Online gambling has become increasingly popular, especially with the widespread use of mobile phones. Gambling can be fun, but as you probably know, it should be done in moderation. In some scenarios, however, it can be quite difficult to stop gambling voluntarily.
This is where responsible gambling programmes come into place. They are intended for gambling operators’ entire customer base because the goal is to stop problem gambling behaviours from developing in the first place¹.
The gambling industry implements responsible gambling policies that are meant to assist in controlling problematic gambling behaviours. One of the most common irresponsible gambling behaviours is “chasing losses”, basically making bigger bets to win back money you have lost. This and many other problem gambling behaviours can be prevented with the use of responsible gambling tools.
This article will explore the available tools designed to help you fight unhealthy gambling behaviours or prevent them.
Most Common Responsible Gambling Tools
Below, we’ll list and cover 5 most common tools designed to help players stay in control of their gambling:
- Self exclusion programmes
- Deposit limits, withdrawal limits, and bet limits
- Reality checks and session reminders
- Time-outs
- Loss limits
Self Exclusion Programmes
If you think you are spending too much money or time gambling, you can request to be excluded from a gambling website or multiple gambling websites. Self-exclusion programmes will take all possible steps to prevent you from gambling on websites or land-based casinos for as long as you want.
Self-exclusion tools have 2 versions: multi-operator self-exclusion tools and single-operator self-exclusion tools. Multi-operator tools allow you to exclude yourself from multiple different gambling platforms or venues at once.
Below, we’ve created an overview of several multi-operator self exclusion programmes and what they have to offer gamblers:
- GAMSTOP: This platform offers a self-exclusion tool that applies to all gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain. You will have to choose how long you want to be excluded from gambling. The minimum period is 6 months while the maximum is 5 years of self-exclusion. It takes about 24 hours for your self-exclusion to be active after you sign up.
- SENSE: You can request to be excluded from all land based casinos in the UK using SENSE. The minimum period you can request to be excluded from this website is also a minimum of six months and maximum of 5 years, similar to GAMSTOP.
On the other hand, to use single-operator exclusion tools, you would have to contact the operator directly. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the iGaming website or app
- Search for a page tagged ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Safer Gambling’
- You’ll typically find instructions on how to self-exclude on this page
To enter a self-exclusion period, you usually have to contact the customer support team that will act on your request within 24 hours. You can set the self-exclusion for up to a year, typically, but you can also make it permanent if you wish².
Deposit Limits, Withdrawal Limits, and Bet Limits
Deposit limits are tools that help gamblers set restrictions on how much they can transfer into a betting account within a set period. This implies that once the limit is reached, the bettor cannot top up his/her account until the next period begins. For instance, if a user sets a daily limit of NZ$50, they will be unable to deposit any more money into their account until the following day.
Most casinos or sportsbooks require a waiting period before you can increase your limit. This cooling-off period is meant to discourage bettors from making impulsive decisions regarding the deposit limits.
Deposit limits are different from withdrawal limits in the sense that deposit limits place restrictions on how you can top up your account, while withdrawal limits place limits on how much can be taken out of the account.
Bet limits are another type of limit-setting tool used by gambling operators to minimise problem gambling behaviours. It specifically refers to limits on the maximum amount of money that a gambler can bet on a single game or concurrent games.
Reality Checks and Session Reminders
Reality checks and session reminders are meant to protect gamblers who usually get a little bit too engrossed in casino games. The reality check serves as a reminder that informs players of how long they have been playing a session for.
It’s quite easy to lose track of time while playing casino games. When the reality check comes up on your screen and gives you details of how long you’ve been playing, you have two options. The first is to stop playing, the second is to dismiss the message and continue playing.
You have the freedom to choose the timeframes which you want to be notified of. These timeframes can range from 10 minutes to 180 minutes. This tool is only for people that are sure they can voluntarily stop gaming.
Here’s how you can set reality checks:
- Visit your iGaming site.
- Click “My account”.
- You will probably find “Safer Gambling Tools” or “Responsible Gambling” in the dropdown displayed (If not, contact support to help you navigate to the responsible gambling page on the casino site).
- Select “Reality Check”.
- Set your preferred time frame.
- Once set, you might be required to sign out and log back in before the changes will take place.
- In some situations, however, you might be required to wait a couple of minutes for the changes to take effect.
Time-Outs
Time-out refers to a self-imposed short break from gambling. High-quality online casino platforms sometimes offer this additional tool, which you can find on the Safer Gambling page. This is very similar to the self-exclusion tool; however the major difference is that you end up fully deactivating your account for a short period.
Time out periods range from 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days to 30 days, and they usually offer custom options. For example, a gambler who has a weekend getaway and does not want to place bets during the weekend can request a time-out to start on Friday 17:00 till Monday 08:00.
Loss Limits
Loss limits are similar to bet limits, as you can also set a maximum amount that you’re willing to lose within a given time frame. Once this limit is met, you will be prevented from making any more bets until the waiting period is over. This tool can be very useful in situations where you can get carried away with the ‘can’t end on a loss’ mentality.
Loss limits are very effective in protecting against the very common gambler behaviour of “chasing losses”. You should consider your financial situation before setting loss limits. You shouldn’t set loss limits that would affect your quality of life if loss is reached. Always keep in mind that gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment.
Budget and Financial Management Tools
Keeping track of how much you spend on your gambling apps is not as easy as it sounds. This is why there are budgeting tools that can help make this less of a Herculean task. GambleAware, a responsible gambling organisation, has a spending calculator that only takes a few minutes and will give you a better understanding of the time and money you spend gambling³.
This tool can help you understand how much time and money you spend gambling, and also see how else you could use that money to fund other important areas of your life. There are many free options if you are looking for a budgeting tool.
Players struggling with gambling can also use YNAB (You Need A Budget). Although this tool isn’t dedicated to gamblers specifically, its core features can be very beneficial. The process of assigning every dollar a specific purpose through zero-based budgeting can help limit impulsive spending.
Support and Counselling Options for Gamblers
Breaking free from gambling addiction usually requires assistance. Some people can stop gambling on their own, but many people need help to even acknowledge or address their gambling problems.
Statistics on this matter shows that only one in ten people with gambling disorder seek treatment⁴. In most cases, the affected person’s family is ready to offer assistance, but seeking professional help can be a lot more effective when dealing with problem gambling.
Support groups for gamblers include:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gambling Therapy
- Gam-Anon
- SMART Recovery
- Gamtalk
- Debtors Anonymous
The organisations above aim to provide a supportive environment for problem gamblers to share their experiences and work toward recovery. Gamblers Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous are 12-step fellowship programmes that offer support through meetings.
Gam-Anon provides support for family members of people with gambling problems. SMART Recovery, while not a 12-step programme, is a science-based support group for individuals looking to recover from problem gambling behaviours.
To ‘gamble responsibly’ is to gamble without experiencing any negative consequences⁵. Do not gamble under the influence. Alcohol, and drugs can significantly impair judgement, causing you to make detrimental decisions whilst gambling.
Conclusion
Self-reflection is a major first step into breaking problem gambling habits. A self-aware gambler, one who realises that they are developing gambling problems, is well on the way to recovery just by identifying the problem. We have outlined tools that can help you prevent or fight problem gambling habits.
You should seek help the moment you realise that gambling is becoming a problem, for example you find it difficult to stop, you compulsively spend more than you can afford, or it influences other areas of your life negatively. Finally, we want to emphasise that responsible gambling is a way for players to protect themselves, but also protect their finances, relationships, and their mental health.
- What Is Responsible Gambling? An Interview with Jennifer Shatley, Written and Published by UNLV.edu
- Responsible Gambling, Written by Olivia Cox, and published by betkiwi.co.nz
- Understand how much you spend, Written and Published by GambleAware.org
- What is Gambling Disorder?, Written and Published by Psychiatry.org
- What is gambling harm? Written and Published by Gambler’sHelp.com