Since November played host to Safer Gambling Week (an annual, cross-industry initiative to promote safer gambling in the United Kingdom and Ireland), we thought it’s the perfect time to discuss responsible gambling and how to be gamble aware on each of your visits to our Napoleons’ casinos!
Understanding Responsible Gambling
Making sure your Napoleons casino experiences are positive and enjoyable is about playing smart. Responsible gambling is all about knowing yourself and being conscious of your betting decisions – both at the table and electronically.
But don’t worry, safer gambling isn’t all in your hands, the gaming industry needs to do its part (including us at Napoleons) by striking a balance between the entertainment value of gambling and safeguarding against the potential negative consequences associated with excessive or problem gambling.
As much as the Napoleons’ teams across our UK casinos want you to have an unforgettable experience with the best of northern hospitality, creating a safer gambling culture and environment is also at the top of our list.
Be Gamble Aware: Setting Limits
If you need a helping hand with safer gambling and setting limits here are some tips and tricks:
Managing Your Finances
- When it comes to safer gambling, it’s important to decide on a budget. Visitors should only use money they can comfortably afford to lose, avoiding dipping into essential funds for things like rent, bills, or other necessities.
Time Control
- To promote safer gambling, it’s crucial to set time limits on your betting activities. Excessive gaming can lead to problem gambling, so it’s wise to establish time constraints to maintain a healthy balance in your life.
Self-Reflection
- Be gamble aware by being mindful of your behaviour and recognise signs of problem gambling. If you find yourself chasing losses, feeling stressed, or neglecting responsibilities due to gambling, it’s a signal that you may need some help.
Educating Yourself
- Understanding the rules and odds of the games you’re playing is essential for safer gambling. Casino visitors who educate themselves about the risks associated with different types of gaming activities are better equipped to make informed decisions.
Coping with Losses
- Safer gambling involves accepting losses as a natural part of the gambling experience. Avoiding the temptation to chase losses (continuing to gamble to recover previous losses) helps break the cycle of unhealthy behaviour.
Reaching Out for Help
- If you sense that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, be gamble aware by seeking support from friends, family, or professional resources is crucial.
Utilising Responsible Gambling Tools
- Online gambling platforms often offer tools to assist users with responsible gambling. These may include features like setting deposit limits, time limits, and options for self-exclusion.
Recognising Problem Gambling
The first step to safer gambling is recognising if you have a problem, below are a few examples of physical and mental signs you may be struggling with your gaming habits:
- Do you often lose control and struggle to resist impulsive urges to gamble, even in unfavourable circumstances?
- Are you experiencing workplace issues – such as a heightened workload, calling in sick, or a general lack of focus that prevents task completion?
- Have you become excessively focused on gambling, losing interest in other hobbies, and neglecting family responsibilities?
- Do you escalate the amounts gambled in an attempt to recover losses or recreate the same sense of excitement?
- Is your betting negatively affecting relationships with close ones?
- Have you hidden the extent of money and time devoted to gambling from your family members?
- Could you be in denial about having a gambling problem?
If you’re a frequent gamer and you feel the above questions relate closely to you, it could be time to ask for support.
Safer Gambling Helpful links:
If any of the above resonates with you and you recognise that it’s time to get help, there are many organisations and charities across the UK to support you, including: