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Responsible Gambling

Written by
Asya Prokopenko
Last updated on March 19, 2024

Many people like online gambling, but some players don't know when to stop. Our goal at Geek Gamble is to keep you safe when you have fun. We want you to have only a positive experience at the best online casinos.

Geek Gamble prides itself on being a reliable and transparent team. So we've introduced a number of steps to make our aim a reality. Responsible gaming is an important part of it. We've prepared a list of useful tools, information, tips, and websites to help you gamble responsibly.

About responsible gambling

Responsible gambling doesn't have a standard definition. It mainly means having fun and keeping your gambling under control.

Responsible gambling refers to different measures by regulators and casino operators. These actions minimize possible gambling-related harm. It includes both personal and casino limits to avoid possible addiction.

Typical casino initiatives include the setup of specific responsible gaming tools. Also. reputable online casinos offer dedicated sections that link players to responsible gambling organizations.

Fair play is equally important. Casinos get their games audited in terms of regular payouts and balanced gameplay. Responsible practice is necessary to keep gambling fun instead of becoming a problem.

How we support responsible gambling

Geek Gamble is dedicated to keeping you safe online, away from harmful websites and betting habits. To help you stay in control of your gaming, we check and rate all casinos using our rating approach.  We also recommend casinos with strict responsible gaming policies.

Honest expert ratings

We use the same standards to check gambling sites. We compare casinos by giving them equal and objective ratings. Our simple but detailed process means that each casino review follows the same steps. We examine 26 aspects in 7 categories and provide numeric rankings based on actual, measurable criteria. Our publicly available standards demonstrate that we are not just making up figures.

Safety and security priority

We carefully examine the legal status of casinos in each jurisdiction. Users may browse reviews for restricted casinos in their country. However, players will be informed of the casino's restrictions and unable to access it.

Real player reviews

We value casino players' opinions. Not all problems may be uncovered by a single player, so hearing from others is important. We analyze real player feedback from the most reliable sources. It helps other players as well as our review process.

No paid casino ranking

The following matches our transparent rating system. If everyone understands what it takes to get a good score, it would be strange if negative spots started ranking high. The highest scores in our reviews are entirely based on casino features. These cannot be changed for financial or other reasons. There's no other way to get a higher rating other than to improve the casino's quality and reputation.

Why we support responsible gambling

Betting is one of the oldest kinds of entertainment. However, the results of compulsive gambling may be dangerous for both individuals and their families.

Gambling has risks, but they are lower with available support and regulations. We want you to be safe and have a great playing experience.

Widespread problem

About 10 million people in the United States only suffer from a problem gambling habit.

Economic issues

Problem gamblers can quickly accumulate debt. They are more likely to have serious financial problems than nongamblers.

Work challenges

Problem gambling has different harmful effects at work, like reduced productivity and results.

Crime association

There is research that more than 30% of arrested compulsive gamblers had committed a robbery in the previous year. It is almost double the proportion of low-risk arrested players.

Family problems

Around half of those with pathological gambling problems reported losing or damaging relationships. Partners described many negative effects on their emotional, mental, and physical health.

Affecting underage

Up to 15% of US/Canadian youth show signs of problem gambling.

Tips on responsible gambling practices online

Although regulations exist, players take personal measures for safe gaming. Online casinos also offer materials to help clients practice responsible gambling. However, many of these tools need manual activation. Though online casinos notify users when certain limitations are overcome, the final choice lies with the players.

Set a budget

One of the key elements of gambling safely is proper budgeting. Check your income and spending and use that information. Determine how much money you can spend and potentially lose on gambling each week or month. Stick to the limit.

Avoid going after your losses

Never try to get back your losses by gambling more. This is a definite method to lose more money. Stick to the budget you created using the tips above. You should only bet with money that you can afford to lose.

Don't gamble when you are emotional

Never play if you're angry, anxious, or stressed. Doing anything when emotional may lead to wrong choices, and gambling is no exception. If you are not feeling like yourself, you should avoid gambling until you have calmed down.

Avoid casino promotions

For more safe gaming, consider unsubscribing from email newsletters. Online casino emails typically include enticing promos, bonuses, coupon codes, and special offers. Opting out allows you to escape the instant desire to take part in games.

Do not gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Alcohol, prescription medicine, and recreational drug usage (legal or illegal) affect your state of mind. It raises your chances of making mistakes. Unless you are calm and clear-headed, you will take greater risks in this changed condition.

Ask for Help

Don't hesitate to ask for help. If you are unable to cope with your gambling habits, there is no shame in seeking help. There are several resources available, and they are all free of judgment. Most nations and jurisdictions with legalized gambling have specific organizations and services.

Responsible gambling tools by casinos

Online casinos offer different tools to help you manage your gaming habits. Some provide complex systems that detect changes in your behavior. Another approach is to set controls on your spending. We suggest that you use all of the tools at your disposal to stay in control.

Deposit Limits

Self-imposed limits are quite helpful in controlling your gambling behavior. Setting deposit limitations helps you remain inside your targeted budget. The flexibility allows you to set these restrictions on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You may also restrict losses for certain games or whole platforms. Having a fixed budget before you begin gambling supports wise controlled gameplay.

Time Tracking

Responsible gambling implies using tools to set gaming session time. It also tracks the whole time you spend gambling. Similar to deposit limits, you can restrict how many hours you wish to have access to your casino account. The limits may take over a day, week, or month. When you reach your session limit, you cannot access your account until the remaining term has passed.

Self-Exclusion

Think about using free or paid gambling blockers. These tools work as blocking services for gaming. These methods block gambling websites for some time. Once installed on your browser, the program prevents access to such websites. It allows you to stick to the decision to avoid gambling.

Take a break

If you want to take a break from gambling, you can choose a temporary account suspension. Casinos usually offer preset intervals during which you can request a suspension. You may take pauses that last from 24 hours to several months. During this time, players cannot access their accounts. However, some casinos let you regulate it yourself.

What is gambling addiction

Gambling addiction is viewed as a mental health disorder. It is related to other addictions (such as drug or alcohol addiction) and impulse-control disorders (like pyromania or kleptomania).

In all of these cases, the addict is unable to stop their behavior. Even if they know that it harms themselves or others, they can't change it. Although, not everyone suffering from gambling addiction shows the same symptoms or intensity.

Gambling Addiction Signs

Identifying those who have compulsive gambling issues is not easy. The first step is to recognize signs and symptoms and seek suitable treatments.

This method may not always be evident or simple to follow, and ending the loop is difficult. The most common Indicators of increased gambling problems are listed below.

Signs

Chasing Money

The desire for rapid money often motivates real-money gaming. The idea of quickly advancing through gaming is appealing. Many gamblers see this as a solution to their issues to break relying on luck.

Keeping It Hidden

Addicted gamblers often hide their gaming activities. It suggests that the boundaries of responsible play are broken. Keeping actions hidden indicates there is something wrong.

Borrowing for gambling

Gambling continues, even when it is expensive. Players use PayPal credit or credit cards for online gambling. Getting loans to cover debts highlights a serious situation that is growing more difficult to resolve.

Symptoms

Emotional Impact

Symptoms include increased anxiety and depression. Addicted players report increased irritation and depression, and some may even consider suicide. Significant financial losses lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness.

Physical Effects

As desperation grows, players lose control of their situation. Negative emotions present notable risks. Sleep troubles, weight changes, and skin problems worsen the gravity of the condition.

Online Gambling Addiction Reasons

It is difficult to define a single cause of gambling addiction, as it is a complex phenomenon. Addicted gambling behavior is caused by several factors. Although there are connections between family gambling habits, the effect cannot be proven. Additional factors include mental health, the age at which you begin gambling, and the size of the first winning.

Biological Factors

Our personality leads us toward activities that attract and interest us. Our brain seeks enjoyable experiences and aims to make happy hormones. Compulsive gambling is influenced by genetic predisposition with certain risk factors possibly inherited.

Psychological Causes

Personal factors have a big impact on how gamblers see their world. The key motives are to relieve tension, overcome boredom, and feel the joy of winning. Persons with gambling addictions often show distorted thinking.

Social Aspects

Humans are drawn to social connection, approval, and a sense of belonging. Many casino websites offer a friendly social environment. It makes players feel like they are part of a community. If family and friends support regular gambling, it leads to increased engagement.

Gambling Myths

Believing common myths and misunderstandings leads to problems with gambling. Some people mistakenly believe they can affect their luck. They perform rituals or select certain numbers. However, taking these concepts too literally leads to serious gambling problems.

Co-morbidity

There are different risk factors that contribute to the growth of a gambling problem. Those with alcohol or drug addictions have a higher risk of developing compulsive gambling. Personality, depressive, and anxiety disorders are all linked to gambling addiction.

Problem Gambling & Addiction: Myths vs. Facts

MythFact
Gambling is only a problem if a player cannot afford to lose.Financial difficulties are a typical and significant side effect of gambling addiction. However, a problem can exist even without financial difficulties. It might, for example, lead to someone ignoring their work or relationships.
Someone who gambles just sometimes cannot be a problem gambler.A person who only gambles on special occasions, such as a trip to a casino, may miss the signals of the problem. Still, if their betting meets the criteria for compulsive gambling, there may be a problem.
Problem gambling affects just adults; children and young people are unaffected.Children and young people spend more money on gambling nowadays. They can also be affected by a close family member who is a gambler. It may indirectly influence their choice later.
Responsible people do not have problem gambling.Addiction may affect everyone and has nothing to do with the person's usual level of responsibility. Gambling may cause some irresponsible actions. Yet, this doesn't mean this person is generally reckless. It's a condition that causes loss of control.
A possible way to assist a loved one with a gambling issue is to pay off their debts. Another option is to assist them in getting out of financial problems.Though it is hard for families or friends to accept it, paying off a person's gambling debts is unhelpful. Rather than fixing the problem, it will give them the impression that they have a safety net. It might tempt them to put even more bets.

Responsible Gambling Organisations

If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, there are several services available for people seeking help. Keep in mind that one sort of treatment will not suit everyone, and multiple methods may be necessary. Options include group meetings with others in similar situations and complex therapy with specialists.

Many organizations represent responsible gaming and offer help to people fighting gambling addiction. These organizations offer information, support, and therapy services to assist people. Many casinos collaborate with these groups to promote safe gambling on their platforms.

OrganizationDescriptionWebsite
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)It is an independent non-profit organization focused on problem gambling prevention. They have worked for over 35 years to provide protection and help for gamblers. RGC offers information, guidance, and industry accreditation services.https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
GambleAwareGambleAware is part of the National Gambling Support Network. This group offers free, private, and personalized help to anyone facing gambling issues. They also provide support to those affected by someone else's gambling.https://www.begambleaware.org/
GamCareGamCare is the UK's leading provider of help for anybody with problem gambling. They offer blocking software, self-exclusion services, financial support, and self-guided materials. They also have a 24/7 hotline for instant help.https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
GAMSTOPGAMSTOP is a free online self-exclusion service. It allows you to manage your online gambling. Once registered, you cannot use gambling apps and websites licensed in the United Kingdom.https://www.gamstop.co.uk/
Gamblers AnonymousGamblers Anonymous is a community of people who share their gambling experiences. This solves their common problem and allows others to do the same. They offer several resources, including a forum, a chat room, books, and a meeting locator.https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Gambling TherapyGordon Moody provides a global service called Gambling Therapy. It offers free practical and emotional help to anyone affected by gambling. They assist people to understand problem gambling and its effects on them and their families.https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

Worldwide Gambling Addiction Hotlines

CountryResponsible Gambling OrganizationContact
Argentinahttps://juegoresponsable.com.ar/0800-333-0333
Americahttps://www.ncpgambling.org/202-547-9204
Belgiumhttps://www.gamingcommission.be/en0800-35-777
Brazilhttps://jogadoresanonimos.com.br/21-99750-3174
Canadahttps://www.responsiblegambling.org/1-866-531-2600
Chilehttps://www.scj.gob.cl/2-2589-3000
Germanyhttps://www.bzga.de/home/bzga/+49-221-8992-0
Spainhttps://www.jugarbien.es/91-571-40-80
Francehttps://anj.fr/01-57-13-13-00
Italyhttps://www.gioca-responsabile.it/index.cfm?fuseaction=EnglishVersion800151000
The Netherlandshttps://www.centrumvoorverantwoordspelen.nl/+31641622869
Norwayhttps://hjelpelinjen.no/800-800-40
Austriahttps://www.spielsuchthilfe.at/englisch.html+43-1-5441357
Portugalhttps://www.srij.turismodeportugal.pt/pt211-140-200
Switzerlandhttps://www.esbk.admin.ch/esbk/de/home.html+41-58-463-12-04
Swedenhttps://www.spelinspektionen.se/en/spelproblem1/responsible-gambling/0152-650-100

References and Sources