Highlighting Problem Gambling

This week has been all about Responsible Gambling in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the aim of creating conversation with customers, staff and the public market. Online casinos, bingo halls, amusement arcades, high street bookies, land-based casinos and any other gambling venues have all been driving awareness on how to gamble responsibly. 

The whole of the UK and Irish gambling industry has come together to support Responsible Gambling Week and highlight gambling behaviours.

The campaign has also given venues and websites the awareness of the tools that are available to help people gamble safely all year around and give more sources of advice and support. 

What Has Happened This Week?

Information on Responsible Gambling is given to operators throughout the year along with a range of different tools and options that are there to help manage play. But during this week the teams have been even more visible and fully equipped with advice and support. Organisations have also received the following material:

• How to ask questions about gambling behaviour
• Highlighting five key behaviours of gambling responsibly
• Provide details of where and how to get more information, if needed

They have also been shown how to promote the Responsible Gambling Week website on their social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. 

Raising Awareness

Lots of venues have been holding special events this week to raise more awareness and you may have seen more of your online casinos promoting it too. They’ve been using banner ads and pop ups and as we just mentioned you may have seen it across social media channels as well. 

Of course the key support organisations have also been taking part in Responsible Gambing Week too. Organisations such as the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare, GambleAware and many more responsible gambling organisations have also been promoting and preparing for increased numbers of inquiries thanks to the national campaign. 

Do You Need Help?

And, if you are reading this and thinking you might need help, remember that there is always someone you can turn to for support. If you have been playing in land-based venues, the staff there can be your first point of call for help. If you need help online, you can visit any of the websites for the organisations we have just mentioned above. 

The organisers are able to help too! If you think you’re gambling may be getting out of control, here are a few tips that can help you gamble responsibly:

1. Set yourself deposit limits and time limits on when you will gamble and with how much
2. Don’t gamble when you’re angry, stressed or sad. Gambling should be fun and only fun
3. Don’t let gambling interfere with your everyday life and personal relationships
4. Understand that gambling is never the answer to solve any other issues you may be experiencing

Even if you are following these steps and you still find your gambling habits are getting out of control here are some classic warning signs to look out for:

1. You’ve lost more money than you budgeted for
2. You find it hard to put a stop to it
3. You have fallen out with family or friends
4. You’ve lost interest in other activities or hobbies
5. You think about gambling a lot
6. You find yourself lying about your gambling activities
7. You are trying to solve financial problems
8. You spend all your money or wages on gambling

Remember, you should only be betting with money that you can afford to lose. Set yourself a budget because gambling isn’t worth it if you can’t afford it. When the fun stops, it’s time to stop.