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Safe and Responsible Gambling

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Safe and Responsible Gambling

At 20x20, your well-being is our priority. As a result, we ensure that all the online casinos on our website uphold a strong commitment to responsible gambling. This is to prevent addiction and create an overall healthier gambling atmosphere. This guide will focus on the essential principles of responsible gambling, with practical tips to help you stay in control.

Understanding the Importance of Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is the practice of ensuring that gambling is kept fun and safe. Also known as safer gambling, it ensures that players are protected from the negative effects of gambling and have access to adequate support in the case of addiction.

This practice provides players with solutions to mitigate the risks of problem gambling. Here are some potential risks:

  • Financial difficulty, including debt and bankruptcy
  • Legal problems or imprisonment
  • Mental health problems
  • Relationship problems
  • Poor work performance or unemployment
  • Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide

Recognising Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can often lead to a gambling disorder, which is a recognised mental health diagnosis. To know whether you are at risk, consider these warning signs:

  1. Betting more than planned.
  2. Chasing losses.
  3. Using gambling as a coping mechanism for stress.
  4. Neglecting responsibilities due to gambling.

As you gamble, it is important to introspect from time to time to ensure that you do not exhibit any of these patterns. If you do, seek professional support from the resources we have provided below.

Practical Tips for Safe Gambling

Gambling involves inherent risks for everyone. In this section, we have provided some practical tips you can use to keep your playtime safe and fun at the same time!

Set Limits on Time and Money

The first thing to do before you start gambling is to set clear limits. Define how much money you can spend within a specific time limit. The casinos we recommend at 20x20 have the necessary tools to enable you to set those limits properly.

Take Frequent Breaks

Do not spend too much time in front of your screen. Make sure to take frequent breaks. Most casinos have tools that allow you to track your sessions. This way, you can keep a tab on how much time you have spent playing.

Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

Several studies have indicated that gambling under the influence is associated with harms (losses, debits, &c). To maintain a healthy gambling lifestyle and avoid making impulsive and unwise bets, don’t gamble when you are not sober.

Monitor Gambling Activity

It is easy to lose track of how much time and money you have spent gambling. Request your gambling history from the operator to stay aware of your activities. Monitoring your activity in this way gives you more control over how you play.

Self-Exclusion & Account Control Options

Self-exclusion is the formal process of asking to be barred from all gambling activities and promotional material for a definite or indefinite period. The new regulatory body in Ireland, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), is looking to implement a more centralised self-exclusion system where players will be able to block themselves from all regulated sites at the same time.

To self-exclude, follow these easy steps:

  1. Log into your casino account and navigate to the responsible gambling section to request self-exclusion.
  2. Present your request and define how much time you want to be self-excluded.
  3. Confirm the request and wait for it to take effect.

Note: Self-exclusion requests can take up to five working days to process. In the following section, we have outlined some tools you can use to regulate your gambling habits while you wait.

Responsible Gambling Features and Tools

Below is a list of tools you can use to maintain control over your gambling habits:

  1. Time-Outs : This tool allows you to take a short break from gambling for a period of up to 20 days. You will be unable to bet on the operator site or receive any promotional material while this is active.
  2. Deposit Limits : Casino operators allow players to set specific limits on how much they can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you go over this limit, you will be unable to deposit more money during the specified time.
  3. Loss Limits : With this tool, you limit how much you lose over a specific period, up to 30 days. When you reach this limit, the casino will not accept any other bets until the limit period resets.
  4. Reality Checks : Most casinos allow you to track how much time you have spent in a single session. You will be logged out of your account once the session goes over a specific threshold determined by the casino.

Where to Seek Professional Support

If you recognise patterns of problem gambling, no matter how minimal, seek professional support. The table below includes links to helpful organizations and their contact information.

Gambling Authority Website Link Contact/Email
United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) UKGC +44 300 303 3322
Malta Gaming Authority MGA +356 2546 9000
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority GRA +350 2007 4636
GamblingCare.ie GamblingCare.ie 1800 936 725
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland N/A [email protected]

Final Thoughts on Responsible Gambling

To maintain healthy gambling habits, play responsibly and take proactive steps to ensure that you stay within your control limits. Make use of the available tools, like setting financial limits and scheduling time-outs, to manage your gambling behaviour effectively. Finally, introspect on your gambling patterns and seek professional support if needed.