Gambling can be a fun way to pass time or earn some cash, but it also has the potential for becoming an addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to stay safe while gambling and reduce your likelihood of developing an issue.
No matter if you’re new or experienced at gambling, here are six tips to ensure safety while enjoying the process.
Know the Rules
Gambling can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it also has the potential for addiction. That is why it is essential to understand the rules of responsible gambling and how to stay safe while engaging in it.
Responsible gambling policy should encompass the entire gambling industry, both land-based casinos and online casino venues. It should include signage/disclosure requirements, property restrictions, advertising regulations as well as ethical and responsible marketing techniques.
One of the most essential elements of a responsible gambling policy is prevention of underage gaming. Operators must abide by local laws that safeguard minors in their jurisdiction and offer an age verification process to guarantee players are of legal drinking age or older.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks tend to be unprotected, leaving hackers with the ability to monitor your activities on them. As a result, they present an elevated risk when playing online casino games.
That is why it is crucial to avoid public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Instead, use a VPN for protection of your bank account and other sensitive information while playing online casino games.
Stay Anonymous
No matter if you’re playing on your phone or online, it’s essential to remain anonymous. Doing so will help stop cybercriminals from stealing personal information and creating financial issues for yourself.
One popular way to remain anonymous is by using a VPN service. This can help conceal your identity, so others don’t know you’re gambling.
Another way to shield yourself from being tracked is using a prepaid card. These can be found at many places such as lottery outlets and supermarkets.
You could also join a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, which offer peer support and teach you how to live without gambling. For many people, this has proved to be a life-altering experience.
Set Deposit and Time Limits
Kindred offers its customers a host of safety features, as well as deposit and time limits to help keep them on track. These limits can be set according to calendar days, weeks or months for added peace of mind.
When these limits are exceeded, bwin sends a notification message to the user and rejects their attempted deposit. These limits form part of their corporate social responsibility agenda and aim to reduce harm caused by gambling addiction.
We found that prompting limit-setters to increase or remove their limit did not result in greater net losses compared to non-prompting customers (Table 1). Furthermore, those prompted limit-setters who chose not to adjust/remove their limit had lower gambling intensity across both intervention groups than non-prompted limit-setters.
Don’t Chase Your Losses
Chasing after losses is an unhealthy habit that can lead to serious issues, such as debt, relationship troubles and mental health issues.
Gambling can provide many with a source of pleasure, but if it’s causing more harm than good then perhaps it’s time to put an end to gambling for good.
Chasing after losses is an indication that you’re losing control of your gambling behavior. While it can be challenging to stop when feeling desperate, it is essential for keeping yourself in check before becoming too addicted to gaming.
