Let’s Talk About Responsible Gambling

Here at MrFixitsTips we take our social responsibilities seriously and as such we're taking part in Responsible Gambling Week, running from 12th – 18th October.

Gambling should be an enjoyable leisure activity, however we understand that sometimes some people can lose control so it's worth remembering that there are various tools and organisations that can help if you feel you have a problem with gambling.

3 Things to Remember

• You should only gamble what you can afford to lose
• Avoid chasing losses
• Keep track of the time and amount you spend gambling

To help manage your online gambling activity you should also be aware that most sites offer the kind of options below to help put you in control.

Deposit Limits

Some online betting sites have pre-defined deposit limits but you can also manage the amount of money that you are able to deposit into your account over a 24 hour, 7 day or 30 day period for yourself. Have a look on your preferred sites, if you can't find it contact them for help.

Reality Checks

You can also manage the amount of time spent playing on most sites. You should be able set up alerts which pop up as a reminder when you have been logged in for your specified period of time. Again, ask your preferred betting site if you cannot find this option.

Time-Out

You can opt to take a short break from betting and gaming with most reputable sites. This means that you don't have to close your account, just take time-out for a specified period of 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days or 30 days.

Self-Exclusion

If you want to prevent yourself from gambling for a longer period of time you should use the Self-Exclusion option. Self-exclusion means asking a gambling provider to exclude you from gambling with them for a length of time, usually between six and twelve months but this can be for up to five years for online gambling.

All gambling providers in Britain must provide consumers with this option, allowing any customer who has followed the procedure to request self-exclusion to be refused service and prevented from gambling during this time period.

Website Blocking

You can monitor or restrict access to gambling sites with software such as GamBlock or Betfilter.

Support Organisations

The following organisations are available to provide free and confidential advice on matters of problem gambling.

• GambleAware – provide information to help people make informed decisions about gambling and where to go for support and advice. Further information can be found at www.gambleaware.co.uk
• Gambling Therapy – offer online support to anyone addicted to gambling and those who show problematic gambling behaviour. Further information can be found at www.gamblingtherapy.org
• Gamblers Anonymous – provide confidential face-to-face counselling to anyone who is affected by problem gambling. Gamblers Anonymous can be contacted at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
• GamCare – a registered charity that provides confidential telephone support and counselling to anyone who is affected by problem gambling. GamCare can be contacted on 0808 8020 133 (freephone from UK) or by visiting their website at www.gamcare.org.uk.

Please feel free to discuss any of the issues mentioned above in the comments section below. Although we love our betting here at MrFixitsTips we are a community and here to help each other on issues such as these, not just to beat the bookies.

To find out more about Responsible Gambling Week click here.

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