Responsible Gambling in US

Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive, providing escapism and triggering emotional reward chemicals and physical reactions similar to other addictive activities such as drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, drug use, or exercise. Research suggests that gambling addiction can be inherited, meaning that individuals with family members who have had gambling addictions are at a higher risk of following the same path.

However, it’s important to note that for some individuals, gambling may not be suitable, just as other addictive pursuits aren’t. These individuals will always be at risk of developing addictive behaviors, regardless of the availability of sensible messaging, education tools, and other resources.

Understanding gambling triggers is crucial in deciphering the underlying need behind gambling, differentiating it from simple entertainment. It’s essential to be aware of why and when people gamble and for what purpose. This understanding goes beyond external factors that can influence excessive gambling, such as the amount of time and money spent.

In order to gamble responsibly, consider the following key tips

1. Treat gambling as a source of entertainment rather than a source of income. While some professional gamblers exist, they are rare, and for most people, gambling should not be relied upon as a means of making a living.
2. Never bet beyond your means. Only gamble with a predetermined amount of money that you can afford to lose. It’s crucial to avoid betting with funds needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, food, or other necessities.
3. Bet 1% of your bankroll at a time. Some individuals find it helpful to set a bankroll for the season and gradually increase stakes if making an overall profit, or decrease them if facing losses.
4. Set a money limit in advance. If you plan to visit a casino or go to the races, ensure that you gamble only with money you can afford to lose. While making a profit is great, it’s important not to exceed the predetermined amount if luck is not on your side.
5. Never chase losses. Acting impulsively to recover losses can lead to irrational decisions and further losses.
6. Take regular breaks between gambling sessions. If you experience losses, it’s advisable to walk away, reflect on what went wrong, regroup, and return with a clear mind. Continuous gambling can lead to a loss of perspective, so breaks are crucial.
7. Avoid gambling when under the influence of alcohol, as it can impair judgment and hinder sensible decision-making.
8. Refrain from gambling when feeling depressed, angry, or upset, as emotional states can also affect decision-making abilities.
9. Bet from a position of knowledge. Arm yourself with extensive information about the sport you’re wagering on, and make educated guesses. For slot or table games, build a comprehensive understanding of the game mechanics.
10. Ensure gambling doesn’t interfere with daily responsibilities. It’s important not to skip work to gamble and to maintain healthy relationships and family life.
11. Maintain a balance by engaging in other interests or hobbies alongside gambling.
12. Keep track of time and money spent gambling using diaries and bet trackers.
13. Seek help if you believe gambling has become a problem. Free resources and support are available through organizations such as BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and Gam-Anon.

To prevent and manage a gambling problem, consider the following strategies

Track Your Spending:

Maintain a record of the time and money you spend gambling. Some betting sites offer bet tracking services, but it’s recommended to create your own betting diary to accurately track your betting activities. Note the duration of your bets, the amount you wagered, and your profit or loss. A bet diary helps you stay within your limits, and several free diary and budgeting apps can assist you in this process.

Taking Time Out:

Contact customer service or use the tools provided in the “My Account” section of your online gambling account to request a temporary time-out. During this period, your account will be suspended, and you will be unable to make deposits or place bets. It provides an opportunity to reflect and regain control over your gambling habits. Your account will reactivate automatically once the chosen time-out period ends.

Self-Exclusions:

To manage a gambling problem, you can choose to exclude yourself from specific websites, betting shops, casinos, and racetracks. Licensed gambling companies have their own self-exclusion arrangements and participate in multi-operator schemes that share exclusion information among platforms. GAMSTOP is a popular self-exclusion scheme in Great Britain, allowing individuals to exclude themselves from all online gambling companies for six months, one year, or five years. By providing personal details, bookmakers are required to stop sending marketing materials. If you change your residence, you can inform GAMSTOP to update your exclusion.

Setting Deposit Limits:

An additional option is to set limits on the amount you can deposit into your online betting account on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Research suggests that deciding on the available funds before starting gambling significantly reduces gambling problems. Once you set a deposit limit, it cannot be overridden. Decreasing limits is immediate, while increasing limits often requires a 24-hour waiting period to prevent impulsive decisions and chasing losses.

Blocking Gambling Transactions via Your Bank:

If you are concerned about your ability to gamble responsibly, some banks in the UK offer a “block” or “freeze” facility through their platforms. This feature allows you to block all gambling-related transactions with your debit and credit cards for online betting, gaming operators, and premium line services. Contact your bank directly to access this service, either online or in person. Terms and conditions vary, and the decision to block transactions is often irreversible during a cooling-off period, typically 48 hours. By blocking such transactions, you can prevent immediate access to funds for gambling purposes.

Note that while some banks in the UK currently provide this facility, availability and options may vary. In the United States, financial institutions have yet to offer similar blocking or self-exclusion parameters for credit or debit cards related to gambling transactions. However, progress is being made in European markets, with companies like Monzo working toward providing more protective measures.

If you are located in the United States and wish to self-exclude, most cases involve self-exclusion through sportsbooks, with information available from the National Council on Problem Gambling and individual state programs.

Remember, responsible gambling requires setting limits, seeking help when needed, and utilizing the available tools and resources. If you believe you have a gambling problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to the various support organizations and services dedicated to assisting individuals with gambling-related issues.