Responsible Gambling Guide For Slots Players
When playing online slots it’s important to keep it fun. These are fast paced games where you can spend a lot in a short period of time. That makes it very important to stay in control and spend within your limits. Every slot site has tools to help with this and there are organisations out there that can help anyone who feels that they may have a problem with their gambling.
In this article we explain how to play responsibly and where to look for help if you need it.
How To Set Limits On Your Own Slots Play
Setting limits is a sensible way to establish self-control when you play slots. You may already have an idea of how much money you want to wager or how long you want to spend online. Setting these limits in your account ensures you don’t go further than you had planned.
The following tools are provided by all licensed slot sites in the UK. You will likely be prompted to use them when you register and before you make your first deposit.
Deposit Limits – the simplest way to manage your spend is to set daily, weekly and monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your account.
Spending Limits – an alternative option is to set spending limits which take into account withdrawals as well. Spend is defined as deposits minus withdrawals.
Loss Limits – losses are calculated simply as wagers minus wins. Setting a limit is a good way to avoid burning through any big wins and regretting it later. Or chasing your losses which is a bad habit to get into.
Wager Limit – you can also limit how much you stake on slots. This is a good option to control the amount of time you spend playing as well as your spend.
Reality Checks – when you open a slot game for the first time in each session you will be prompted to set a Reality Check, usually at 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. When the times up a popup will tell you. You don’t have to stop playing but it’s a chance to take a breather and come out of the zone.
Suspend Account – also known as Cooling Off, suspending your account is a way to block access to playing slots on a site for a period of time that you set. You can suspend an account for up to six weeks.
Self-Exclusion – if you don’t want to play at a casino again you can choose to self-exclude completely. Your account will be closed and you will receive no more marketing communications.
Deposit, spend, loss and wager limits can be set by day, week or month. Once you hit your limit you cannot make another transaction in that category or re-set your limit until the next time period has begun.
To use these tools you must be logged into your account. They are usually available under ‘Limits’ or ‘Responsible Gaming’. If you can’t find them, speak to a customer support agent who should be able to show you.
Signs Of Problem Gambling
Those who do develop gambling problems might not be aware that it is happening. Gambling charities advise that you should try to watch out for changes the following areas.
Behaviour
- Frequency of play – if you play more often and even when you can’t afford to.
- Chasing losses – if you try to win back money you have lost rather than stopping.
- Lying about gambling – if you hide the time and money you spend from people you know.
- Neglecting responsibilities – if you put gambling ahead of important people and events in your life.
- Borrowing or stealing – to find your betting.
- Mood swings and irritability – if you become anxious or angry when you don’t get the chance to bet.
Financial
- If you find you are borrowing money on credit cards, loans or from friends to fund your bets
- If you have to sell possessions to fund your bets
Psychological
- You feel obsessed with gambling, thinking constantly about bets
- You use gambling to escape from problems in your life
- You gamble regardless of the negative impacts it has on your life
Where To Go If You Need Help
If after reading this article you do feel like you have a gambling problem then there are many organisations where you can seek help.
GAMSTOP –
Gamcare –
Gamblers Anonymous –
Gordon Moody Association –
Gambling Therapy Helpline
