Safer Gambling Week 2020 - Questions you should be asking yourself
Addressing your gambling behaviour
As part of Safer Gambling Week 2020 we here at No Wagering are looking at the questions you should always be asking yourself whenever you're playing your favourite online casino games.
Your answers to the below questions could indicate that your gambling is getting out of control. If these questions (and your answers) resonate and make you feel uncomfortable then perhaps it's time to address your betting habits, take a break, stop altogether or seek help.
Key questions you should ask yourself every time you gamble
We've compiled six key questions we strongly feel you should ask yourself before, during and after gambling online.
Have you set limits before you begin gambling?
All online casinos regulated by the UK Gambling Commission should allow you to set one of several different limits before you play your favourite online casino games. Currently, there are no rules in place in the United Kingdom that state you must set any of these limits, however, it's strongly recommended that you do so.
- Deposit limits - These determine how much money you can deposit into your account over a set period of time.
- Loss Limits - These determine how much money you're comfortable with losing over a set period of time.
- Session Limits - These determine how long you can play a specific casino game before having to take a short break away from the screen.
Once you have reached your deposit/loss limits you will not be able to continue playing until a certain timeframe has passed.
Have you continued playing past your spending limit?
If you have set a deposit or loss limits and have decided to remove them to allow yourself to continue gambling, you should seriously consider whether this is the right move. Limits are put in place to stop you from spending more than you can afford. If you continue to gamble beyond your means then you could face the very real risk of falling into financial trouble.
Are you losing track of time when gambling?
When you're having fun with any activity you can quickly lose track of time, gambling is no exception. If you often feel as if you're losing track of time whilst gambling then you should assess whether you're fully in control of your gambling.
Setting a session limit is the best way to ensure you're not spending too long staring at a screen whilst your bankroll is being whittled down, taking time away gives you chance to reassess and make an informed decision on what to do next.
Are you prioritising gambling ahead of friends, family and other responsibilities?
Neglecting anything remotely important is an immediate and very serious red flag when it comes to your online gambling habits. The moment you begin neglecting personal responsibilities, commitments and your friends and family in favour of betting then it's time to stop, assess and work out what to do next.
Do you consider gambling a way to make money?
Gambling should never be used as a way to make money, there are no certainties within gambling. You're just as likely to lose money as you are win money. Gambling should always be seen as a form of entertainment that is enjoyed in moderation, nothing more.
Do you know when to stop?
The most important question to ask yourself every time you gamble online... Do you know when to stop? If you don't feel like you can answer this question any other way than 'yes' then you should consider whether you should be gambling at all.