If it’s no longer just a game - It may be time to stop

What is Safer Gambling?

Gambling is a popular form of entertainment that can be a lot of fun, and most people who gamble do so safely. But for some, gambling can be harmful not only to themselves but also to their families, friends, and communities. To protect gamblers from the risks associated with betting, the UK government passed the Safer Gambling legislation. This act is enforced by gambling regulators and requires online and land gambling providers to commit to a broad range of policies and actions.

Policies and actions include:

• Preventing underage gambling: you must produce an ID showing you are older than 18 before being allowed to bet.
• Ethical marketing: gambling providers must not target vulnerable people and should also and should also include warnings of the dangers associated with gambling.
• Secure betting payments: your deposits and withdrawals must be kept safe through the use of trusted payment gateways, e.g. PayPal, VISA, Skrill and other major providers.
• Keeping gambler’s data private: the EU’s GDPR law regulates the safe handling of sensitive information. This includes proof of address, photo ID, and banking details.
• Protecting vulnerable gamblers: players susceptible to addiction, such as those with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Tools for players include:

• Self-exclusion: you tell the gambling provider to exclude you from their site.
• Limiting access: you set a gambling time limit.
• Activity alerts: you receive an alert after gambling for a specific time.
• Deposit limits: the gambling provider caps the amount you can deposit.
• Gambling blocks: you place a gambling block on your debit card.
• Time-outs: you block yourself from gambling providers for a set amount of time.

How much is too much?

Do you feel that you or someone you care about may have started to develop a problem with gambling? These are some of the more frequent signs that indicate gambling addiction.

• Denying you have a problem when showing any of the following signs. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.
• Thinking about gambling all the time and a lack of interest in other previously enjoyable aspects of your life.
• Cravings or withdrawal symptoms cause you to feel irritable or restless when you cannot gamble.
• Losing control and being unable to manage impulsive thoughts to gamble even when you have decided to stop. This includes betting with your rent or grocery money.
• An Increasing amount of money is needed to experience the same thrill or reach the same level of excitement, even if it is more than you can afford to lose.
• Chasing your losses and believing that “just one more bet” will help you win back everything and maybe more.
• Problems at work due to non-attendance, the inability to focus and get tasks done timeously or gambling during work hours.
• Relationship problems with family or friends arise from failing to fulfil responsibilities such as missing family events and neglecting children, partners or friends.
• Borrowing or stealing money, or selling things to gamble.

Need help?

While most players will never experience problem gambling, for some gamblers, the fun stops, and the harm begins. If you or someone you care about requires help, there are many ways to receive it. The National Gambling Treatment Service is a network of organisations dedicated to address the possible negative impacts of gambling on individuals and communities in the UK. These offer an array of services including prevention initiatives (GAM STOP, GamBan), education (RAiG), support (GamCare), and treatment (BeGambleAware, Gambling Therapy) for those who might be affected by gambling-related harm. These organisations help identify, treat, and follow through with those affected. As is their policy, accredited betting companies will respond to your concerns. Players can also opt to self-exclude. This act puts measures in place to prevent them from visiting casinos, bookmakers, gambling websites and apps. You may also look at using website blockers and placing banking restrictions on your accounts. Additionally, The National Gambling Treatment Service’s network of organisations provides 24/7, free, confidential advice and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems and those impacted by someone else’s gambling. See organisations below. It can be scary deciding to make a change even if you know you need to! Never be afraid to ask for help.