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Gambling can be entertaining and rewarding, but when performed unsafely, it can be terribly addicting and have
devastating effects on your health and well-being. Since problem gambling is a very real and common issue across not only the United Kingdom and Ireland but
the entire globe, the gambling industry is seen to have a social responsibility to provide help to those who are and have been affected by gambling.
“Safer Gambling” is a term used by those in the gambling industry as an approach to attempt and combat the negative effects of problem
gambling and gambling-related harm.
How To Gamble Safely
While whenever you gamble,
you are always at risk of losing the wagered money, there are various methods of
gambling safely. These methods will not stop you from losing money altogether but will help prevent you from becoming a victim of gambling-related issues.
Set Money Limits
Before you start gambling, whether it be playing slots or placing sports
bets, you should work out how much money you can afford to lose if things go wrong. Once you have decided on a figure, you can set a limit through the app or
website you use.
Do Not Chase Losses
Unfortunately, losses are a part of gambling you will
have to grow used to if you want to gamble safely. If you find yourself suffering losses and then placing more bets to try and make up for the previous loss,
this can be an easy way to lose even more money.
Do Not Use Gambling As A Source Of
Income
Gambling should never be relied on as a source of income. Of course, there is potential to win money when gambling, but the odds are
literally stacked against you; at the end of the day, gambling companies are in the industry to make money. Gambling should be viewed as a luxury or a
part-time hobby you partake in here and there for fun.
Set Time Limits
As well as being able
to set spending limits, you can also set time limits. It is very easy to lose track of time when gambling, and the longer you spend on these gambling sites,
the more likely you are to spend more money. Setting time limits saves you money and gives you more time to spend doing the more important things in life.
Try Not To Gamble When Intoxicated
It is advised that you stay away from gambling sites when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drugs and alcohol can make it harder to stick to your set money and time limits.
The Impacts of Unsafe Gambling
Unsafe gambling is a widespread problem that affects millions of people. The impacts
of unsafe gambling have been directly linked to a number of health issues, including; low self-esteem, anxiety, stress-related disorders, substance abuse issues and depression.
A commissioned
survey by the GambleAware charity estimated that up to 2.7%, or 1.4 million, of adults in the United Kingdom, were problem gamblers. However, the impacts of
unsafe gambling spread further than just the
culprit, with as many as 7%, or 3.6 million people, affected by someone else's gambling problem.
As the statistics suggest, unsafe gambling impacts not
only your physical and mental health but also the well-being of those around you. Responsible
gambling is not always easily achieved, but there are plenty of resources and tools available to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Safer Gambling Customer Tools
Safer gambling is a movement within the gambling industry that a variety
of charities and companies has recognised. There are now more tools available to customers than have ever been available before. So, if you are someone who is
being affected by gambling, you can ease your worry and take advantage of them today.
Below we have listed some of the common safer gambling tools you
can find available:
- Time & deposit limits
- Self-exclusion from gambling
- Block gambling websites
- Limit the gambling content you see
- Block gambling payments with your bank
All of the above tools can usually be found provided on your gambling operator's app or website. Suppose you are
in need of extra information. In that case, you can check out Safer Gambling’s website or click on the blue shield icon on your chosen operator to be
directed to additional information pages.
Safer Gambling Week
In an attempt to
cleanse the United Kingdom and Ireland of problem gamblers, a cross-industry initiative known as “Safer Gambling Week” has been created to help
promote safer gambling. Every year in October, the Safer Gambling Week initiative encourages people to come together and talk about gambling responsibility.
Safer gambling messages will be displayed throughout land-based and online venues to help spark conversion on the matter across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
This annual event recently completed its sixth outing, with its first taking place back in 2017. Although the results for the 2022 event have not yet
surfaced, in 2021, there was a 17% increase in the use of safer gambling tools showing the positive impact of this cross-industry initiative. |
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