Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but staying in control through responsible habits—like setting limits, recognising warning signs, and using tools provided by licensed operators—is key to keeping it safe and sustainable.
Gambling is a fun and exciting way to unwind, much like games, such as chess or Go. However, it’s easy to get carried away. That’s why it’s essential to maintain control and approach gambling as a form of entertainment, not as a primary source of income.
This guide is here to help you recognise early signs of unhealthy gambling habits. With the proper awareness and tools, you can stay in control, make informed choices, and enjoy your gaming experience responsibly.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling simply means maintaining control over your betting activities. This means making informed decisions on when, where, and how to wager. Gambling responsibly involves understanding the risks and taking proper steps to ensure they do not culminate in something worse.
In a nutshell, responsible gambling is all about setting clear boundaries and budgets and sticking to them strictly. Here are some key factors to keep in mind if you want to play responsibly:
Establish time limits for gaming sessions.
Create a budget and designate funds for gaming.
Understand that gambling is not to be seen as a way to solve financial problems.
Understand that gambling is a way to keep yourself entertained and not a source of consistent income.
From a broader perspective, responsible gambling isn’t just about personal choices — it’s also about how licensed operators like 22Bet structure their services to protect players. To promote a safe and supportive environment, they offer some really helpful tools:
Age verification systems.
Deposit and spending limits.
Self-exclusion options.
Reality checks and session timers.
These measures work together to keep gambling safe, fair, and fun.
Signs of Problem Gambling
They say, “When you see the signs, you’ll know them,” and that rings true for gambling just as it does for any behaviour that may potentially spiral out of control. Maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling starts with staying alert to potential warning signs. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
Spending more money than you budgeted.
Chasing losses by adding the size of your bets.
Borrowing money to bet.
Prioritising gambling over essential expenses.
Some common emotional and behavioural changes that could signal problems include:
Feeling anxious or angry when you cannot afford to gamble.
Denying the fact that you have a gambling problem when told by friends or family.
Experiencing severe mood swings that are related to winning and losing games.
Neglecting work and relationships, or even personal responsibilities.
Accepting that you have a problem is the first step, but the most important step is seeking help from professionals. This is not a sign of weakness but strength. Some available resources you can explore include:
Professional Counsellors: Speak with experts who provide personalised strategies and proven treatment approaches.
Support groups: Connect with people who have the same problem and are ready to overcome it. This will give you the proper emotional support you need.
24/7 free services: You can get support from various organisations worldwide.
Seeking help demonstrates strength and self-awareness, and it helps you preserve the fun in gaming by doing it responsibly.
Questions And Answers
Set time limits and budgets for gaming, understand the risks involved, and refrain from viewing gambling as a source of income.
Professional counsellors and support groups are available to provide personalised strategies and treatment approaches.
