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What is Responsible Gambling? 

Responsible gambling refers to the act of playing, betting, or wagering in a manner that is safe, controlled, and mindful of the potential risks involved. It emphasises a balanced approach to gambling and looks at it as a form of entertainment, rather than a source of income or a way to escape real-life problems and issues. The key principles of responsible gambling include: 

Signs of Problem Gambling 

Problem gambling can show itself in a variety of ways, and recognising the signs is the first step towards seeking help and treatment for yourself or others. It doesn't matter if you're a novice or veteran gambler, signs of problem gambling can appear in anyone. The consequences of problem gambling can evolve to become severe - negatively affecting relationships, mental health, the gambler's financial situation and their ability to hold down a job.  

Common signs of problem gambling to watch out for include: 

Of course, these are just some examples. Several different problem gambling signs might appear in a person, and they might be obvious, or not so. If you spot the signs of problem gambling in yourself and others, seek help immediately. We've outlined what you can do below.  

Tips for Responsible Gambling 

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility between yourself as a gambler, and the platforms that provide the games and matches you can bet on. Licensed online casinos are committed to responsible gambling to safeguard all players, and they offer several tools to help you set limits and boundaries for your play. This is why you should only play on reputable sites like these. Some of the tools available include gambling limits, time limits, reminders and more.  

Here's how you can use these tools, as well as some other key tips to make sure you gamble responsibly:  

Responsible Gambling Tools and Resources 

Sometimes though, even when you take some or all the above-mentioned measures, you might still feel you are showing signs of problem gambling. In this case, there are additional tools and resources you can consider. Let's take a look: 

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, don't hesitate to reach out to these resources for support. If reaching out by yourself seems too daunting, speak to a trusted family member or friend and ask them to help you reach out to a professional.  

Gambling is adult-only activity as it requires maturity and an understanding of the inherent risks involved when betting money. The legal age to gamble varies across regions and is typically either 18 or 21 years old. You must make sure to follow these age laws depending on where you live to maintain lawful and responsible behaviour and safeguard yourself.  

You also have a responsibility to not expose underage individuals to gambling environments or platforms. This is particularly important since in today's digital age, online gambling has soared in popularity and has become widely accessible on computer and mobile devices. 

With this comes heightened importance for parental controls to protect minors from accessing gambling platforms. These controls, integrated into many digital platforms, allow parents to monitor their children's online activities, including blocking their access to gambling websites. 

If you are a parent, you must be proactive in utilising these controls and have open discussions with your children about the potential risks and legal consequences of underage gambling. This is especially true if, as an adult, you enjoy online gambling in your free time in a home environment which you share with children. 

Monitoring your child's online activity, securing your gambling account passwords, and actively engaging in dialogues about responsible internet use can significantly contribute to preventing minors from engaging with gambling content. 

You should also take extra care if you gamble online and live in the same household with someone who is a recovering or recovered problem gambler. Have an honest and open conversation with them about gambling and set clear rules and boundaries to safeguard their recovery. For example, you might decide to not discuss online gambling with them, like your losses and wins. And you might choose to only gamble in your private study or bedroom, so as not to expose the other person to online gambling in common areas of the household. 

Together, we can ensure that gambling remains a secure and enjoyable pastime for adults and shield minors from potential gambling-related harm. 

Conclusion 

Responsible gambling needs to be at the core of any type and form of gambling to make sure the activity stays what it was always intended to be: a fun and enjoyable activity with zero negative consequences on an individual's life and health.  

As we've discussed, responsible gambling involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and maintaining a healthy balance between gambling and other activities. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, don't hesitate to seek help. Various resources are available, including self-assessment tools and professional helplines. Don't let feelings of shame or fear prevent you from reaching out. Getting help is the first step towards overcoming problem gambling, and several organisations and individuals are available, in some cases, free of charge, to provide professional support.  

As a community of gamblers, all of us here at PlatinPlay are with you in our commitment to promote responsible gambling and safeguard players everywhere.