The growth of online gambling has been a remarkable and transformative phenomenon in the world of entertainment and gaming. Over the past few years, the digital landscape has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of online casino houses, reshaping traditional gaming paradigms.
According to Gambling Commission UK, there are over 2,400 gambling operators in the market in UK, with 44 per cent adult gambling participation (UKGC stats ref Nov 2023).
One of the key drivers behind this growth is the convenience offered by online platforms. Players can now access a wide array of casino games from the comfort of their homes or on the go, eliminating the need for physical visits to traditional casinos. The accessibility factor, coupled with advancements in technology, has paved the way for a seamless and immersive online gambling experience, as well as a strict regulation and framework for gambling operators.
Just like any entertainment activity, the online casino world can get exciting and, as a result, needs responsible behaviour for a positive experience. Winning during playing can be enticing and addictive. This is why it's important to employ safe gambling practices to avert potential harm associated with it.
At Go Gambling, we care for our UK players and have come up with a comprehensive guide on safe playing practices for a healthier playing experience.
To ensure that you are practising responsible gambling, you need to have a clear understanding of what it means in detail. This involves being in control of your gaming habits and being watchful for any signs of problematic gambling behaviour. To stay in control, it is essential to have access to betting tools and strategies. Always bear in mind that a responsible player carefully considers each bet, approaches online casino gaming with a strategic mindset, and focuses on winning the jackpot.
How do you know you have a problem with gambling
If you find yourself betting above your limits and having no control, you have a gambling problem. Online gaming can be addictive, especially when you win big. This triggers endorphins in your brain making you want to play even more. These feel-good emotions can lead to addiction and this is where problems begin. Players keep playing even after losing because of chasing instant gratification. This does not happen to everyone, but it is widespread. The good news is that this problem has a solution.
The importance of gambling awareness
Being aware when gaming online is essential because it means that you are exercising caution. When you are cautious, you are less likely to lose control. It does not mean that you immediately stop when losing, it means understanding the need for responsible gambling. It means understanding what losing control means and coming up with strategies to avoid it.
Do you have a gambling problem?
Knowledge is essential when you want to avoid gambling problems. According to NHS (National Health Service) and Gamblers Anonymous in the UK, the following are signs that you might be having a gambling problem.
There could be more signs that are specific to you. If you have experienced any of the above signs you might be having a gaming problem.
How to gamble responsibly
Responsible gambling is a blend of theory and practice. You need to realise where the problem is and develop practical strategies and tips to be safe. These online gambling tips will help you be in control and make gaming fun.
1. Gamble to entertain yourself, not as a source of income
Players should consider gaming as a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Only a few people succeed in being professional gamers. Recreational gamers should not expect to reach a similar level. Therefore, casino playing should be approached with a mindset of entertainment, not with the expectation of financial gain.
2. Tracking your spending
If you do not track your spending, you will not be able to know how much you are spending on gaming. You do not have to track your spending manually. There are some trusted online casinos and betting sites that offer a breakdown of your spending, including how much you have won and lost and how much you have spent on betting. Ensure that you keep track of this regularly.
3. Set a limit in advance
Could you make sure that you set a spending limit before gaming? The main goal is to enjoy the excitement of potential profits without bypassing your set budget despite the outcome. You can also take time out when necessary. Safe and licensed online gambling sites offer you a time-out period when you need it. The time-outs can be a few hours, days, weeks, or an indefinite ban from the online casino site.
4. Block gambling transactions
If self-exclusion is not working, you can block transactions through your bank to your online casino sites. You can restrict deposits to your casino sites from your bank account.
5. Avoid gambling when drunk or angry
You are likely to make an impaired judgment when you game under the influence of alcohol or when angry. Emotional betting can lead to poor decision-making. Always make sure that you play when sober and emotionally stable.
6. Always Stick to A Realistic Strategy
No strategy guarantees winning bets, but some strategies can help you stay in control of your finances and minimise losses. It starts by limiting the amount of money you deposit on a betting site, and it has to be your cash for non-essential bills. It may also be helpful to plan to avoid gambling alone because that is when you take irrational actions. Do you want to master your online gaming through realistic strategies? Check out this guide for details.
7. Avoid Chasing Betting Losses
As a responsible online bettor, you will do yourself a lot of good if you can avoid chasing your bet losses. Chasing your losses, for instance, will set you up for bigger ones because you will become emotional when you want to regain your money. Rather than chase losses, take a break and learn from your previous errors. You can also review your budget or lower your stake until you recover losses from little winnings.
8. Never See Betting as a Way to Make Money
Staking your money at online casinos should not be seen as a “Get Rich Quick Scheme”, and if you have this mindset, you will surely know when to stop. Experts will recommend that you stick to your spending even if you hit bigger earnings or the jackpots. Over time, you will end up losing more than you earn when you stake your money on games online. You should bet for fun and to socialise online; hence, you should consider money set aside for betting as entertainment money, like the one you spend going to the movies.
9. Maximize Your Free Spins and Rewards
One way to save yourself spending more than necessary on an online casino is to maximise all free rewards, including free spins and daily, hourly, weekly, and monthly rewards. The best online casinos offer rewards right from the moment you join to the point of becoming a VIP member.
As a new member, you want to check certain things about an online casino before you sign up. You should begin by checking their updated license information. Their license suggests whether they are legit or not. You can learn more about the licensing and legality of online casinos by reading an expert guide on the subject matter.
Once you agree with the licensing check, you should check out what the online casino offers. Check if there are welcome bonuses, which may vary, but, in most cases, it can be up to 100% of your initial deposit. Check the site’s wagering account for withdrawal and if there are regular ongoing rewards for loyalty. Some sites may offer great bonuses but have ridiculous wagering requirements to cash out. Use the Go Gambling expert guide on ways to find the best online casinos based on bonuses and rewards to get the right casino for your needs.
10. Don’t Gamble When Upset or Depressed
If you are thinking of using online betting as a way of treating depression or getting relief when upset, then you are taking the wrong step. You are better off getting other kinds of help to deal with depression than gambling.
Making the right staking decision can be more difficult when you are not in the right frame of mind. Hence, it would be best if you placed your bets when your head is clear and you are in the right frame of mind. Online betting is a task; you should choose suitable games, calculate your stake, and go for your desired winnings. Avoid making irrational decisions by playing your favourite online games when you should be relaxing.
Measures UK casinos take for responsible gambling
It is your responsibility to play responsibly. However, licensed online gambling operators have a role to play. The best-paying casinos in the UK offer responsible gambling tools as required by the Responsible Gambling Council. Such tools include:
Playing casinos online should be a fun activity. This guide has given you tips on how to practice responsible gambling and how to address gambling problems when they come up. As long as you have strong self-control you will be able to enjoy the gaming experience responsibly and safely.
Final Thoughts
It's essential to understand betting limits well and know when to stop. Being disciplined is key to success, and it's a habit you need to cultivate through practice. Review your betting strategy and stick to your plan if it isn't working. Refrain from letting occasional winnings tempt you into changing your strategy or increasing your limit.
It's important to remember that there are no guarantees regarding betting. Being financially disciplined can help you minimise losses and maximise your winnings when gambling online.
It's easy to lose track of time when betting, which is why it's vital to understand responsible gaming limits. Knowing when to stop means setting a budget and sticking to it, but it also means setting limits for other triggers of irresponsible gambling. Take regular breaks, limit your use of alcohol, and track your time spent gambling, if necessary.
Go Gambling's responsible gambling blog provides more information on how to handle gambling responsibly.
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