Do you gamble online regularly? If so, you’re not alone: one survey found that around 40% of UK adults had taken part in some form of online gambling.
There’s a huge range of online casinos and other types of gambling sites to choose from now. And as it becomes easier than ever to wager money online, it’s especially important that you stay safe, behave responsibly, and make sensible decisions.
Here are seven ideas to help you do that.
7 Safer Gambling Tips
Only Play at Licensed Gambling Sites
One of the simplest ways to enjoy safer gambling is to only join licensed and regulated online casinos. Here in the UK, the best gambling sites hold a licence from the Gambling Commission. This regulates all legitimate sites and ensures that they operate fairly.
If you find a site without a licence from the Gambling Commission or other reputable regulators (e.g. the Malta Gaming Authority), it’s best to avoid it. At Gambling Zone, we only recommend sites licensed by a trusted body for your peace of mind.
Research Gambling Sites Carefully
Before you sign up with any gambling site, take the time to do a bit of research and understand what it has to offer. Some casinos have a reputation for excellent performance and support, while others might not be quite so popular with players.
If you gamble at the wrong site, you may find yourself on the receiving end of subpar treatment. Slow payment processing, unresponsive support teams, and any number of other issues could have a negative impact on your gaming time.
But researching sites and exploring other players’ experiences will help you make good decisions. Check reviews, forums, and social media for advice on finding the best gambling sites.
Focus on Having Fun
With some big-money prizes on offer, it can be easy to start chasing wins and lose sight of other aspects of gambling online. Whether you’re playing a favourite video slot or trying your hand at live poker, make sure you focus on enjoying yourself instead of fixating on winning.
One way to make this easier is to choose games that have low bet limits and small prizes. And look for slots that feature settings, characters, and concepts that appeal to you personally.
For instance, there are plenty of slots based on movies and television shows. If you can find a game with a theme you enjoy, that should make it easier to have fun and consider any winnings a nice bonus instead of the main reason to gamble.
Taking Risk
Read the Small Print Before Using Bonuses
For safer gambling, always check the terms and conditions associated with a bonus before you opt in. The small print will reveal any possible issues you need to be aware of, such as:
- High wagering requirements
- Weak deposit matches
- Minimal free spins
- Unrealistic time limits
These indicate that a bonus might not offer much value for money and could end up taking your cash without giving you a fair return.
Set a Betting Limit for Yourself
It’s crucial that you stay in control of your betting while gambling online. Some people may find it easier to wager more than usual online than they would in a brick-and-mortar casino, especially if they’re alone at home.
Before you visit any gambling sites, set a limit that you know you can stick to. Think about it carefully: make sure you only commit money you can afford to lose.
Another option for safer gambling is to set a timer for yourself. Consider how much you would normally wager in, say, one hour. If that’s a reasonable amount, prepare a timer and sign out once it goes off.
Avoid Drinking and Gambling Together
If you’ve ever visited a brick-and-mortar casino, you might have seen people drinking alcohol or even had a tipple yourself. Venues may offer booze, but will generally invite visitors to leave once they’ve clearly had more than they should.
However, if you’re gambling online, it’s usually best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. That should make it easier to stay in control of your emotions and avoid impulsive decisions.
Take Regular Breaks
If you find yourself gambling online for long periods, try to get away from the screen for a while. That will force you to focus on something else, such as washing dishes, taking a walk, or preparing a snack. Even short regular breaks can prevent you from becoming too preoccupied with betting and help you play responsibly.
