There are many things that you can do – or avoid – before you develop an unhealthy relationship with gambling. Explore our best responsible gambling tips.
Online gambling industry surveys show time and time again that the vast majority of players approach their visit to a casino in a healthy way. They consider online gambling fun activity, and at the end of their session, they’re able to walk away as they do from any other form of entertainment.
But then you have a small percentage of players who are prone to addiction, gambling included. If they’re not careful, these vulnerable players may even develop dangerous gambling habits which are difficult to tackle.
The good news is there are healthy gambling habits that you can practice so that you never have to go down that slippery slope called addiction.
Learn which gambling warning signs to look out for and, if you feel that things are heading in the wrong direction, know where to turn to for assistance.
These 7 tips will help ensure that your gaming practices are kept within their limits.
Tip #1: Set Time and Money Limits
Before you start gambling online, decide with yourself how much money you’re going to spend and how long you are going to spend playing. If need be, write down the numbers.
It’s easy to get carried away, especially if you’re having a great time or you’re on a winning streak. But if you stick to your time and money limits, you’ll develop positive gambling habits.
One should always play responsibly, as it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when playing a fun game of slots.
This is also the place to remind you never to gamble with money that you can’t afford to lose.
Tip #2: Don’t Think That You’ll Make Money by Gambling
The casino always has an edge on players. That’s the way it stays in business. You may have good days and bad days at the online casino, but you should never bank on making money in every session.
You should consider gambling like any other type of entertainment (going to the movies, bowling, eating dinner out). Put money aside for this pastime, as you would any pastime. If you happen to win a jackpot while gambling, it’ll be a pleasant surprise. But leave it as that.
Tip #3: Don’t Chase Your Losses
If you’re on a losing streak, don’t let your time and money limits which you set go out the window. The worst thing that you can do is chase your losses.
The best online casino players know when to cut their losses and not to chase them. The chances are that you’ll end up losing more.
Do yourself a favor – when your money runs out, walk away. You can always come back and play on another day.
Tip #4: Only Gamble in the Right Frame of Mind
If you find that you’re gambling when you’re upset or depressed, the chances are that you are using your gambling as a means of escape from your problems.
You won’t be able to make level-headed decisions if you’re not in the right frame of mind, and your bankroll will feel the effects.
Don’t gamble unless you head is clear and you’re in a good mood.
Tip #5: Gambling and Alcohol Aren’t a Good Mix
In the same vein as Tip #4, it’s never a good idea to gamble when you’ve drunk too much alcohol. Your judgement will be severely impaired, and you may be very sorry about the decisions you’ve made once you sober up.
And it goes without saying that you should never use any other impairing substances during your online gambling sessions.
Tip #6: Take Lots of Breaks
Don’t go for hours without taking a break from your online gambling sessions. If you find yourself getting carried away, set your watch so that it goes off every half hour. Then get up to do something non-gambling related. Get a drink of water, make a phone call, or take the dog for a walk.
Taking frequent breaks is important for your mental and physical health.
Tip #7: Know Where to Find Help
If you think that you’re developing a gambling problem, then it’s time to seek help. Most responsible online casino sites will have links to gambling support hotlines such as BeGambleAware. Don’t be ashamed to reach out; you can always do so anonymously.
