Aussies enjoy gambling as much as anyone. What’s there not to enjoy? You get the opportunity to play a variety of fantastic and competitive games with the bonus of being able to win money in the process.
While gambling is fun, for some people it does not remain that way. Problem gambling is a real risk, especially for those who play frequently. Let’s face it, gambling is more readily available to each of us now thanks to online casinos, which means we ought to be on our guard a lot more.
There are better ways for gambling responsibly. Certain principles can be adopted to ensure that the gaming experience remains entertaining rather than frustrating or even devastating.
Below is a list of 5 simple tips that you can practice when you are playing online. Each principle is approved by the Australian Gaming Council and is geared to make sure that you play safely.
1. Know the Odds
You need to approach gambling with a responsible and sober mindset. Understand that the casino usually wins and that the odds of your success are quite small. For this reason, budget your money well and never gamble with more than you can afford to lose!
The best way to increase your chances of winning is to think ahead and strategies. To do this, you need to know the odds of the game/s you are engaging in. For instance, you should know that your chances of winning are more likely when playing Blackjack than if you were playing games like slots. Remain calculated, that way you will not be surprised with the way things turn out.
2. Take Breaks
Casino games can become extremely immersive. As such, it is always a good idea to ‘reset’ yourself by taking a break from gaming. Even a small break in the middle of a session will refresh the mind. Take a walk, make some tea, or watch a TV show – anything, as long as it’s something different.
If you have been playing excessively for a few days, it may be worthwhile opting for a ‘cool-off’ period at the casino. This tool can be found in your casino account settings or you can contact support to implement it. The casino will prevent you from playing for a day or so.
You can also explore Self Exclusion at your chosen platform to opt-in on longer break intervals.
3. Budget Well
It is important to plan a financial budget for your gambling. Plan for your spending in each session. This should be money taken from disposable income and not from money needed for your daily necessities.
Once you have set your budget, stick to it. Be disciplined enough to log out of the casino, even when you are down. Track how much money you are spending on games and compare it to the amount of cash you spend on other things each month. Is your spending healthy?
Most responsible casinos will allow you to impose either deposit or wager limits on your casino account to help you stay in charge of your spending.
4. Watch the Time
Managing the time you spend on gambling is a healthy habit. You need to weigh the amount of time you put into gambling versus the time you put into other activities and responsibilities in your life. Recording your play history is a good way to keep a check on yourself. Alter your habits if you need to.
There are several apps that you can download to help you with this task. The Australian Gaming Council recommends the Stay on Track App.
5. Familiarise Yourself with the Signs
It’s beneficial for you to know the signs of problem gambling so that you can recognise the traits if you start to exhibit some of them. The earlier you catch the problem, the easier it is to combat it. Ask yourself the following questions regularly:
- Do I bet more than I can afford to lose?
- Do I need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement as I used to get on smaller bets?
- Do I go back and try to win the money I lost?
- Do I borrow or sell things so that I can gamble?
- Do I think I have a problem with gambling?
- Do people tell me that I bet too much or that I have a gambling problem?
- Do I feel guilty about the way I gamble?
- Does gambling stress me out or give me anxiety or other health problems?
- Does gambling cause financial problems in my household?
If your answer was ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, you may need to seek help to prevent further addictive tendencies.
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If you just practice the 5 easy steps above, you will minimise your chances of falling prey to addictive gambling tendencies. These protocols empower you to take control of your actions and remain well-disciplined while enjoying the finest casino entertainment out there.