Responsible gambling can sometimes feel like a dirty word for players. Nobody likes to feel judged for their hobbies. And, as the casino industry continues to grow, practices put in place by regulators can often feel like you’re being restricted by the fabled “nanny state”.
We, as gambling enthusiasts, after all, aren’t a dirge on society. We bring revenue opportunities to British companies and, for the most part, enjoy our hobby within the confines of the law. Especially here in the UK, where, if I’m honest, I feel we’ve really nailed regulation and player protection.
Having said that, it’s important to ask ourselves questions about the impact that gambling is having on our lives.
Is the industry operating beyond our expectations? Should we be worried about how this increase in gambling popularity is impacting the country? Or, as I’m inclined to believe, is the responsible gambling legislation in the UK something that should be applauded?
Because while technology is outpacing government legislation, we need all the help we can get.
There are many different factors that play into responsible gambling, from understanding the limitations of your financial situation and acting accordingly to the many independent bodies that exist to help if you feel your gambling might be getting out of control.
I guarantee that my website only recommends casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which promotes safe gaming at every turn.
How to implement responsible gambling
There are many ways you can help mitigate the negative impacts of gambling, and casino operators in the UK have a duty of care to educate and protect their customers by providing tools to help players better manage their time spent gambling online.
A key aspect of responsible gambling is making realistic decisions regarding your disposable income and setting yourself a budget for use at online casinos. By managing your bankroll effectively and sticking to the limits you set yourself, you can ensure you don’t end up betting beyond your means or with more than you can afford.
Simon Says: “The golden rule is to never gamble more than you can afford, while remembering that casino gaming is a form of entertainment, not a means to make money.”
Using safer gambling tools
UK online casinos offer a variety of safer gambling tools designed to promote responsible gambling activities and enhance your overall experience.
These measures, which are mandated by the UK Gambling Commission, help players maintain control over gambling habits and ensure that gaming remains a form of entertainment rather than a source of harm.
These tools can include deposit and loss limits, which cap how much you can deposit or lose over a specific period and time limits, so you get reminders about how long you’ve been playing.
Finally, you can set cool-off periods or use self-exclusion tools if you want to take a break from gambling platforms altogether.
Resources for further information
What’s most important, as far as I am concerned, is the knowledge that the help is out there should you need it. And, again, the UK has plenty on offer to protect players.
While there are many organisations in the country committed to assisting players with their gambling concerns, I’d like to bring your attention to two agencies: GamCare and BeGambleAware.
Both are government-approved agencies that are, above all else, committed to the protection of UK players. Contact details for both agencies are listed below:
GamCare
- Website address: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
- Phone: National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- Live Chat: Available on their website for confidential support.
BeGambleAware
- Website address: https://www.gambleaware.org/
- Phone: National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- Live Chat: Accessible via their website for immediate assistance.