Responsible Gambling: How to Have Fun and Stay in Control

Whether you’ve been on a roll in blackjack or digging yourself deeper on the slot machine, most people have experienced the urge to play one more round. The adrenaline rush can be exhilarating, but it too often ends in regret. For some individuals, it can even lead to addiction.

In this article, the journey through gambling—both the highs and the lows—will be shared, along with valuable lessons learned along the way. Insights and practical tips for mitigating risk and gambling responsibly will be offered.

A Gambling Journey

Gambling wasn’t initially a consideration until a great American road trip led to a casino in Lake Tahoe one night. A dollar was placed in a faerie-themed slot machine, and $15 was won immediately. The appeal was clear, but even the thrill of instant gratification wasn’t enough to give back those hard-earned winnings to the machine. Instead, the decision was made to cash out and enjoy the win at the bar.

Since then, many more casinos have been visited, winnings gambled away, and valuable lessons learned. Now, gambling has even become a professional topic to write about.

Red Flags in Gambling to Be Aware of

Hours are spent each day reviewing and testing online casinos for work, providing extensive experience with the ins and outs of gambling. While gambling addiction has never been a personal struggle, it's easy to see how it develops for some. There have been occasional moments of playing extra rounds of blackjack to chase losses or spinning slot reels in hopes of triggering a bonus round—despite knowing all too well the trap that it can become.

What makes it so habit-forming? Well, it stimulates the brain’s reward system in similar ways to alcohol and drugs. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million Americans have a severe affliction. Another 4-6 million meet the mild to moderate criteria. Still, it can be hard to recognize. Here are some behavioral red flags to look out for.

●Lying About Gambling

Lying about how frequently you gamble can be a sign of a problem. People with an addiction will often downplay the amount of time or money spent wagering.

●Gambling For Longer Than Intended

If you sat down to play for an hour and suddenly it’s been several, you might want to consider why. Sure, time flies when you’re having fun, but if this is an emerging pattern, it could indicate a problem.

●Problems Paying Bills

Spending money on gambling that you had set aside for important things like bills can be a major sign your habit has gotten out of control. If you find yourself struggling financially because of gambling, it’s time to seek help.

●Strained Relationships

Gambling addiction will eventually put a strain on your personal relationships. Your loved ones may be affected financially and emotionally by your actions.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Whether you’re a novice gambler or a seasoned expert, it’s important to set a few personal limits and recognize any warning signs. Keep the following helpful tips in mind when you play.

●Set a Budget

Always set a budget before you play. Decide what you're comfortable spending, and stick with it. You can even download an app to help you with that. You Need A Budget (YNAB) is one of the only apps that caters to online gambling. It allows you to allocate funds to gambling and prohibits you from going over.

●Stay Clearheaded

Alcohol is always flowing in casinos, and while it can be tempting, it’s best to be mindful of how much you drink and stay clearheaded.

●Don't Get Emotional Over Losses

Of course, you can have fun. That's what it's all about. But if you feel yourself getting angry, upset, or anxious, it's time to quit.

●Don't Chase Your Losses

Avoid trying to make up for lost bankroll. You can be down in blackjack and believe you can dig yourself out. Guess what? It doesn't work. Cut your losses and walk away.

Gambling should be about entertainment. The last thing you want is to regret your actions later on. Following these guidelines ensures that you have fun without risk.

How Can Casinos Promote Responsible Gambling?

How do casinos walk the line between commercial success and player protection? With the expansion of online gambling and sports betting, the balance has been more precarious than ever. However, the right combination of safety measures can prove effective.

Practices like self-exclusion programs, limiting deposits, and helping educational resources minimize the potential negative impacts. While most casinos do a good job of offering these options to players, there could be even more protections in place. For example, they could monitor activity and send personalized messages to bettors who display concerning patterns.

Marketing plays a big role. With the 2018 federal legalization of sports betting, it has become more popular than ever. You can be inundated with advertisements for bookies and bonuses, and to truly take accountability, sportsbooks need to consider more responsible marketing moving forward.

Embracing Responsibility

Gambling experiences have highlighted the importance of self-awareness and proactive management. Setting personal limits and adhering to them is crucial for responsible gambling. It’s essential to regularly assess betting habits—are they enjoyable, or are they causing stress or financial strain? By staying mindful and in control, it’s possible to enjoy the excitement of gambling while maintaining a healthy balance.