Responsible Gambling

With so many legal ways to gamble, it is crucial for those who do enjoy playing slots or other gambling games to be responsible. Gambling can be a fun and entertaining activity for adults, but it can also be very destructive and harmful for those unable to practice moderation and make clear-headed, informed decisions while gambling.

Read on to learn more about responsible gambling and how to practice it, as well as how to identify signs of problem gambling. We have also compiled some resources below where you can obtain more information about how to gamble responsibly and what to do if you or a loved one has a gambling problem and needs help.

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling has multiple meanings within the gambling industry. It is an idea that applies both to those who play casino games and to the game providers.

For players, responsible gambling represents a collection of recommended practices to ensure gambling remains a fun and entertaining activity, not a harmful or destructive one. Gambling responsibly starts with remaining careful about how much time and money you spend playing. It also extends to other guidelines for avoiding reckless or potentially self-destructive behaviors.

On the provider side, it is important that retail and online casinos are responsible in how they organize and offer games. Real money online casinos in the US must be licensed and regulated, a process that involves instituting policies and mechanisms to help minimize and prevent problem gambling. Casino operators are therefore very mindful of responsible gambling, or “RG” as it is often referred to in the industry.

Let’s talk more specifically about responsible gambling from both player and operator points of view.

Responsible gambling tips for slots players

Here is a list of tips and recommendations you should follow when you play slots online or in person. These apply whenever you gamble—whether in a casino, a sportsbook or elsewhere.

  • Keep track of how much money you spend while gambling.
  • Set limits when you gamble, both on the money you intend to wager and the amount of time you plan to spend doing so.
  • Never gamble with money needed for essentials such as bills, rent, gas or food.
  • Do not borrow money to gamble.
  • Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, anxious, intoxicated or otherwise not thinking clearly.
  • When you win at gambling, don’t be tempted to “ride the rush” or “let it ride” and gamble more than you originally intended.
  • Similarly, when you lose, don’t “chase your losses” and thoughtlessly gamble more to win back what you lost.
  • Always know there are resources available to help you if gambling ever becomes a problem or a negative influence on you and/or your loved ones.

Responsible gambling tips for slots providers

We can also share tips for gambling providers, such as those who operate a retail or online casino, staff and other representatives, and anyone else who interacts with customers. Here are some best “RG” practices for operators to follow.

  • Clearly post odds, pay tables, rules and all other pertinent information about slots and other games. This way, customers can be informed when weighing risks and rewards.
  • Develop and enforce rules designed to discourage unsafe gambling behavior.
  • Provide information about responsible gaming and how to avoid the pitfalls of problem gambling, including links to local resources.
  • Police games to prevent underage gambling as well as to prevent those who are drunk or impaired from gambling.
  • Train staff to recognize signs of problem gambling, including understanding patterns of activity indicating problematic behavior.
  • Never promote gambling in a way that minimizes the harm caused by problem gambling (e.g., ads that promote “degen” behavior).
  • Be clear about bonuses and promotions. For example, make sure any playthrough requirements or other terms and conditions associated with a bonus are well described and available before a player opts in or agrees to receive the bonus.
  • Create ways for gamblers to limit their play or self-exclude from gambling. Remove all gambling opportunities for those who do self-exclude.

Self-exclusion is a way for problem gamblers essentially to ban themselves from gambling at a particular casino or online site. Many sites with online slots have ways for players to self-exclude either for a certain period of time or permanently. Many also have ways to set limits on how much you spend (e.g., per day, per week) and/or the amount of time you spend on the site.

If you live in a state with legal online casinos and are thinking of playing at one, spend some time researching sites’ responsible gambling measures. Oftentimes, a site that pays a lot of attention to responsible gambling is also going to be diligent in other areas as well, including game integrity and player security.

Licensed and legal online casinos have to meet high standards in these areas, and often the states also require them to be proactive when it comes to promoting responsible gambling.

What is problem gambling?

When does gambling become a problem? Like other forms of self-destructive behavior, problem gambling can be difficult to define. It can also be difficult to detect, either in others or even in oneself.

People can exhibit signs of problem gambling without necessarily drawing inordinate attention to themselves. As happens with other types of self-destructive behavior, like drinking too much or abusing drugs, problem gamblers sometimes actively conceal their actions from others. This secrecy makes it hard for even a spouse or loved one to realize what is happening.

Even relatively small signs of problem gambling can be worrisome. Seemingly minor issues can grow into larger ones, leading to especially grievous consequences, such as the loss of one’s savings, the accumulation of enormous debt, and the creation of conditions that can lead to serious damage to a person’s mental and physical health. In its extreme form, problem gambling becomes an addiction that can destroy lives much as other types of addictions can.

Here are some common signs of problem gambling to look for in those you are concerned about, including yourself:

  • Lying about gambling or hiding it from others
  • Allowing gambling to distract from responsibilities or other scheduled activities
  • Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
  • Making unexpected bank withdrawals or obtaining frequent cash advances
  • Borrowing money from others (especially large amounts)
  • Selling possessions to raise money
  • Failing to pay bills or being late with payments
  • Being unexpectedly absent from work or school
  • Becoming neglectful about health or hygiene
  • Feeling guilty about gambling
  • Becoming angry or defensive when asked about gambling
  • Behaving erratically or becoming irritable when not gambling
  • Experiencing extreme emotional swings (ups and downs) when gambling

National and international resources for problem gambling

There are several national resources available where you can learn more about responsible gambling as well as get help for problem gambling. Each of the organizations described has comprehensive websites that contain lots of information for those seeking gambling-related guidance.

National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the best-known gambling support organization in the US. The NCPG offers several types of support, including maintaining the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network and its 24/7 helpline at 800-522-4700. You can also reach NCPG representatives at any time via live chat at ncpgambling.org/chat.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous follows a template established by Alcoholics Anonymous that includes a 12-step self-help program and regular support meetings in locations all over the country. Visit the website and type in your location to find out when and where meetings take place. The national organization also has its own 24-7 toll-free hotline for those seeking information or help: 855-222-5542. 

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is another national organization that follows the same fellowship model as Gamblers Anonymous. The difference is that Gam-Anon focuses primarily on providing support to family members and friends of problem gamblers and compulsive gamblers. Like the organizations listed above, Gam-Anon provides help and resources to healthcare providers, mental health professionals and others tasked with helping problem gamblers.

GamTalk

GamTalk is another good resource to know about. It’s an online discussion forum designed to connect problem gamblers with one another for mutual support. A global organization, the site also has links to numerous helpful organizations around the world, including in the United States. You’ll find information about resource and treatment centers, helplines, state departments of health and more.

International Center for Responsible Gambling

Previously known as the National Center for Responsible Gambling, the International Center for Responsible Gambling is a US-based organization that funds research on gambling addiction. Besides offering information and help to the public, the ICRG is a good resource for treatment providers, industry professionals, and those charged with creating policies and laws concerning gambling.

State resources for problem gambling

Each state has organizations and other avenues for getting help with problem gambling and/or learning about responsible gambling. Here’s a list sharing a prominent gambling-related resource for each state (plus the District of Columbia):

Some of these organizations and states are affiliates of the NCPG described above. Some are otherwise affiliated with state governments, and some are independent.

Keep the games fun by practicing responsible gambling

We at Slots Today know that slots and other casino games can be great fun. But when gambling is not done responsibly, it can quickly become problematic in devastating ways.

Always practice responsible gambling, and if ever gambling becomes a problem for you or someone you care about, please take advantage of available resources and reach out for help.

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