According to the statutory British gambling regulator, the Gambling Commission, “Safe and responsible gambling comes from an industry that takes care of its customers, customers who are empowered with the knowledge to manage their gambling and a regulator that ensures the consumer is at the heart of everything we do.” The information contained here is intended to address the first two of these criteria. As we promote the services of gambling providers on this site, we believe it is important that our customers are made aware of the risks that can be associated with gambling, as well as information about where they can find further advice and support should they require it.
Online gambling should be entertainment and a fun way to spend your time. However, there are times when it becomes more than that and the Fun Stops. Then it is time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.
We at BonusFinder promote responsible gambling. All the casinos, and sports betting sites we partner with have the option to set deposit limits or self-exclude for a certain time period or permanently.
Signs of gambling problem
The definition of gambling problem, addiction or disorder varies in different countries and sources. The NHS regognises that being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, as well as leaving you in serious debt, and they provide treatment and support for people with a gambling addition.
If you are worried that you have a gambling problem the NHS recommends that you ask yourself the following:
- Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling?
- Have you tried to win back money you have lost (chasing losses)?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
- Have you wondered whether you have a problem with gambling?
- Has your gambling caused you any health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety?
- Have other people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem (regardless of whether or not you thought it was true)?
- Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
- Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Find out more information on the NHS Website. GamCare also offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. They run the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and offer face-to-face counselling.
How to gamble more safely
GambleAware is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation dedicated to educate on and fight against gambling-related harms. Their ten items list of tips on how to gamble safely is pretty good:
- Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set a spending limit in advance
- Set a time limit in advance
- Never chase your losses
- Don’t gamble when you’re depressed or upset
- Balance gambling with other activities
- Don’t take your bank card with you
- Take frequent breaks
- Don’t drink or use drugs when gambling
Albeit the list might be more for brick and mortar casino-goers, the list has merit amongst online gamblers as well. We strongly recommend utilizing online casinos’ deposit limits or time related limits.
The UK gambling commission has a guide on “How to make sure you gamble safely with licensed businesses and how to gamble responsibly by using tools to manage your activity”.
RAiG Membership
BonusFinder UK is a proud member of RAiG. The association aims to foster wider initiatives in the UK affiliate marketing sector to promote social responsibility and help create a safer gambling environment for consumers. The body was founded in May 2019 and as a condition of membership, each member will be subject to an annual social responsibility audit which will be conducted by an independent third party. For full details of the social responsibility audit that we have passed you can read more details here.
