Responsible Gambling

Gambling addiction is a serious issue, and one that I take very seriously for High Tech Gambling readers.

This page outlines the key aspects of gambling responsibly and provides links to help services for yourself or to find out more on behalf of a loved one.

A special note that all the gambling content here at High Tech Gambling is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing on this site is financial advice and you should do your own (thorough) research before using any recommended service.

While most people enjoy recreational gambling safely and responsibly, it is important to be honest with yourself about the signs of problem gambling and the resources available to help with any issues.

I recommend that anyone who feels they have a problem with gambling (however small) contact The National Council on Problem Gambling right away. They can be reached on 1-800-GAMBLER or via https://www.ncpgambling.org/ncpg/

For those outside of the US, a quick Google search will highlight your local responsible gambling organization.

Defining Problem Gambling

Problem gambling exists on a spectrum. It is defined as gambling behavior which causes negative effects for the individual or their loved ones. This is often used synonymously with gambling addition or gambling dependence.

Gambling addition is a recognized mental health disorder. It is characterized by thinking about gambling constantly, chasing losses, seeking out the ‘high’ of a big win and feeling irritable when not able to gamble.

Anyone can develop problem gambling behavior, and it is important to recognize the signs.

Signs to Check for in Problem Gambling

Sometimes, people do not feel like they have a problem with gambling. Yet their friends and loved ones feel that they do. It can be worthwhile reading through a gambling addiction checklist to verify that you are not displaying any of the signs.

If there are one or two areas you are uncertain of, then please discuss them with NCP Gambling. Identifying and preventing a problem before it causes financial or personal issues should be your goal.

Here are some of the signs to look out for:

Have you ever gambled to escape the monotony or boredom of life?

Has your gambling ever been criticized by other people?

Have you ever skipped college or work because of gambling?

Are you reluctant to spend the money you’d like to gamble with on anything else?

Has your interest in hobbies, family or friends declined?

Have you ever felt depressed because of gambling?

Have you ever told a lie to disguise the amount of money you spent gambling?

If you run out of cash while gambling, do you feel the urge to gamble again as quickly as possible?

Have you ever lied, stolen, or borrowed cash to gamble or pay back gambling debts?

Do you gamble all your cash, even if this means forgoing a beverage or having to walk home?

Have you ever had suicidal thoughts because of gambling?

I hope that all High Tech Gambling readers will be able to gamble responsibly and enjoy their gambling in whatever format they choose. If you cannot do this, then please, seek the assistance of the experts right away – before problem gambling becomes a problem for you.

Sportsbooks, Casinos, and Prediction Markets: Why Responsible Gambling Matters

Every sportsbook and other gambling platform featured on this site has a responsible gambling policy. While the details vary, having protection for bettors shows that they take gaming addiction seriously and protect their most vulnerable players.

Here are the elements of player protection to look out for:

Self-Exclusion: Sites should offer players the ability to suspend or delete their account on a timed or permanent basis.
Setting Bet Limits: This can be on the individual bet basis, or daily, weekly, or monthly total wagering.
Setting Time Limits: The amount of time spent online is important for poker and casino sites.
Links and Information: Quality sites have an easy to access responsible gambling page and show links to national and international organizations that provide help.