Gambling Commission launches gambling safety campaign
UK Gambling Commission issues 9 key tips on how to stay safe when gambling online
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have this week launched their brand new campaign which promotes gambling safety.
The campaign is called "9 ways to keep yourself safe when gambling" and as the name suggests the regulator has issued a number of important tips that can help players keep in control whilst playing online.
What are the key tips issued by the UKGC?
The bulk of the campaign hopes to educate players on the tools readily available to them that will allow them to monitor and control the time and money spent whilst playing online slots at their favourite casinos.
Here are the nine important safer gambling tips that have been shared by the Gambling Commission:
1) Feel it’s getting too much? Talk to someone
The Gambling Commission are encouraging players to talk reach out to support services. These services include Gambleaware and Gamcare who have professionally trained staff on hand to provide information and support on how to gamble safely, and where to get help if they feel their (or someone else's) gambling has gotten out of control.
2) Ask yourself why you are gambling
It's always worth taking a moment to question why you're actually gambling. If it's because you're looking to escape debt, or make 'easy' money then you should certainly think twice as to whether gambling is the right course of action. Playing online casino games should always be for fun and nothing more.
3) Monitor how often you’re gambling online
Every licensed casino must give players access to their account activity so that they can see exactly how much they have deposited, withdrawn and played over a set amount of time. Viewing this information should help inform players as to where they are with their gambling and whether they need to scale back and seek help if it's looking excessive.
4) Keep track of how much time you’ve spent gambling
Many casinos and machines in physical betting shops give players the opportunity to make use of the reality check feature. This feature informs players exactly how much time has been spent gambling and how much money has been won or lost in that time.
5) Limit how much you can spend
Players can set limits as to how much can be deposited and spent at an online casino. Setting a deposit or spend limit will ensure you don't spend beyond your means.
6) Give yourself a timeout
Upon request casinos can essentially lock players out of their accounts for a short period of time (up to 6 weeks). This will give the locked out player time to assess their gambling habits and whether they want to continue playing.
7) Self-exclude from gambling firms for a minimum of 6 months
If you feel that a short timeout isn't enough to deter you from gambling when things have gotten out of control then you can opt for a self-exclusion instead. The Gambling Commission suggest utilising GAMSTOP, a service that allows players to ope out of most (but not all) online casinos and sportsbooks.
8) Read the terms and conditions
Making sure you thoroughly read the terms and conditions attached to no wagering casino bonuses is something we're always keen to highlight here at No Wagering. It's always best practice to thoroughly read through the terms and conditions on anything sent your way from an online casino to make sure you're well aware of any potential restrictions that might sting you further down the line.
9) Make sure the website you’re gambling with is licensed
It's imperative that players only play at online casinos that are licensed by a reputable regulator such as the UKGC (Gambling at a UKGC regulated site means you’ll be protected by gambling and consumer protection rules in Great Britain).
Who can help with problem gambling
If you feel like you need immediate help with regards to problem gambling please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or alternatively you can visit the Gamcare and BeGambleAware websites for more ways to get help.