We are committed to ensuring that our readers have a safe and enjoyable experience when interacting with online gaming platforms. While gambling can be a fun and engaging activity, it is vital to approach it with caution and maintain control at all times.
Our Commitment to Safe Play
We believe in transparency and player protection. Our goal is to provide accurate information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your gambling habits. Responsible gambling means playing for fun, not as a way to make money, and only wagering what you can afford to lose.
Key Principles of Responsible Gambling
To keep your gaming experience positive, we recommend following these core guidelines:
- Set a Budget: Determine a fixed amount of money you are comfortable losing before you start playing, and never exceed it.
- Set Time Limits: It is easy to lose track of time while playing. Set a timer or a limit on how long you intend to stay on a casino site.
- Don’t Chase Losses: If you lose your budgeted amount, do not try to win it back by depositing more money. This often leads to further losses.
- Avoid Gambling Under the Influence: Never gamble if you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or if you are feeling stressed or depressed.
- Understand the Risks: Be aware that all casino games have a house edge, and winning is never guaranteed.
Recognising a Problem
It is important to be honest with yourself about your gambling habits. You may have a problem if you:
- Feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement.
- Become restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling.
- Lie to friends or family about your gambling activity.
- Use gambling as a way to escape from problems or feelings of anxiety.
Independent Support Resources
If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, or if you just need someone to talk to, several independent organisations offer free, confidential advice and support:
BeGambleAware: Provides advice and guidance on how to stay safe while gambling.
GamCare: Offers support and counselling for anyone affected by gambling harms.
Gambling Therapy: A global service providing free software and online support for those with a gambling addiction.
Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of people who share their experience to help others recover from gambling problems.
Self-Exclusion and Tools
Many international and non-GamStop casinos provide their own voluntary safety tools, such as:
- Deposit Limits: To restrict how much you can fund your account.
- Reality Checks: Notifications that remind you how long you have been playing.
- Self-Exclusion: A formal process to block your access to a specific site for a set period.
While many of the platforms we discuss operate outside the UK’s GamStop scheme, they still offer various internal tools to help you manage your play responsibly. Always review a casino’s specific responsible gambling policy before you begin playing.