Responsible Gambling : our commitment to player well-being

At GamblyGames.com, we believe that online gambling should be an enjoyable and entertaining pastime. We are dedicated to providing information and resources that promote a safe and controlled gaming environment. However, we also recognise that for a small percentage of individuals, gambling can cease to be a harmless leisure activity and can lead to negative consequences.

The potential risks associated with gambling are real. Regulatory bodies and health organisations across English-speaking countries, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the American Gaming Association, and various state/provincial authorities, actively work to promote safer gambling and provide support for those affected by gambling-related harm.

GamblyGames.com is committed to fostering a culture of responsible play. While we are an informational resource and not a gambling operator, we strive to empower our users with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their gambling. We advocate for our partner operators to implement robust player protection measures.

This page provides essential information on responsible gambling practices, how to recognise potential problems, and where to find help. If you feel that gambling is negatively impacting your life or the life of someone you know, we strongly urge you to seek advice from healthcare professionals or specialised support organisations.

Key principles for safer gambling

Adopting sensible gambling habits is crucial for ensuring your experience remains positive and within your control. Here are fundamental principles, widely endorsed by responsible gambling authorities :

  1. Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money : Treat gambling as a leisure expense, similar to going to the cinema or a concert. It is not a viable way to earn an income, solve financial difficulties, or escape personal problems. Wins should be considered a bonus, not an expectation.
  2. Set clear financial and time limits and stick to them : Before you start playing, decide on a budget you can comfortably afford to lose – money that will not impact your ability to pay bills, buy essentials, or meet other financial commitments. Similarly, set a time limit for your gambling sessions. Use any available tools on operator sites to enforce these limits.
  3. Never chase your losses : Attempting to win back money you've lost by increasing your stakes or playing for longer is a high-risk behaviour. This often leads to further, more significant losses and can be a sign of losing control. Accept losses as part of the game.
  4. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose : Do not use money set aside for rent, bills, savings, or other essential expenses. Critically, never borrow money to gamble.
  5. Take regular breaks : Prolonged gambling sessions can impair judgment and lead to fatigue. Regular breaks allow you to reassess your spending, your mood, and whether you are still in control.
  6. Don't let gambling interfere with your responsibilities : Gambling should not take precedence over your work, studies, family commitments, or social life. If it starts to negatively impact these areas, it's a sign to reassess your habits.
  7. Avoid gambling when upset, stressed, or under the influence : Do not gamble when you are feeling emotional (e.g., depressed, anxious, angry) or when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These states can significantly impair your decision-making abilities.
  8. Understand the games you play : Familiarise yourself with the rules, odds, and potential payout rates (e.g., Return to Player - RTP) of the games you choose. Remember that all licensed gambling games are based on chance, and past results do not influence future outcomes. The "house" always has a statistical edge.
  9. Know when to stop : If you are fortunate enough to have a significant win, consider withdrawing at least a portion of it. It's wise to enjoy your winnings rather than risking them all again.

Recognising the signs of problem gambling

It's important to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate gambling is becoming a problem, either for yourself or for someone you care about. Consider the following questions :

  • Do you find yourself preoccupied with gambling (e.g., constantly thinking about past gambling experiences, planning your next session, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble) ?
  • Do you need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement ?
  • Have you made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling ?
  • Do you become restless, irritable, or anxious when attempting to cut down or stop gambling ?
  • Do you gamble as a way of escaping from problems or relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression ?
  • After losing money gambling, do you often return another day to get even ("chasing" your losses) ?
  • Have you lied to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with gambling ?
  • Has gambling jeopardised or led to the loss of a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity ?
  • Have you relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling ?
  • Have you committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling ?
  • Do you find yourself spending more time or money on gambling than you initially intended ?
  • Do you neglect personal, family, or professional responsibilities due to gambling ?

If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, it may indicate a gambling problem. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Responsible gambling tools offered by operators

Licensed and reputable online gambling operators are typically required to offer a range of tools to help players manage their gambling. We strongly encourage you to familiarise yourself with and use these features :

  • Deposit limits : Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money you can deposit into your account.
  • Loss limits : Control the maximum amount of money you can lose over a specific period.
  • Wager/stake limits : Limit the amount you can bet on a single spin, hand, or event.
  • Session time limits / reality checks : Set alerts to remind you how long you've been playing, or automatically log you out after a predetermined time.
  • Account history : Access a detailed statement of your transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, bets, wins, and losses, to track your activity.
  • Self-assessment tests : Many sites offer questionnaires to help you evaluate your gambling behaviour.
  • Time-out / Cool-off periods : Take a short break from gambling, ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this period, you will not be able to access your account for gambling purposes.
  • Self-exclusion : If you feel you are losing control, you can request to be self-excluded for a longer period (typically 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanently). This is a formal process, and during the self-exclusion period, the operator will take reasonable steps to prevent you from gambling with them. In some jurisdictions (e.g., the UK with GAMSTOP), national self-exclusion schemes are available.

Where to find help and support

Numerous organisations offer confidential, non-judgmental, and often free support for individuals experiencing gambling problems, as well as for their families and friends. Do not hesitate to reach out :

Problem gambling support organisations

Country/Region

Organization

Phone / Helpline

Website

United Kingdom

GamCare

0808 8020 133

www.gamcare.org.uk

 

BeGambleAware

0808 8020 133

www.begambleaware.org

 

Gamblers Anonymous UK

0330 094 0322

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

United States

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

1-800-522-4700 (call or text)

www.ncpgambling.org

 

Gamblers Anonymous

Hotline / state

www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

Canada

Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

+1 416 499-9800

www.responsiblegambling.org

Australia

Gambling Help Online

1800 858 858

www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

 

Gamblers Anonymous Australia

0467 655 799

www.gaaustralia.org.au

New Zealand

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand

0800 664 262

www.pgf.nz

International

Gambling Therapy

-

www.gamblingtherapy.org

In cases of acute distress or if you are concerned about immediate harm to yourself or others, please contact your local emergency services.

Protecting minors

Gambling by individuals under the legal age of majority (typically 18 or 21, depending on the jurisdiction) is illegal and harmful. GamblyGames.com does not target its content towards minors.
Reputable gambling operators are required to implement stringent age verification procedures.
Parents and guardians can play a vital role by :

  • Using filtering software (e.g., Net Nanny, CyberPatrol) to block access to gambling sites.
  • Keeping their gambling account login details secure and out of reach of minors.
  • Educating children and teenagers about the risks associated with underage gambling.

Legal disclaimer

GamblyGames.com is an informational and affiliate marketing website. We do not offer real money gambling services. We provide reviews, guides, and information about online casino games and may receive compensation from these third-party operators.
Gambling involves financial risk and the possibility of losing money. Always gamble responsibly and only with funds you can afford to lose. Ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of any bonuses or promotions before participating.
It is your sole responsibility to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction and that you meet the age and other regulatory requirements. Laws regarding online gambling vary significantly by country and region.

Responsible Gambling – Play safely at GamblyGames