Casino gambling is a nice leisure activity. However, everyone who plays in a casino should remember the rules of responsible gambling, which can be seriously addictive in the worst case. In this article, we explain how to prevent problem gambling and how to get help for problem gambling.
What is responsible gambling?
Responsible gaming is the foundation on which casino gambling should be built. Gambling is an enjoyable hobby, which from time to time offers the possibility of winning, but also carries the risk of financial loss.
Playing only at licensed casinos is advisory since those casinos respect responsible gambling rules, which are not only designed for problem gamblers, but also to help prevent problem gambling from occurring. Checking casino reviews on casino comparison sites will also help you filter out untrustworthy casinos.
Online casinos are also committed to the Responsible Gaming Code and offer players a range of settings that allow them to set limits on losses and deposits. Gambling limits should always be set according to your own situation and should be such that gambling can be done without too much financial harm. Moreover, it is important to pay attention to the time spent in the casino and to ensure that gambling does not interfere with other aspects of life.
Do you suspect you have a gambling addiction?
- Do you feel guilty about the amount of money you gambled at the casino?
- Do you play for higher stakes to make the game feel more exciting?
- Do you find it difficult to stop gambling even if you have already spent all the money you have set aside to gamble?
- Does gambling cause financial problems for you or other family members?
- Does gambling have a negative impact on your work, relationships or other interactions?
- Does gambling cause anxiety or stress?
- Do you get restless if you can’t play?
- Do you feel addicted to gambling?
How to help a gambling addict?
Helping someone who is addicted to gambling can feel challenging. However, it’s a good idea to start by asking the questions above. This can also be a wake-up call for the addicted person, who may not have recognised a change in their own gambling behaviour.
Problem gambling is a serious addiction, among other addictions. Seeking help is an important step to begin recovery, even though admitting the problem may feel uncomfortable at first. There are also support sites for gamblers, where they can get daily support. Experience in support groups has been built up over many years. Through support groups it is also possible to talk to other gambling addicts, a comprehensive support network provides a good basis for the recovery process.
A legal age limit for gambling and the protection of young people
The age limit for playing is 18 years. However, if you discover that a child has created an account with the casino, there are various apps and software available to prevent access. However, the first thing to do is to contact the casino and request that the account opened for your child be closed.
Tools for responsible gambling at online casinos
Several different tools have been developed to support responsible gambling. These tools aim to promote safer online gambling and prevent problem gambling.
Deposit limit
The deposit limit is an effective way of limiting excesses. With a deposit limit, the player determines how much they can deposit into the casino, with the possibility to set limits on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Loss limit
Another effective way to limit responsible gambling is to set a loss limit. The loss limit is the amount players can safely lose to the casino. When the limit is reached, the casino software will prevent the player from continuing.
Time limit
If gambling has become a time-consuming activity or if you have a tendency to gamble excessively, you should set a time limit on your account. A time limit determines how long a player can play in a day or a week. A time limit also makes it easy to ensure that gambling does not become an obstacle to social life or work.
Pause play / Account suspension
If a player feels that they need a break from gambling or that it has become too big a part of their life, it is advisable to suspend their casino account for a limited period of time. In this case, the player will not be able to deposit or wager funds at that casino.
Recycling limit
The wagering limit may apply even if a player has only deposited between €10 and €20 into an account. The wagering limit allows the player to specify the amount they can wager via the casino’s Play button. The wagering limit ensures that the player does not, for example, gamble away any money he has already won.
Money transfer history
Casinos also allow players to have a complete money transfer history. From there, players can see all the funds deposited to and withdrawn from their account that they have made while playing.
It is also possible to see from the money transfer history if the amounts being played have started to increase and fewer winnings are being withdrawn than before. These may be the first signs of a gambling problem.
Closing a game account
It is possible to close an account when there is a problem with playing or stopping playing. If the player notifies the casino, the account may be closed so that it cannot be re-opened before the expiry of the time limit.
In the most serious situations, you should close your account permanently. Casinos may also close an account so that it is no longer possible to open a new one.
Where to get help for gambling problems?
It is possible to seek help for a gambling problem, and help is now available from a variety of places. If you feel that you need support to stop gambling, we recommend that you look at the different types of treatment available. There are several different organisations that offer help for gambling problems.
All organisations operate on an anonymous basis to lower the threshold for asking for help. Help is available on online forums, by phone, Skype and face-to-face.
Gamblers Anonymous Australian
Gamblers Anonymous has been operating in Australia for more than 60 years. They operate various programs, which treat gambler addictions. On the Gamblers Anonymous website, players can fill in a self-assessment to determine whether they are at risk of gambling addiction. In addition to online meetings, the organisation meets in several cities across Australia. Anyone can attend the meetings.
