Responsible Gambling
What is responsible gambling and what is it for? Let’s find out. Responsible gambling is the practice of informed and responsible participation in gambling that is strictly regulated and enforced by licensed bookmakers. It involves understanding the potential risks associated with gambling and taking the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and profitable experience. Responsible gambling includes setting limits (the amount of which varies from bookmaker to bookmaker), as well as being able to manage finances and recognise potential gambling problems. By following a responsible gambling policy bookmakers aim to minimize harm and promote a safer gambling environment.
Responsible Sports Betting Principles
To fully ensure a safe environment when betting on sports, bookmakers adhere to the basic principles of responsible gambling. These principles are about providing a safe betting experience while minimizing potential risks to customers. The key principles of responsible gambling include:
- Setting limits on time and money spent;
- Ensuring informed decision making (by understanding the odds and potential outcomes);
- Avoiding chasing losses;
- Seeking help from the bookmaker.
Some experienced gamblers prioritize self-control, responsible money management and maintaining a safe gambling balance. By adhering to these principles, players can engage in sports betting responsibly and avoid potential negative consequences.
How Do I Know If I’m Addicted
How do you recognize that a person has become addicted to betting? Basically the signs of betting addiction can vary from person to person, but there are still a few similar signs and they are recurring. We have compiled a list of common signs that will help you recognise if you have an addiction:
- You may feel a strong urge to bet, even if it is detrimental to your financial health;
- You may find it difficult to control or stop your gambling activities, resulting in excessive expenditure of time and money;
- You may feel anxious or irritable when you are not gambling;
- You may resort to increasing the frequency or intensity of betting to achieve the pleasure of gambling;
- You may neglect other important responsibilities (work, family, etc.) because of your gambling addiction;
- Financial difficulties.
In case you recognise yourself in some of these signs, it is crucial that you seek help and support to effectively address your addiction.
What Do I Do If I’m Addicted?
In case you recognise yourself in any of the above addiction detection points, you can try to help yourself. Use the list of a few actions to overcome addiction:
- Admitting the problem. Admission that you are addicted is the first step and it’s great when the client realizes this on their own;
- Seeking support from friends or family can provide the support needed;
- Setting strict financial limits;
- Avoiding triggers that lead to betting;
- Shifting your focus to other aspects of life (hobbies or physical activity) can divert your attention away from betting.
Also in neglected and complicated cases, professional counseling or therapy should be sought. Overcoming addiction requires determination and patience.