For many people, gambling can be a fun leisure activity both off- and online. For some people, it can become a serious problem. If you would like to participate in online gambling, there are some key tips to remember to protect yourself:
Set a time limit, and stick to it.
Many gambling operators will offer a ‘reality check’ or session limit – either a reminder of how long you have been playing, or a limit on how long you can play for before you are temporarily logged out.
Set a deposit limit, and stick to it.
Operators will usually allow you to set a deposit limit within your account, so you can control the amount of money you are able to deposit either per day, week or month. Some may also offer controls so you can set a wagering limit for a specific time period, and sometimes even a loss limit. The latter means that even if you have not surpassed your overall deposit or wagering limit, you can take a break and are not encourage to chase your losses.
If you’re concerned that gambling is becoming problematic for you – if it is harmful to your or those around you – you can consider self-exclusion or blocking software to put some distance between you and gambling. If you are not sure how much gambling has become a problem for you, you might like to take GamCare’s online assessment tool. It will ask you a series of questions about your gambling behaviour. When you have finished it will give you a personalised report and advise you as to what your next steps might be.
To speak to a trained adviser who can give you more information, advice and support relating to gambling problems, call Freephone 0808 8020 133 or web chat (available 8am – midnight, seven days a week).
Free counselling is also available for gamblers and their family and friends. Find out more here.
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/self-exclusion
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/face-face-counselling/what-counselling
GamCare is the leading national provider of information, advice and support for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
