Responsible gaming entails acknowledging the hazards associated with gambling and implementing measures to prevent and monitor one's gambling behavior, ensuring it does not become addictive or detrimental. Being aware of the perils that come with indulging in games of chance is vital, and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy balance is crucial in safeguarding your well-being. By staying mindful of the potential addictive nature of gambling and adopting precautionary measures, you can enjoy gaming responsibly while mitigating any negative consequences.
Many pleasures of life can turn into addiction: beverages, tobacco, food, material consumption - the possibilities are endless. Engaging in gambling can also become addictive, especially with the easy access to online games and betting, making it an even more concerning issue. Learn how to recognize excessive behavior and how to seek assistance.
Discover the signs of problematic gambling.
Check out below some warning signs of gaming addiction:
- Playing beyond your financial means
- Being unable to pay bills due to losses in gambling.
- Staying at home after work to engage in online casino gaming.
- Feeling frustrated on days when you're not playing.
- Constant need to increase the amount of money used for gambling in order to reach levels of satisfaction and excitement.
- Always chasing losses, trying to recover the lost money as quickly as possible.
- Playing games to escape from the everyday stress.
- Failed attempts to quit gambling in the past
- Feeling angry or frustrated when cutting back on gambling expenses.
- Trying to recover lost money by increasing the size or frequency of bets.
- Lying about the amount of money or time spent on the game.
- Concealing the game from close individuals.
- Being careless about the well-being of family and friends.
- Placing the game ahead of family, friends, or other interests.
- Engaging in deceit, borrowing, stealing, or committing fraud in order to obtain money for gambling.
- Hesitate to spend "gaming currency" on anything else.
- When the game ruins a personal relationship or an occupational or educational opportunity
- When discussions, frustrations, or disappointments arise, the urge to play more becomes apparent.
- Feelings of depression or even suicidal thoughts during or after the game.
What is problematic gaming?
"Problematic gaming, also known as gambling addiction, refers to gambling-related behavior that causes harm to the player and those around them. This can include family, friends, and anyone who knows or cares about the player. The damage can take various forms, such as physical, mental, or financial. The behaviors associated with problematic gambling and the resulting negative consequences can be complex and multifaceted in many instances. Moreover, they extend beyond the individual player, affecting the broader social network."
For further clarification, here are a few examples of issues related to gambling games.
- Paulo is spending his rent money on gambling, which is detrimental to both his housing situation and his family's. Losing the rent money and accumulating debts can have financial and mental consequences. Paulo is classified as a problem gambler and should reach out to external support services for immediate assistance.
- Jessica enjoys playing games, typically when she's sober and within her predetermined limits. However, occasionally she plays while drinking alcohol, and in these instances, she finds it difficult to stop. She goes over her budget but still stays within the amount she can afford to gamble (she doesn't spend money reserved for food or rent). Nevertheless, Jessica runs a high risk since she plays after drinking, which can lead her to exceed her budget and make it hard to quit. While this behavior is not frequent, she runs the risk of spiraling out of control. Jessica should set deposit and game time limits at casinos and regularly self-assess. She should stop playing after drinking and could also benefit from using online support services.
To ensure responsible gambling, it is crucial to maintain control and only wager within your financial means. Never chase losses or engage in betting when you are emotionally distressed. Being able to manage your gameplay and make rational decisions is key to a positive gambling experience. Remember, it is always important to prioritize your well-being and gamble responsibly. (BeGambleAware)
United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the regulatory authority for gambling in the United Kingdom.
What steps should be followed when encountering issues with gambling games?
In recent times, the issue of problematic gambling has emerged as a trending topic in the United Kingdom. It has garnered significant media attention and has become a subject of concern for the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), prominent research organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). If you are unfamiliar with the concept of responsible gambling, there are various responsible gambling measures available to help you monitor and control your gambling behaviors. Additionally, you can find resources and support by referring to the information provided below:
- Be truthful and express your need for assistance.
- Utilize as ferramentas de jogo responsável fornecidas para evitar o excesso de jogo.
- Engage in conversation with someone you can rely on.
- Contact support lines.
- Seek solutions, do not remain trapped in the past.
- Establish payment plans in the event of debt.
- In extreme cases, make use of the self-exclusion tool (GamSTOP).
- Acknowledge that addiction is inherent to human nature and you are not to blame.
Tools utilized by online casinos to prevent gambling issues.
Problematic gambling is a serious mental health issue, yet it is a hurdle that can be overcome with professional assistance and support from loved ones. Awareness is one of the major challenges in managing problematic gambling. While it is acknowledged that problematic gambling exists, there is still a need for more effective efforts in promoting responsible gambling tools. Additionally, a significant number of players remain unaware of or fail to utilize the responsible gambling measures provided by casinos.
Reputable online casinos, those holding appropriate licenses and complying with all regulations for secure gaming, offer a range of tools to track, manage, and ensure your gaming behavior remains healthy. They also provide a trained support team to address gaming addiction issues. While certain tools can be activated online, others require you to contact the casino directly to activate them. Take a look at a few of them below: 1. Set Limits: Establishing limits on your deposits, losses, or wagering amounts can help you maintain control over your gambling activities. 2. Self-Exclusion: This option allows you to exclude yourself from accessing the casino's services for a specific period or indefinitely, if necessary. 3. Reality Check: Receive regular notifications to help you keep track of your gaming session duration and make informed decisions. 4. Time-Out: Take a temporary break from gambling by temporarily suspending your account for a specific period. 5. Financial Tools: Utilize features like budgeting tools to monitor your spending and prevent overspending on gambling. 6. GamCare and Gambling Therapy: Seek professional assistance through these organizations, which provide free support, advice, and counseling services. 7. Age Verification: Online casinos implement strict age verification measures to ensure only individuals of legal gambling age can access their services. Remember, responsible gambling is a priority, and these tools are designed to promote a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
- Limits for deposits, losses, and time in games
- Self-exclusion
- Activity history in the casino.
- Real-time notifications about game time and money spent (pop-ups)
- Freezing of activity for a certain period of time.
Self-assessment test / I suspect that I am addicted to gambling.
There are several self-tests available, questionnaires that you can freely take to assess your gambling habits and determine if you are at risk of developing gambling-related problems. Explore the self-assessment by the Anonymous Gamblers institution and evaluate your score based on your responses. It is essential to engage in regular responsible gambling self-assessment to monitor your gambling habits. Verify your status by taking the test today!
- Zero score for every time you answer "never".
- Assign a score of 1 whenever you answer with "sometimes".
- Score 2 for each time you answer "most of the time".
- Press 3 whenever you answer "almost always."
- If your total score is 8 or higher, you might be a problematic player.
Block gaming websites and seek assistance.
There are also external tools, in addition to those offered by casinos, to block gambling sites such as BetBlocker and GamBan. Additionally, there are third-party applications available that can help users restrict access to online betting platforms. These tools provide a reliable means of preventing individuals from engaging in gambling activities, ensuring a safer online environment. Users can utilize these external resources to effectively block and filter out gambling websites, helping them overcome addictive behaviors and regain control of their online activities. Implementing these tools can provide a much-needed support system for those struggling with compulsive gambling habits, promoting responsible online behavior and fostering a healthier relationship with technology.
If your test score exceeds 8, do not waste any time, seek assistance. In South Africa, the most well-known organizations that provide support for gambling addiction are Jogadores Anônimos and Virando o Jogo, both of which offer free support services for individuals addicted to games of chance.
What to do with underage gambling addicts?
Regrettably, despite the fact that all forms of gambling are illegal for individuals under the age of 18, problematic gambling still impacts young people. Take a look at the offerings of NetNanny, the industry-leading parental control software provider.
How to prevent gaming addiction
- Do not rely on gambling as a source of income.
- Games are recreational pastimes, nothing more.
- Never play to escape from problems
- Do not attempt to recover losses.
- Only play when you are sober.
- Discover the dangers of gaming addiction
- Be mindful of your medical history, previous addictions, and mental health issues.
How many people in South Africa are struggling with gaming addiction?
According to a 2025 survey conducted by the Psychiatry Department at the University of São Paulo (USP), South Africa is home to over 2 million game addicts, comprising 1% of the South African population. Did you know? More men than women engage in gaming activities, and the number of male players at risk or facing problematic gambling behaviors is significantly higher than that of females. However, in both genders, individuals aged between 24 and 36 are more susceptible to problematic gaming, as highlighted by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
How do casinos ensure player protection?
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission, established in 2025, is the governing body tasked with overseeing research, legislation, and regulation in the gambling industry. Prior to its creation, there was no dedicated governmental entity responsible for this sector, despite the existence of various legislations.
The UKGC stipulates the primary obligations of casinos towards players, encompassing, yet not confined to, the following:
- Transparency and fairness in games and outcomes
- Data protection and privacy
- Fund protection
- Operator's responsibility
- And protection against damages.
- Again, protection against harm is a very broad category, and this is where responsible gambling falls under the UKGC's jurisdiction, specifying what tools, measures, support, and information casinos should provide regarding problem gambling.
This obligation falls upon casinos licensed by the UKGC, who are required to comply with and be audited against guidelines known as Licensing Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCPs), along with other criteria. Hence, it is the casinos themselves who bear the primary responsibility for player protection, as they are the ones providing the service and held accountable for any breaches of the LCCPs.
The Living Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) serves as a dynamic document that enables the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to promptly respond to market changes and sanction casinos that fail to prioritize player protection and disclosure. This flexible framework empowers the UKGC to continuously update and modify the terms and regulations as deemed necessary. Consequently, they can swiftly adapt to evolving market conditions, ensuring that casinos uphold their responsibility to inform and safeguard their players.
Recently, there have been some significant instances of this:
In 2025, the Advertising Standards Authority and the Gambling Commission joined forces to undertake a thorough review of the regulations governing casino advertising. Their primary aim was to address and combat deceptive practices through the updated marketing guidelines of the LCCPS. This comprehensive revision focused on the placement and content of advertisements, as well as the nature of the messages they convey. The overarching goal was to ensure that advertisements do not irresponsibly promote gambling and adhere to stricter standards.
However, gambling remains a pressing issue for numerous players, and indeed, many are unaware of the casino's available resources to aid in monitoring and regulating gambling behaviors. Despite the advancements in technology and the numerous educational campaigns, there is still a lack of awareness regarding the tools and measures put in place to support responsible gambling. It is crucial for players to familiarize themselves with these resources, as they can play a vital role in promoting a safe and enjoyable gambling experience. By using features such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and reality checks, individuals can take control of their gambling habits and prevent potential harm. Casinos strive to provide a responsible gambling environment, and it is imperative that players take advantage of these tools to ensure their well-being and maintain a healthy balance between entertainment and responsible gambling. So, let us explore the available options and empower ourselves with the knowledge that will enhance our gambling experience while prioritizing our overall wellness.
There has been a growing emphasis on the correlation between problematic gambling and mental health. Based on insights from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (2025), the UKGC unveiled that "within the past year, 5% of individuals with gambling issues had attempted suicide, and 5% of those who had attempted suicide were individuals with gambling issues." This highlights the profound impact that gambling problems can have on mental well-being.
Play safely and know when to stop.
Responsible gaming involves understanding when to stop and managing the way you play. Every player engaging in gambling should utilize the responsible gaming tools offered by casinos to track their gameplay and be mindful of the risks involved. Here are a few crucial tips to help you maintain control over your betting behavior, and always remember, when the enjoyment ceases, CEASE!
