BetVirtual.co promotes Safer Gambling Week 2020 to keep online betting safe and responsible
Note: *The following article is purely for fun. It is based on individual opinions and does not constitute advice. The results of virtual sports are entirely random. Please always gamble responsibly. #Ad. Find out more on our How Our Site Works page.
Online gambling has been an established entertainment option for the best part of two decades now. It continues to provide entertainment to most players, but there is a minority of players where gambling can manifest into a problem.
At BetVirtual.co we feel that Safer Gambling Week 2020 is a great opportunity to step back and ensure the core messages around keeping gambling safe are fully communicated.
The Online Gaming industry has come a fair way in a short amount of time to help combat problem gambling. Still, research continues to provide insights into how best online casinos, sportsbooks, and lotto betting providers can better protect their customers.
What is Safer Gambling?
In common with a trip to a restaurant or the cinema, gambling is a form of entertainment for adults that involves the exchange of real money.
Unlike enjoying a good meal or movie, however, you have the opportunity of ending up with more money than you started when you gamble online. You could also lose more than you intended if you don’t stay in control.
Key factors of responsible gambling include understanding the risk before playing, acknowledging the likelihood of ending down on your investments in the long run, and accepting that losing is part of the parcel of online betting.
To partake in safer gambling, use tools to help control your betting, know the warning signs of an addiction developing, and talk to professionals if you have concerns about your betting levels. Visit the Gamcare website for free and confidential advice - or you can call the Free National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Tools To Stay In Control
There are steps you can take to keep your online betting in check. All online gambling platforms need to adhere to strict regulatory guidelines from licensors such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). A requirement as part of these licenses is to ensure players have access to gambling control tools.
They include:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, and monthly limits on how much you can deposit.
- Reality Check: Set reminders to pop up after a certain amount of time playing online.
- Time Out: If you worry you are spending too much time gambling online, you can temporarily lock yourself out of your account. You will be unable to access your account for the duration of your time out.
- Self Exclusion: You should consider a permanent self-exclusion if you feel you have developed a gambling problem. You will be unable to log in to your account for the length of time you self-exclude (it is usually a minimum term of six months). You’ll need to proactively confirm that you want to unblock your account after the self exclusion.
Other Safer Gambling Tips
Never chase your losses. You should consider any deposits you make as money you have parted with for entertainment purposes. Once it has gone, do not attempt to win it back with another deposit. Set your loss limits and stick to it.
Do not play while angry or upset - research shows problem gamblers play to escape emotional issues. It can be a pointer to a deeper, underlying issue with gambling.
Do not play while drunk. Drinking and gambling is not a good idea - it can lead to looser financial decisions.
At BetVirtual.co we are 100% committed to keeping online betting and gaming safe and responsible. Click here if you’d like to learn more about Safer Gambling Week 2020.
