Playing online slots is a lot of fun. However, for some players, there is a fine line between having fun and irresponsible gambling, and it is important that players do not cross this line. Gambling responsibly is not only the best way to enjoy your online gambling, but it is also the best way to protect yourself from any gambling harm. In this guide to gambling responsibly on online slots, Spin Genie highlights some key things players should do to ensure they stay responsible when playing online.
Set Limits
One of the first things a player should do when they are playing online slots is how to set a gambling budget and limits. While some players prefer to set their own limits, Spin Genie offers players the chance to put spending and playing limits on their accounts.
These can be put in place to help prevent players from overspending their money or from playing for too long. You will not be able to instantly change your limits, with a time-limit in place as to how often you change them. This provides the opportunity for players to think about whether they really want to change them or not.
Likewise, other tools that are offered include time-outs and self-exclusion. These can be an excellent way of removing yourself from the site for a period of time to cool off.
Recognise Irresponsible Play
Players should remain conscious of their spending and playing habits at all times. There are multiple ways you can tell whether you or someone you love/are close to is not practising responsible gambling:
- Relying on slots for financial income: Players should never rely on online slots or any sort of gambling for financial income. Gambling should be a fun activity and should never be used as a means of income.
- Prioritising online slots over other areas of life: As with any addiction, a key indicator is when someone begins to prioritise it over other parts of their life. If a player is neglecting work, family, friends, or their health for online gambling, then it is time to intervene.
- Chasing losses: A major issue for many people suffering from gambling harm is chasing losses. You should never be gambling more than you can afford to lose, and should never be betting money you can’t lose in an effort to regain the money you have already lost.
- Allowing slots to impact your mood: Feeling happy after a big win or a little frustrated after losses is only natural, but if your online slot play is impacting your interactions with other people and is impacting your overall mental health in any way, then it is time to assess your gambling behaviour.
If you feel you or anyone you know is showing any of these signs, then you should seek professional, responsible gambling help.
Use Available Resources
It is important that players know what resources they have available to them to help with their gambling and that they understand how they can be used. The following are just some of the resources available to players:
- Spending and playing limits: As we have already discussed in this guide to responsible slot play, players can put playing limits on their accounts to help control their spending or playing time.
- Support groups: Organisations like BeGambleAware and Gamblers Anonymous provide support for players who feel as though their online gambling habits are becoming an issue. These groups can provide professional guidance and can also provide you with a network of people who have encountered problems.
- Self-exclusion and time-out: Being able to take a step back and know when to stop playing is a powerful tool. Self-exclusion and timeout will allow you to take time away from playing online slots.
- Reality checks: Reality checks will help you track your wins and losses and will also give you information when you have been playing too long or have spent a lot. In many cases, a casino can intervene if they feel a player is showing signs of potential harm.
Ask For Help
The biggest issue for many players who are playing irresponsibly or who are suffering from gambling harm is that they do not ask for help. There are many support groups out there that will be able to help you get your gambling under control, and you can also seek support from your friends and family.
Spin Genie’s customer support team is always on hand to help any players who feel as though their gambling habits are becoming a problem. We also have a dedicated responsible gambling page where players can find more information about who to turn to if they need support.
