Top 10 Tips for Gambling Responsibly in 2020

We now live in a world of restrictions and social distancing. For many people, this is a very trying time, especially for those who are more extroverted in nature. While economic and health struggles run rampant in the world on a macro level, self-isolation and social distancing observance have caused effects closer to home too, like boredom. Now, more than ever is it vital to adopt responsible gambling habits, as the risk of gaming addiction runs high.

Gambling regulators across the world are introducing measures to make sure that the public remains responsible in their gaming. To safeguard its public, Svenska Spel (Sweden’s Gambling Regulator) has published a list of tips that players should practice at this time to remain responsible and safe from developing problem gambling habits. Online gambling does constitute good fun, however, it only remains fun when enjoyed responsibly.

Security Take the Hard Line Today and Enjoy Tomorrow

To ensure that you can keep gambling fun, innocent and entertaining, we invite you to read through and implement the following guidelines which have been inspired by Psychologist Thomas Nilsson of Sustainable Interaction:

Don’t Chase Your Losses: When your game strategy has turned from normal play to playing because you want to win back your losses – stop and take a break! Constant loss chasing is an early warning sign of gambling addiction.
A Loss Is a Loss: Do not use deceptive talk. Refrain from saying that you almost won. If you didn’t win, then you lost. Sober thinking will save you the pain of loss chasing in the future.
Gambling Is Not for Escapism: Do not retreat into gambling to avoid the stresses of your life and treat it like a form of escape from boredom. These things need to be faced head-on and dealt with differently.
Not the Only Form of Fun: If you are at the point where the only time you are having fun is when you are gambling, you need to take steps to correct this mentality. Train yourself to have fun without games and adopt other activities that stimulate you. This way you can live a balanced life.
Avoid Time Travel: Games can be so immersive that you can easily lose track of time. Set time limits on your gaming and use an alarm clock if necessary. This is a great exercise in self-control. If you are not in control, who or what is?
Weigh the Risk: Remember that gambling is not a way to solve your financial issues, it is more likely to make them worse if you have this perception. Before gambling, decide on how much you can afford to lose and stick to that limit. If you lose the acceptable amount, you can shrug it off in the name of fun and look forward to your next session.
Do Not Gamble on Credit: If your account is empty, then refrain from gambling. Never borrow money to play. This includes borrowing from the bank with your credit card. You are likely to drive your debt through the roof.
Honesty Is the Best Policy: Do not lie about your gambling habits, especially to yourself. Take a long hard look at yourself and try to identify if you are in trouble. The earlier it is caught, the easier it is to deal with.
Luck Rules the Day: No matter how skilled you are at a game, there is always a factor of luck and randomness involved, whether they are skill-based or not. Always remember that slot games are purely luck based and your degree of gambling skill has no part to play in wins or losses incurred.
Sober Play Is the Only Way: Refrain from alcohol or narcotics when gambling. These substances have a way of dulling your inhibitions, making self-control more difficult to practice.

Facts Remain in Control

Many regulated casinos have protocols to help players enjoy gambling while curbing the dangers of developing problematic behaviours. All UK Gambling Commission and Svenska Spel casinos offer tools such as gambling limit implementation, self-exclusion protocols, and reality check reminders as you play. Make use of these tools and stay safe.