Responsible Gambling
Online casino games and sports betting should be fun and provide entertainment. However, for certain people, it can become addictive and cause personal problems. The good news is that many online gambling sites have tools to help keep you in control. We will explain each tool in more detail and provide links to all the responsible gambling tools available in the UK and Canada.
Responsible Gaming Tools
Many online casino sites and sports betting sites provide a number of responsible gambling tools so that all players can enjoy and play casino games safely.
These are the most common tools that are available at online casinos and sports betting sites:
- Session or Time Limits
- Setting Deposit Limits
- Self-Exclusion
- Access to Account History
- Self-Evaluation
- Cooling Off
- Temporary Suspension
Here is some more information about each tool in more detail:
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is the final option when you decide to take an extended break from gambling or just stop completely. This tool allows you to close your account for a certain amount of time which can range from between 6 months to 5 years. In some cases, at certain gambling sites, if a player self-excludes, it will be for life. When you self-exclude you will also be removed from all mailing lists and marketing communications.
Responsible Gambling and Self-Evaluation
Self-evaluation is an important part of responsible gambling. This includes an assessment form made up of a set of questions that you should answer truthfully. The questions help you to determine how much risk you are comfortable with. The questionnaire also helps you to determine whether you have a gambling problem.
Here are some of the common questions included in a self-evaluation form:
- How often do you gamble?
- Do you gamble when you have not planned to?
- How do you react when you lose?
- Have you ever put off seeing family or friends to gamble instead?
- Do you keep how much you have lost from family or friends secret?
- Do you ever chase losses?
If you have any concerns about your gambling activity, we recommend you think through these questions and seek professional help.
Deposit Limits
You can set a limit on how much you can deposit per day. The highest limits are usually around £/$200 - £/$5000 per day. You also have the option to set different deposit limits during a certain period of time. For example, you can set hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits. Never deposit more than you are prepared to lose.
Access to Account History
This allows you to keep track of all your transactions with an online gambling site. You should be able to see your deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses. Being able to see exactly how much money you have spent will allow you to make a decision on when to take a break, or how much money you have saved up. It is also important as it will show you exactly how much money you are winning and losing.
Cooling Off Period
Gambling sites allow you to take breaks from betting and playing games. During this time you will not be able to access your account or log in to the casino site. A cooling off period is a short suspension of your account. This is usually between 24 hours to 7 days.
Temporary Suspension
You can decide to take a time out or temporarily suspend your account if you would like to take a longer break from gambling. A temporary suspension can last between 30 days to 90 days.
What happens if you have a problem?
If you want help with your gambling, or have questions, there are several options available. Below we will give a short description and contact details for a number of organisations that can assist you or those you care about.
UK Organisations
Here are the organisations in the UK that can assist you with any problem gambling queries or information.
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware provides free, confidential help either online or over the phone about problem gambling. They have resources about gambling, give you advice on how to check whether you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and have lots of tips about how to stay in control. They have also produced a number of informational packets for different professionals to use to help educate people about problem gambling on a wider scale.
Visit Site: https://www.begambleaware.org/
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling. The site is operated by Gordon Moody which is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to providing support for gambling addiction. The site offers multilingual Live Chat and support groups that assist with problem gambling or helping you cope with someone else’s problem gambling.
Visit Site: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
GamCare
GamCare is a gambling support site that offers counselling to people of all ages regarding problem gambling. You can contact them through multiple options on their site. They also operate the National Gambling Helpline in the UK. They provide confidential information and emotional support across England, Scotland, and Wales. Their services are available 24 hours a day.
Visit Site: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous was started in the US in 1957 and expanded to the UK in 1964. Since then they have set up a number of meetings and groups where problem gamblers can meet and discuss their issues and get help to cope with their addiction. They offer a number of different meetings for different groups.
Visit Site: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Canadian Organisations
Gamtalk
Gamtalk is a free online support community that helps people with gambling problems share their experiences and support each other. GamTalk features chatrooms and forums for those experiencing problems with gambling to connect with one another.
Visit SIte: https://www.gamtalk.org
The Responsible Gambling Council
RGC, the Responsible Gambling Council is an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to problem gambling prevention. The RGC is dedicated to reducing gambling risks through innovation, awareness and improved safeguards.
Visit Site: https://www.responsiblegambling.org
YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Progra
The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program is a free service offering educational, preventive programs to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people.
Visit Site: https://ymcagta.org/youth-programs/youth-gambling-awareness-program
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health provides educational and self-help resources for those who want to get back in control, and the people who want to assist them with that.
Visit Site: https://www.camh.ca/
ConnexOntario
ConnexOntario is a specific service in Ontario that supports people with a wide range of mental health issues and addictions including problem gambling. They offer a wide range of services and connect people with experts and specialised service providers that can further assist them.
Visit Site: https://www.connexontario.ca/
