Responsible Gambling

Like any leisure time spent, gambling should be fun and done in a responsible manner. When it takes control over your daily routine, destroys your reputation and causes financial ruin it is time to seek help from a professional source. Unlike other addictions such as alcohol or drugs, it does not always have obvious outwards signs. For that reason, it is considered an addiction that easily disguised but has dangerous consequences and often called the “silent killer”. It doesn’t discriminate against gender, race or religion. It is a serious problem that could result in losing family, home, job and even lives.

Though it may not always be easy to detect a person with an addiction to gambling, there are tell-tale signs that once aware becomes much more transparent.

Most online casinos are proficient in providing the necessary information and advice to gamble responsibly. Helpful tools include:

• Self-exclusion
• Setting limits on deposits
• Parental controls
• Prevention of underage gambling
• Staff training

The legal age to gamble is predominately 18 years of age across the world. It is against the law for any child under the legal age to participate in any games to bet real money wagers. Casinos have taken great strides in preventing underage customers by requesting documents that require proof of age at either registration or at the time of withdrawal.

If you suspect your child is engaging in any gambling for money, there are preventive measures to take. Internet filter programs are available that will block sites that are for adults only. The following parental controls are available:

• www.netnanny.com - web filtering software to monitor a child’s online activity
• www.cybersitter.com - provides filtering for home, schools and businesses
• www.cyberpatrol.com - monitor, block and filter sites your child views

There are significant signs that will put up red flags of potential addiction. What to look for if you or someone you suspect may have a gambling problem:

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Obsession with gambling
• Stealing to gamble
• Financial problems
• Secretive of whereabouts
• In denial of addiction

Addiction can come in many forms and have varying symptoms. Not so obvious behavior can be more difficult to recognize called the “binge gambler”. Usually, this type doesn’t gamble on a regular basis but when they do they create as much financial devastation as those that go daily.

Gambling should never be more than a means of casual entertainment. When it is no longer fun and chasing your losses is the primary focus, it is time to quit. The first step to being a smart player is to stick to a budget. Never spend money you don’t have by getting behind on your financial obligations. Play for pleasure and not for a need to win. Don’t play to forget your problems or drown your sorrows or they will potentially get worse.

Help is available for you or for someone you may know that has a gambling problem. Contact one of the following sources for support:

• www.gamcare.org.uk
• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
• https://about.gambleaware.org/