What You Must Know About Responsible Gaming
The term “responsible gaming” seems to rip all the fun out of gambling and playing games, but the concept was actually created by gambling and gaming operators to protect you from any adverse consequences that are associated with gambling. These codes have been set to ensure that you are not being taking advantage of and also protects you from criminals and fraud. Well, isn’t that nice of them?
How to Game Responsibly
One of the first things you should know about gaming and gambling is that it is meant for fun. You should never use gaming as a way out of a desperate situation or to get rich quick. Yes, you do have the opportunity to win large amounts of money and it is fun to see if Lady Luck is in your favor or not… But if you have to forego dinner just to purchase your quota of lottery tickets—it’s safe to say you may have a problem.
When you go to gamble, set a limit of how much money you are able to lose. If you are ahead, set aside your initial investment and gamble the rest if you feel compelled to keep playing (If you invest $20 and you win $50, put that original $20 away and continue to play with the $30). At least that way you aren’t losing money. Also, never take your bank card or credit cards with you when you are gambling. Only use cash!
You never want to gamble when you aren’t in your right mind. This could be if you are depressed, sad, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These will make it much more difficult to adhere to your limit, plus when you experience a winning streak it may be great; but if you suddenly lose big, it can put you in a worse mood and you could set yourself up for financial disaster.
Organizations to Help Those with a Problem
Every country where people can participate in some form of gaming has an organization that can help people overcome their gaming problem. These are just a few of the available resources that focus on helping to prevent gambling addictions.
The NCRG (National Center for Responsible Gaming) is a non-profit organization in the United States that devotes funding to research the pathology of gambling and finding effective methods of treating the addiction. The charitable organization helps individuals and families that are affected by gambling related disorders. They offer public education, diagnostic, intervention and treatment plans, and they also research ways to prevent the addiction from even forming.
The RGC (Responsible Gaming Council) in Ontario is an independent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping those with a gambling problem and preventing future problem gambling. The group tries to reduce gambling risks by developing informational programs that are innovative and effective. These programs promote better playing practices and safeguards by using in-depth research and developing high gaming standards with the help of those who have a gambling problem, gaming providers, regulators, policy creators and treatment specialists.
The RGT (Responsible Gaming Trust) in the UK is a charity that is dedicated to reducing the harm that a gambling problem can cause. The charity is funded by the gambling industry in the UK and the organization focuses on the education, prevention and treatment services for those who have a gambling problem. The educational services are also used for the general public to help them understand the effects of gambling and to help them identify the early signs of addiction. GambleAware is another organization that focuses on helping those who may have a problem.
If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, please get help. There are gambling hotlines that you can call. If you do not feel comfortable calling the hotlines, talk to a family member—just talk to someone before you put yourself in debt.
