a self-assessment test that will tell you if you’re addicted and if it’s time to take action.
Gamblers Anonymous
Like Alcoholics Anonymous, Gambler’s Anonymous is a non-profit organization with an international network. You can easily find a meeting nearby or talk to someone on the 24/7 hotline for help.
The official website offers plenty of information if you prefer self-help resources more than meetings. Gamblers Anonymous often hosts responsible gambling week programs to help players learn more about the dangers of gambling and how to prevent addiction.
Problem Gambling Agencies by Country
UK
- GamCare | https://www.gamcare.org.uk | 0808 8020 133
- GambleAware | https://www.gambleaware.org | 0808 8020 133
- Gamblers Anonymous | https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk | 02073 843040
- Gambling Therapy | https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
USA
- Nevada | Nevada Gaming Control Board | (702) 486-2000
- New York | NYS Gaming Commission | (518) 388-3300
- New Jersey | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement | (609) 984-0909
- Alabama | Alabama Tribal Gaming Commission | (251) 368-1811
- Alaska | Alaska Charitable Gaming Alliance | (907) 561-4711
- Arizona | Arizona Department of Gaming | (602) 771-4263
- Arkansas | Arkansas Racing Commission | (501) 682-1467
- California | California Gambling Control Commission | (916) 263-0700
- Colorado | Colorado Division of Gaming | (303) 205-1300
- Connecticut | Connecticut Gaming Commission | (860) 713-6303
- Delaware | Delaware Gaming Enforcement | (302) 526-5850
- Florida | Florida Gaming Commission | (800) 683-7800
- Georgia | Commercial Gambling Unit | (404) 270-8491
- Hawaii | Hawaiian Homes Commission | (808) 620-9500
- Idaho | Idaho Lottery Responsible Gaming | (208) 334-2600
- Illinois | Illinois Gaming Board | (217) 524-0226
- Indiana | Indiana Gaming Commission | (317) 233-0046
- Iowa | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission | (515) 281-7352
- Kansas | Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission | (785) 296-5800
- Kansas (Tribal) | Kansas State Gaming Agency | (785) 368-6202
- Kentucky | Department of Charitable Gaming (DCG) | (502) 573-5528
- Louisiana | Louisiana Gaming Control Board | (225) 925-1846
- Maine | Maine Gambling Control Unit | (207) 626-3900
- Maryland | State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency | (410) 260-6400
- Massachusetts | Massachusetts Gaming Commission | (617) 979.8400
- Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board | (313) 456-4100
- Minnesota | Minnesota Gambling Control Board | (651) 539-1900
- Mississippi | Mississippi Gaming Commission | (601) 576-3800
- Missouri | Missouri Gaming Commission | (573) 526-4080
- Montana | Montana Gambling Control Division | (406) 444-1971
- Nebraska | Nebraska Gaming Commission | (402) 471-5729
- New Hampshire | New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority | (603) 271-3391
- New Mexico | New Mexico Gaming Control Board | (505) 841-9700
- North Carolina | NC Department of Public Safety | (919) 733-2126
- North Dakota | North Dakota Charitable Gaming | (701) 328-2210
- Ohio | Ohio Casino Control Commission | (614) 387-5858
- Oklahoma | OSF Gaming Compliance Unit | (405) 522-0906
- Oklahoma (Tribe) | Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Gaming Commission | (580) 924-8112
- Oregon | Oregon Grand Ronde Gaming Commission | (877) 419-1771 or (503) 879-2362
- Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board | (717) 346-8300
- Rhode Island | Rhode Island Lottery Responsible Gaming | (401) 463-6500
- South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Revenue | (844) 898-8542
- South Dakota | South Dakota Commission on Gaming | (605) 773-3311
- Tennessee | Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming | (615) 741-2555
- Texas | Texas Lottery Commission | (512) 344-5000
- Vermont | Vermont Office of the Attorney General | (802) 828-3171
- Washington | Washington State Gambling Commission | (360) 486-3440
- West Virginia | West Virginia Lottery | (304) 558-0500
- Wisconsin | Wisconsin Division of Gaming | (608) 270-2555
- Wyoming | Northern Arapaho Gaming Commission | (307) 332-6120
- Wyoming (Lottery) | Eastern Shoshone Gaming Agency | (307) 332-3567
Canada
- Alberta Health Services | https://www.albertahealthservices.ca | 1-866-332-2322
- Connex Ontario | https://www.connexontario.ca | 1-866-531-2600
- Quebec | https://aidejeu.ca/ | 1-800-461-0140
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission | https://www.gamingcommission.ca/ |+1 450 635 1139
- Canada Safety Council | https://canadasafetycouncil.org/ | 613-739-1535
- Problem Gambling Helpline | http://www.problemgamblinghelpline.ca
Australia
- Australian Gaming Council | https://austgamingcouncil.org.au | +61 3 9670 4175
- Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation | https://responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au | (03) 9452 2600
- Office of Responsible Gambling | https://www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au | 1800 858 858
New Zealand
- PGF Services | https://www.pgf.nz | 0800 664 262
- TAB Safer Betting | https://www.tabnz.org/safer-betting | 0800 102 106
- Ministry of Health | https://www.health.govt.nz/ | (04) 496 2000
South Africa
- Responsible Gambling | https://responsiblegambling.org.za | +27 11 026 7323
- National Gambling Board | https://www.ngb.org.za | 0800 006 008
India
- Gamblers Anonymous India | https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ | +91 8826904945
- HopeTrust | https://hopetrustindia.com | +91 9000850001
Ireland
- Gamblers Anonymous Ireland | https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/ | 01 872 1133
- Problem Gambling Ireland | https://www.problemgambling.ie | 089 241 5401
- Gambling Awareness Trust | https://gamblingawarenesstrust.ie | 00 353 1 2469595
Bangladesh
- Department of Social Services | https://dss.gov.bd/ | 1098
Kenya
- Responsible Gambling Kenya | https://responsiblegambling.or.ke/ | +254 (0) 722 892 966
- The Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya | https://responsiblegaming.or.ke/ | +254 730 000 555
Nigeria
- Gamble Alert | https://gamblealert.org/ | +234 9162957989
France
- L’Autorité nationale des jeux | https://anj.fr/ | 01 57 13 13 00
- Joueurs Info Service | https://joueurs-info-service.fr/ | 09 74 75 13 13
Germany
- Die Landeskoordinierungsstellen Glücksspielsucht | https://www.bundesweit-gegen-gluecksspielsucht.de/ | 0800 077 66 11 | 0800 137 27 00
- Check Dein Spiel | https://www.check-dein-spiel.de/ | 0800 1 37 27 00
- Fags | https://gluecksspielsucht.de/ | 0800 077 66 11
- Glücksfall | https://gluecksfall.com/ | 0800 723 87 89
Netherlands
- Gamblers Anonymous Nederland | https://gamblersanonymous.nl/ | 06 58781038
- AGOG Foundation | https://www.agog.nl/ | 0800 22 777 22
- Cruks | https://cruksregister.nl/ | 0800 24 000 22
- Jellinek | https://www.jellinek.nl/ | 088 505 1220
- Tactus | https://www.tactus.nl/ | 088 382 28 87
- Loket Kansspel | https://www.loketkansspel.nl/ | 0800 24 000 22
Italy
- The Customs and Monopolies Agency | https://www.adm.gov.it/ | +39 800 217213
- Giocatori Anonimi | https://lnx.giocatorianonimi.org/ | +39 338 1271215
- Gam-Anon Italia | https://www.gamanonitalia.org/ | +39 340 4980895
- Gambling Therapy | https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
- Gioca Responsabile | https://gioca-responsabile.it/ | +39 800 151000
Brazil
- Instituto de Apoio ao Jogador | https://www.iaj.pt/ | 968 230 998
- Instituto Brasileiro de Jogo Responsável | https://ibjr.org/
Botswana
- Gambling Authority | https://gamblingauthority.co.bw/ | +267 3957672
Ukraine
- Ukrainian Gambling Council | https://www.uagc.org.ua/ | 800330580
Ethiopia
- Ethiopia National Lottery Administration | https://nla.gov.et/ | +251 11 156 9069
Uganda
- National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board | https://lgrb.go.ug/ | +256 414231628 | +256 414231648 | 0800100090
- GamCare Uganda | https://www.gamcareinitiative.org/ | 0393 – 228819
Swaziland
- Eswatini Gaming Control Board | https://gov.sz/
Pakistan
- Responsible Gaming Foundation Pakistan
- Pakistan Youth Gambling Helpline | 1121
- The Edhi Foundation | https://edhi.org/ | +92 (21) 32413232
Tanzania
- Gaming Board Of Tanzania | https://www.gamingboard.go.tz/ | +255 22 2214500 | +255 22 2214500 | 0800 110 051
Zimbabwe
- The Lotteries and Gaming Board | https://lgb.co.zw/ | (263) 24 270 2986, 257033, 257037
Turkey
- Gençlik Destek Hattı | https://genclikdestekhatti.org.tr/ | 0850 455 00 70
Zambia
- Life Line | https://clzambia.org/ | 933
- Serenity Harm Reduction Programme Zambia | +260 976246927 | +260 970428999
Ghana
- Baks-Calmare Enclave Foundation | +233 243107705 | +233 206814666
Namibia
- The Gambling Board of Namibia | https://meft.gov.na/ | +264 61 284 2111
Hungary
- Emberbarát Alapítvány | 06 1 431 97 92
- Névtelen Szerencsejátékosok | https://gamblersanonymous.hu/ | +36 20 462 8304
- Szerencsés Segítség Közhasznú Alapítvány | 06 1 270 30 22
- Diótörés Alapítvány | 06 1 239 1420
- Játékos Barát Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság | 06 1 302 0175
- Nyírő Gyula Kórház – Országos Pszichiátriai és Addiktológiai Intézet | 06 1 451 2600
International
- International Center for Responsible Gambling | https://www.icrg.org | 978-338-6610
- Responsible Gambling Council | https://www.responsiblegambling.org | +1 (416) 499-9800
- National Council on Problem Gambling | https://www.ncpgambling.org | 1-800-522-4700
How Self-Exclusion Works
Self-exclusion is a feature available in online casinos where you can ask to be self-excluded from the site for a period set by you. It’s brilliant to do if you believe your habit is becoming too big of a problem.
In most cases, you can ‘order’ self-exclusion from the Responsible Gambling page or by talking to customer support. It’s a powerful weapon in the fight against gambling addiction and should be used if you need it.
Protect Minors from Gambling
Responsible gambling programs aren’t focused on adults only. They aim to help players stop gambling compulsively and protect minors from gambling dangers. It is especially addictive to minors who rarely realize how serious the problem can get.
Minors under 18 are not allowed in most countries – some keep the bar higher at 21. That’s done on purpose and as part of the responsible gambling guidelines. Below that age, it’s the parent’s responsibility to explain the dangers of betting and gambling to children. They shouldn’t try any form of gambling until they’re 18, when they are considered adults who are fully responsible for their actions.
Gambling Operators’ Responsibility
The responsibility of each gambling operator is to let users know about the dangers of gambling. They also need to take proactive steps to prevent the habit from becoming problematic. They do it with whole pages dedicated to this problem and trained customer service agents ready to step in whenever players need help.
What to Do if You Know a Problem Gambler
If you know someone who’s a problem gambler, you need to offer a helping hand. First and foremost, try talking to them, but never be judgmental about it. These people need help, and a critical tone or saying things like “just stop” won’t help.
If it were easy for anyone to stop gambling, addiction wouldn’t exist. Instead, hear them out and recommend good, responsible gambling programs to help them get their life back on track. As mentioned earlier, gambling can be considered the same addiction category as drugs or alcohol. You need to realize that it’s tough for these people to quit.
Responsible Gambling Summary
While responsible gambling programs rarely exist, they are here to stay now. Online gambling companies understand how big the problem is and take a proactive approach to prevent minors from gambling and adults from getting in too deep.
If you believe you need help, you can easily find self-help resources online. Better yet, your favorite betting site should have material showing you more than a few responsible gambling tips and preventing things from taking the wrong turn. Look for the Responsible Gambling badge or certificate if you’re unsure where to start. A click on it should get you where you need to be so you can get professional help when everything else fails.
We Are Open to Cooperation
We at BetZillion do our best to promote the sports betting industry as a welcoming, safe, and secure space for all. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries and/or suggestions about supporting the responsible betting & gambling initiative. Our team members will soon reach out to your request.