RESPONSIBLE GAMING - WHEN THE FUN STOPS, STOP

Responsible Gambling

According to the statutory British gambling regulator, the Gambling Commission, “Safe and responsible gambling comes from an industry that takes care of its customers, customers who are empowered with the knowledge to manage their gambling and a regulator that ensures the consumer is at the heart of everything we do.” The information contained here is intended to address the first two of these criteria. As we promote the services of gambling providers on this site, we believe it is important that our customers are made aware of the risks that can be associated with gambling, as well as information about where they can find further advice and support should they require it.

Online gambling should be entertainment and a fun way to spend your time. However, there are times when it becomes more than that and the Fun Stops. Then it is time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.

We at BonusFinder promote responsible gambling. All the casinos, and sports betting sites we partner with have the option to set deposit limits or self-exclude for a certain time period or permanently.

RAiG Membership

BonusFinder is a proud member of RAiG. The association aims to foster wider initiatives in the irish affiliate marketing sector to promote social responsibility and help create a safer gambling environment for consumers. The body was founded in May 2019 and as a condition of membership, each member will be subject to an annual social responsibility audit which will be conducted by an independent third party.

How to gamble safely

GambleAware is the the world’s leading non-profit organisation dedicated to educate on and fight against gambling-related harms. Their ten items list of tips on how to gamble safely is pretty good:

1. Don’t think gambling as a way to make money
2. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
3. Set a money limit in advance
4. Set a time limit in advance
5. Never chase your losses
6. Don’t gamble when you’re depressed or upset
7. Balance gambling with other activities
8. Don’t take your bank card with you
9. Take frequent breaks
10. Don’t drink or use drugs when gambling

Albeit the list might be more for brick and mortar casino-goers, the list has merit amongst online gamblers as well. We strongly recommend utilizing online casinos’ deposit limits or time related limits.

The UK gambling commission has a guide on “How to make sure you gamble safely with licensed businesses and how to gamble responsibly by using tools to manage your activity”.

Signs of gambling problem

The definition of gambling problem, addiction or disorder varies in different countries and sources. American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it gambling disorder and defines it as follows: “gambling disorder involves repeated gambling behaviour that causes significant problems or distress”.

According to APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during past year:

1. Need to gamble with increasing amount of money to achieve the desired excitement
2. Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
3. Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
4. Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
5. Often gambling when feeling distressed
6. After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as “chasing one’s losses)
7. Lying to conceal gambling activity
8. Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
9. Relying on others to help with problems caused by gambling