Responsible Gambling: Safety and Advice

Responsible gaming is vital to enjoying the thrill of gambling while safeguarding one’s well-being. An essential tool in this endeavor is “self-exclusion.” This proactive step empowers individuals to take control of their gambling habits by voluntarily excluding themselves from gambling activities for a specified period. By embracing self-exclusion, players demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a balanced approach to gaming, prioritizing their mental and financial health above all else. This mechanism not only underscores the industry’s dedication to promoting responsible gaming but also serves as a reminder of the importance of making mindful choices within entertainment.

Gambling is gaining more and more popularity every year. These days, you can have fun not only in gaming houses or Vegas, but also online using your smartphone or laptop. Such easy access to casinos and betting increases the number of gambling addicts. According to the National Center for Responsible Gambling, about 1% of US adults have serious problems with ludomania. Based on the popularization of the gaming business, this corresponds to approximately 2 million addicted players in America.

This percentage can continue to grow if the game is not treated responsibly. The families and friends of those who suffer from addiction are also going through a difficult time in their lives. After all, this issue concerns not only the player. It affects all areas of life and influences the immediate environment.

If you are capable of draining a lot of money on online casinos or betting or someone close to you is addicted, you can find help on this page. This article was created as a resource for people who are ready to get out of the hole.

What is the principle of responsible gambling?

It is important to understand what responsible gambling is and familiarize yourself with the disclaimer statement, principles, and aspects. The Principles of Responsible Gaming are certain rules, actions, and norms that players and gambling providers must adhere to in order for gambling to remain a purely social activity and not entail negative consequences. Legislators, law enforcement officials, casinos, and players should be interested in ensuring that the entertainment process goes smoothly. After all, no legitimate gambling business wants customers to go broke because of its products.

What does this mean for online casino operators?

Gaming platforms are also responsible for the development of gaming addiction, just like players. Whether they like it or not, they will have to adhere to certain rules in order to prevent fraud, identity theft, and other problems. It is worth allowing customers to use only one single account in the same gaming establishment. Also, do not forget about the mandatory verification of personal data immediately after opening a gaming account in a casino. Of course, all legal operators are obliged to take care of the maximum protection of customer data and their money. All gaming software must be certified by independent laboratories. The casino is forbidden to interfere with the mechanism of operation of the random number generators of slot machines. In addition, they are obliged to pay tax deductions to the budget and bear other obligations to the state.

In addition, unfair casino advertising can also harm many people. Therefore, a special memorandum was adopted, which determined specific ways to optimally convey information about the products of gaming clubs. After all, online casinos do not need gambling addicts and debtors. In fact, any business makes sure that customers constantly visit the site and spend their time pleasantly without haste. Therefore, it is even beneficial for them that ”problem” players will not come to their platform.

Furthermore, operators and providers must adhere to the following principles in order to provide their customers with a safe and ethical environment:

Providing information to players about the risks associated with gambling in their terms and conditions.
Providing information on how to gamble responsibly.
Training managers on how to recognize when players are showing symptoms of gambling addiction and intervene with help.
Providing information and resources to issue players seeking help.
Help prevent underage gambling.

This attitude towards customers means that operators help to stay within the spending limit and make sure that gambling does not cause any harm. They should instil in players the idea that winning is just a nice bonus, and losing should be within the budget of a person. After all, an ethical pastime is more important than victory.

What does this mean for gamblers?

A responsible gambler understands that gambling has its risks. Adhering to mental health-friendly play can lead to problematic gambling behaviour. Gaming should remain a fun and interesting pastime. Otherwise, you need to stop playing or betting. When emotions take over, and the blood boils with adrenaline, the inevitable loss of large sums of money appears.

Firstly, always check the privacy policy to ensure that you will not provide your personal information to suspicious platforms. Secondly, never play for money that you cannot lose. The real problem is not the time spent in an online casino but the money you need to spend on other things like rent or mortgage, clothing, utilities, medical expenses, children, or school. Everything that is part of your ordinary life should never be spent on bets.

Realize that the chance that you will lose is great. Almost every gaming system is designed to make the casino win money, not you. While it is possible to consistently win at poker or sports betting, most people don’t. Accept the fact that you can’t win all the time.

Be aware that risky or compulsive betting can cause disruption to work, home, or family life, as well as addictive behaviour that causes serious problems. These include loss of savings, home, job, or relationship.

Symptoms of gambling addiction

It can sometimes be difficult to notice problem behaviour due to gambling, as it often has no immediate physical symptoms. Gambling problems usually manifest as the following symptoms:

A sudden sale of one’s property to raise money for a bet.
Frequently borrowing money from family and friends.
Attempting to hide gambling and betting activity from others.
Intentionally hiding gambling losses from others.
Multiple returns to the game in order to recover losses.
The repeated use of gambling as a way to avoid stress or emotions.
Increase the number of bets to get the thrill.
Instability or irritability while betting or playing.
Sadness and remorse after gambling.
Neglect of hygiene and health.
Loss of work, school, university, or family due to gambling.
Constant anxiety, the feeling of stress, development of depression.

Responsible and problem gambling resources

While the principles of responsible gambling we mentioned above can help many players, there are those who need more help. Some people lose their heads and go into debt, forgetting about real life. There is no shame in asking for help with a gambling problem. There are different types of support, from basic to voluntary self-exclusion programs. The State of New Jersey offers several resources that can help you break your addiction.

You or your relatives can contact:

National Council on Problem Gaming

NCPG organization has links and resources for getting help in New Jersey. You can also use self-test tools to help you or your relatives assess if you or they are experiencing gambling problems.

The NCPG also provides its confidential helpline. It is available to customers for calls and text messages at 1-800-522-4700. Chat services are also accessible through the website.

Council of Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey

This non-profit organization is contracted to provide statewide problematic and disorderly gambling services. The program includes education, outreach, training, and the provision of counselling and treatment.

Remote consulting services

You can contact CCGNJ through the 1-800-Gambler hotline. Calls can be made 24/7 for free, confidential advice and assistance.

Text support is also accessible through the number.

The website, 800gambler.org, also offers live chat assistance.

The site also provides information on weekly phone meetings for support groups.

Treatment Options

CCGNJ is constantly updating its list of publicly funded and private health care providers for mentally ill players. This list includes Gamblers Anonymous meetings throughout the state, inpatient and outpatient facilities, private therapists, and other transition programs that can help gambling addicts.

Address:

3635 Quakerbridge Rd., Suite 7

Hamilton, NJ 08619

Tel: 609.588.5515

Fax: 609.588.5665

Helpline: 1.800.GAMBLER (246.2537)

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a national group that provides confidential support to people suffering from gambling addictions. It also has a national hotline, and the New Jersey office can be contacted at 1-855-222-5542.

Their website also has lists of Gamblers Anonymous support group meetings with a search function and a map.

Division of Gaming Enforcement’s Self-Exclusion Program

The Division of Gaming Enforcement’s Self-Exclusion Program helps those who are concerned about potential gambling problems but are not yet ready to apply for self-exclusion. A player may apply for the suspense of credit privileges by submitting a request in person to the Gambling Control Department. This move will at least limit borrowing for gambling or betting and prevent the accumulation of debt.

How to apply for self-exclusion

In fact, there are four ways to sign up for the self-exclusion program. If you are a New Jersey resident, you should visit the DGE web page for up-to-date contact information.

Anyone seeking self-exclusion from both Atlantic City casinos and regulated online gambling must complete a self-exclusion form and submit it in person to either the New Jersey DGE or the New Jersey Racing Commission during business hours.

The person must submit a photo ID with the application to prove their identity and be prepared to be photographed. It must be offered in person to ensure that it is a legitimate application.

It is also possible to personally apply for self-exclusion from online gambling only by following the steps above.

New Jersey residents who wish to apply for self-exclusion solely from online gambling may apply online through the New Jersey Division of Gambling Enforcement (DGE).

New Jersey residents can also easily apply for self-exclusion for online gambling through their official online player account through internal registration.

What happens when you apply for self-exclusion

Once you apply for self-exclusion, your information, photo, and description of your identity will be privately shared with physical casinos and internet operators. They need this to stop you from gambling and betting, and help you get out of your addiction.

Casino operators reserve the right to remove anyone on the self-exclusion list from their marketing lists, which includes free offers and services. If you try to avoid self-exclusion and get caught, all your winnings and chips will be forfeited.

The ability to gamble will only be reinstated after the expiration date unless you or your relatives have applied for a lifetime exception.

Afterword

Undoubtedly, gambling is something very fun and carefree. But only at first glance. Getting addicted is very easy if you forget about responsible behaviour and gaming hygiene. Don’t take your hobby to disaster. Remember the people you care about. A variety of resources, which we mentioned above, are available to help with any level of addiction. But the treatment is very painful and long-term. Keep this in mind and play smart.