Here at Gamblib, we spend most of our time talking to readers about the best Internet slots and online casinos. However, it’s important to remember that, in order to have the best gameplay experience possible, responsible gaming is key.

This means that you should play these slot games for fun and enjoyment, even if there’s money on the line. While playing slots and other online casino games can be exciting, for some, it can become a dangerous and destructive activity. 

If you feel like your online gambling experience has started to get out of control, we have plenty of resources available for you to help with the problem. 

Here at Gamblib, your safety is our priority. That’s why we’re committed to making sure that each player that visits our site not only has a great time, but a safe one.

How to Gamble Responsibly

Learning how to gamble responsibly is the first step to creating a secure environment for your online gambling hobbies.

But what does responsible gambling look like? Most times, online casinos take proactive measures to recognize and prevent self-destructive behavior from their players.

However, it’s best to prevent this behavior from ever happening in the first place. Here are some ways you can gamble responsibly.

Set Your Budget
Set Your Budget

It’s important to have a budget set before you even log into your online casino. By setting a budget, you can see just how much you’re able to physically spend without feeling uncomfortable with your finances.

Even more so, setting budgets will help you limit your losses as long as you’re diligent and make sure that you don’t stray from the budget you’ve set.

It’s also important to be realistic with your budget. Don’t bet money you can’t afford to lose. And even more important, don’t chase losses. Chasing losses can put players on tilt and this can easily lead to a player losing more than they can afford.

Set Time Limits
Set Time Limits

Even with a budget, you can quickly cut into your wallet by playing longer than you should. It’s important to set time limits whenever you play at an online casino.

That way, you don’t get too addicted and become obsessed with the game you’re playing. Yes, almost all the games you find at an online casino will be entertaining.

However, if you don’t make sure to set your time, then you can easily spend hours playing the games that you like. Setting time limits helps you stay on track, no matter what game you’re playing.

Keep the Games Fun and Keep Your Head Clear
Keep the Games Fun and Keep Your Head Clear

We know that playing slots and table games can be stressful at times, especially since there can be money involved. However, if you can play just for fun, then you’ll get the best of both worlds. If you play solely for money, then you’ll quickly find yourself spiraling. In slots, you’re not going to win every spin and there will definitely be times where you’re cold streak.

The same goes for table games like poker and blackjack. You’re not going to win every hand and you certainly can lose money round after round before getting your big break. However, if you play these games for fun and see money as an additional side benefit, then it can be much easier to deal with stresses that come with playing for real money.

After all, playing at an online casino is supposed to be fun and carefree. Unless you’re a pro, gambling should not be your main form of income. Therefore, keep your head clear, keep your budget intact, and you should be set for a good time!

How to Know if You or a Loved One is at Risk for Gambling

There is nothing wrong with online gambling. You can play for fun or you can even be a high-roller and still have a great time. 

However, there is something wrong with excessive online gambling. Playing for fun and playing because you’re addicted are two very different things.

Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to tell if you or a loved one is at risk. Luckily, there are some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not a gambling addiction is at hand. These same questions can also be applied to a loved one.

  • Do you use gambling as a way to deal with feelings of distress?
  • Do you constantly find yourself needing to increase your betting amounts whenever you play at an online casino?
  • Have you gambled until you’re out of money? 
  • After winning, do you feel the need to go and win more?
  • Do you find yourself feeling irritable when someone you know asks you to cut down on playing time
  • Do you find yourself chasing losses that you accumulate while playing?
  • Have you ever lied to a loved one about how much you gamble?
  • Have you ever borrowed money from someone to supplement your gambling needs?

Answering yes to one or two of these questions may not be enough to conclude that a gambling addiction exists. However, if your or a loved one answers yes to several of these questions, then it might be in your best interest to seek help.

How to Get Help

Gambling addictions are a very serious issue. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help ensure you get the help you need.

If you need to talk to someone immediately, many states and even countries have certified hotlines where you can talk to someone about your addiction and also find the information you need to improve your condition.

In the United States, Gamblers Anonymous, Bettors Anonymousand the National Council on Problem Gambling are your three main groups that you can go to if you’re looking for help.

While if you are in the United Kingdom, you can access gambling addiction help through GamCare, Gambler’s Anonymous UK, and the National Problem Gambling Centre that is commissioned by the UK’s National Problem Gambling Clinic.

These are all free and you’ll be able to find many other people who share the same problems as you or the person at hand. Furthermore, the NCPG has a hotline that is available 24/7 and everything is confidential.

If you are looking to get in contact with the National Council on Problem Gaming, call 1-800-522-4700 and the NCPG will not only help you with the current state of your addiction, but also provide local resources that you can use for gambling addictions. 

Please Play Responsibly

At Gamblib, we want to share our love of the online gambling industry with you. However, we also want to make sure that our readers are safe whenever they go to an online casino. That is part of our commitment to anyone who comes across our site. 

We recommend choosing a credible, trustworthy casino to play at. These casinos always have procedures in place to make sure that players are always safe whenever they play casino games.

We hope you enjoy your stay here at Gamblib. There are plenty of free, online slots and table games waiting to be played and with our resources, we hope you play responsibly as well.
If you have any questions for the team, be sure to contact us here. We’re more than happy to hear any questions or concerns that you might have.