Practical Safer Gambling Strategies
Safer gambling is about taking practical steps to ensure your gambling remains enjoyable and within healthy boundaries. By implementing these strategies, you can minimize potential risks and maintain control over your gambling activities.
Set a Budget
Decide in advance how much money you can afford to lose. This should be disposable income - money you can afford to lose that won't affect your essential living expenses.
Tips:
- Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits
- Use a separate account for gambling funds
- Never use credit cards for gambling
- Don't borrow money to gamble
Manage Your Time
Set time limits for your gambling sessions and stick to them. Regular breaks help maintain perspective and prevent extended sessions that can lead to chasing losses.
Tips:
- Set a timer for your sessions
- Take regular breaks
- Don't gamble when tired or stressed
- Balance gambling with other activities
Understand the Games
Know the odds and how the games work. Understanding that gambling outcomes are random and that the house always has an edge helps maintain realistic expectations.
Tips:
- Learn the rules before playing
- Understand the house edge
- Accept that outcomes are random
- Don't believe in "winning streaks" or "due wins"
Maintain Balance
Ensure gambling is just one of many leisure activities in your life. Maintaining a healthy balance between gambling and other interests is essential for safer gambling.
Tips:
- Keep up with other hobbies and interests
- Prioritize social connections
- Don't let gambling interfere with responsibilities
- Schedule non-gambling activities regularly
Safer Gambling Tools
UK-licensed online casinos provide various tools to help you maintain control:
Deposit Limits
Set maximum amounts you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
How to use:
Look for the "Responsible Gaming" or "Player Protection" section in your casino account settings
Session Time Limits
Set maximum duration for your gambling sessions
How to use:
Access the time management features in your account settings
Loss Limits
Set maximum amount you can lose in a specific period
How to use:
Find this option in your responsible gaming settings
Reality Checks
Receive notifications about time spent gambling
How to use:
Enable notifications in your account preferences
Time-Out
Take a short break from gambling (24 hours to 6 weeks)
How to use:
Look for the "Take a Break" or "Time-Out" option in responsible gaming settings
Self-Exclusion
Block access to gambling sites for an extended period
How to use:
Access through your account's responsible gaming section or visit GAMSTOP for multi-site exclusion
Blocking Software & Additional Tools
These third-party tools can provide additional protection:
GAMSTOP
Free service that lets you self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites at once
Visit GAMSTOPGamban
Software that blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across all your devices
Visit GambanGamBlock
Software designed to block gambling sites and prevent access to online gambling
Visit GamBlockFinancial Management Tools
These tools can help you control your gambling spending:
Gambling Transaction Blocks
Many UK banks now offer the option to block gambling transactions on your debit cards and accounts
Separate Gambling Account
Consider using a separate account with a fixed amount for gambling activities
Budgeting Apps
Use budgeting apps to track your spending and set limits for entertainment expenses
Need Additional Support?
If you're concerned about your gambling habits or those of someone close to you, these organizations provide free, confidential support:
BeGambleAware
Free, confidential help for anyone who is worried about their or someone else's gambling
Visit Website
Gambling Therapy
Free online support and practical advice to people affected by gambling problems
Visit Website