Responsible Gambling Guide

Written by: Filip Gromovic Reviewed by: Nashon Khamala

Responsible gambling has always been the way to go when playing your favorite online casino games, but we’re aware that things don’t always go as planned. Even while playing free versions of your favorite games here at FreeSlots99, it’s still possible to go over the line even without losing any money. So, our team is dedicated to giving you the steps and tools for overcoming problem gambling.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling is a way of playing your favorite online slots and casino games without developing a gambling addiction. As you probably know, this online entertainment is very addictive by nature, and that’s the whole point of it, assuming that you know how to embrace it.

If you’re asking for our humble opinion, gambling should be purely for fun, and the moment you start taking it seriously in terms of playing for profit alone, you’d be on a destined pathway to problem casino gaming. That’s why our team at FreeSlots99 made a platform featuring thousands of free games that you can try without ever worrying about losing any money.

Still, responsible gambling can also be very important even while you’re playing demo games. The moment where it becomes your biggest preoccupation in life is when you might need to re-think your gaming motives and ask for a gambling helpline.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

On our platform, we’re dedicated to creating a safe environment where players can have their share of fun without overdoing it in terms of time or money spent playing slots. That’s why we’re including responsible gambling messages in our articles and blogs, as well as reminders on social media.
We’re also working on relationships with renowned organizations like BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous and GamCare. In the future, we also plan on expanding our reach through appropriate tools, but we also need your help with it. Feel free to reach out to us via contact forms or email support to discuss your limits and we’ll steer you in the right direction if you’re in a threat of developing a problem.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

We understand that you might sometimes need some help to play responsibly, which is why we’ll give you some tips based on our firsthand experience. Don’t worry if some irrational thoughts appear while gaming – we’ve all been there, and the whole point is how you’ll cope with them. Don’t be afraid to admit a problem since it’s nothing to worry about if you seek proper guidance and prevent yourself from going on an irrational gambling rampage.

Still, we feel like all that can be prevented by having a set of boundaries every time you log into your casino account, or even when you visit FreeSlots99 to play for free. Here are some of the main steps you can take:


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Set up a fixed limit

We know it seems obvious, but trust us, nothing works better than setting up a limit for your gaming session. A fixed limit means you will never go above the line, regardless of the circumstances. You will agree on an amount you are prepared to lose, or set up a virtual coins limit on our platform, after which you won’t keep playing.

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Set a time limit

Lots of players think that only those who gamble with real money are facing gambling issues. In reality, you might also develop an addiction by spending too much time playing in free mode, so we advise setting up your time limits and exiting the game the minute your limit expires.

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Stop when the fun stops

The pinnacle of self-control is to stop when the fun stops, and it’s a largely overlooked piece of advice. If you’re having fun, it means you probably haven’t gone over the time and money limit that you’ve set. However, if you find yourself playing for other reasons like trying to recover your losses, it’s definitely time you take a break.

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Use responsible gambling tools

You might not know this, but there are entire sets of different tools that casinos use to limit their players upon request. You can use self-exclusion, deposit limits and budget limits to ensure that your gaming remains within normal boundaries.

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Ask for help when needed

Last but not least, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help at times of need, and if you ever feel like you’re developing an addiction, our team stands at your service for any means of help or consultation.


Gambling Limits
Effectiveness of Different Gambling Limits

Responsible Gambling Tools

Online casino operators use responsible gambling tools like self exclusion and various ways of limiting your play to keep you from going over the limit. In most cases, you will need to reach out to the site’s support staff to set those tools in motion, or you can do it upon registration.

At FreeSlots99, we offer all the help you could need through appropriate tools upon request, you can feel free to send us a support email and we’ll get back to you shortly. However, these tools are even more important on real money gambling sites where they feature all sorts of options from deposit limits, to certain game restrictions and even notifications.

Responsible Gambling and Excluding Yourself

In most modern casinos, you can use an option to exclude yourself at will for a certain period. It can be days or even months and it’s all up to you to decide. If you exclude yourself from playing on the site, there’s no coming back from it and the site won’t allow you to access your account.

Still, exclusion doesn’t help too much if you have other options where you can easily join and keep playing. That’s why we recommend players to use options like GamStop, which is a useful UK service that includes a whole chain of casinos. So, once you exclude yourself from one, there’s no coming back to any of the member sites, and we’ll likely see similar methods in the US.

Check Your Gaming History

Keeping your gaming history in check is also one of the best ways of maintaining mental harmony while playing. We’ve seen players keeping their statistics at bay and marking every bet they make so they can use it for checking their gaming history afterward.

It’s a solid strategy if you can stay disciplined and play without breaking your own rules. It’s also a great reminder of your standings. So if you end up on a losing streak, you’ll hardly wager more money when you have a clear display of your losses right in front of you.

How to Recognize Problem Gambling

Let’s face it – most people who gamble have a hard time admitting or even noticing that they have a problem. We know it’s tough and that your motto is probably how it won’t happen to you, but trust us, it happens to the best of us.

So, it’s crucial to understand the telltale signs of getting addicted, and the sooner you admit it to yourself, the better it is for your mental health and pocket. In our experience stretching decades, here are some of the main steps of recognizing a gambling issue:


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Feeling upset or having a sense of guilt

As we mentioned, gambling should be for fun alone, and it’s not a good sign if you’re left with a feeling of guilt or remorse after your gaming session. We know it usually appears after a losing one, but it’s also important to realistically view your emotions even while winning, and to be aware of what could have happened if you’ve lost.

Spending more time and money than intended

If you’ve set a deposit or a time limit before starting your gaming session, you should never break those limits. Trust us, we’ve seen it happen time and time before.

Lying to your friends and family

If you’re hiding your casino sessions from your closest people and feeling the urge to lie about your whereabouts, it’s a sign that perhaps you’ve gone overboard with your gaming. If your friends and family know what you’re doing, they will be the first ones to tell you when it’s too much.

Getting right back at it after a losing session

One of the main signs of problem gambling is if you’re immediately getting back to playing after a losing session. If you can’t wait at least some time to cool off, it means it’s probably time to look for help.


Common Signs of Gambling Problem
Common Signs of Problem Gambling

What to Do If You Have a Problem

Gambling responsibly isn’t only about preserving your money, it’s about keeping your head in the right place. If you finally admit to yourself that you’re dealing with a gambling problem, good for you – it’s the first step towards healing and recovery. Here are some steps to take right after:

  • Get professional help from responsible gambling organizations 
  • Reach out to casino support staff for account suspension
  • Talk to your friends and family
  • Get responsible gambling therapy
  • Attend courses where you can share your story with other people struggling with addiction

Where to Get Help for Problem Gambling

If you need help to get over your problem, you can turn to one of the many responsible gambling organizations out there. Usually, you will find one in your state, but you can also turn to one of the industry giants like BeGambleAware, GamCare and others.

Gamblers Anonymous offers free consultations where you can get their 20-Question program or get a US helpline depending on your location. Phone and video therapy is also a possibility that proved to be useful for many players struggling with addiction.

FAQ

How can I know that I have a gambling problem?
There are numerous signs of developing a gambling problem, from constantly spending too much time playing, to neglecting your friends, family and even your spare time by spending too much time and money casino gaming.
What are the main signs of problem gambling?
If you catch yourself not being able to determine clear limits and boundaries, or even worse, not being able to abide by them, it’s a main sign of problem gambling. Casino playing with money you can’t afford to lose is also one of the clear signs.
How can I get help for responsible gambling?
You can either refer to the customer support staff on your gaming platform or look for therapy courses by using hotlines and proven organizations like BeGambleAware or GamCare.
Can you heal gambling addiction?
Yes, you can successfully treat this addiction but only if you notice it on time and agree to take on a path to recovery. That means restraining yourself from future play and focusing on getting professional help that you need to heal.

Summary

Overall, it’s a good thing that gambling addiction can be prevented by acting on time and admitting that you have a problem. Unfortunately, many players fail to do it on time, and that leads to bigger problems that even grow into serious mental issues. 

To avoid all that, always remember that asking for help is nothing to be embarrassed of. Use the customer support feeds on your gaming platform, and if you play for free at FreeSlots99, you can always contact our experts for help.

Filip Gromovic Writer at FreeSlots99
Filip Gromovic

Filip Gromovic is a senior slots reviewer here at FreeSlots99 with over five years of experience evaluating the latest drops in the world of iGaming.
Being a slot fan himself, Filip approaches slot ratings just the way we like it – professionally, but also from a player’s standpoint.
That enables him to give his unbiased take on the slot’s features, gameplay and design, while only recommending top-tier releases to our readers.
More info on Filip Gromovic

Nashon Khamala Reviewer at FreeSlots99
Nashon Khamala

Having served FreeSlots99 for more than 5 years as a senior content editor and reviewer, Nashon Khamala has extensive knowledge in game slots and iGaming.
His membership in the Editorial Freelancers Association helps him deliver content that reaches both editorial excellence standards and an engaging information level.
By using his expertise in slots games combined with player-focused analysis, Nashon delivers a professional evaluation of slot features and player experiences in his reviews.
More info on Nashon Khamala

Where To Get Help


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Australia

GambleAware

Contact: 1800-858-858

Lifeline

Contact: 13-11-14

Gambling Help Online

Contact: 1800-858-858

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Canada

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Contact: 1-800-661-HELP

Gamblers Anonymous Canada

Contact: 1-855-222-5542

Gambling Help Online

Contact: 1-800-GAMBLER

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New Zealand

Problem Gambling Foundation

Contact: 0800 664 262

Choice Not Chance

Contact: 0800 654 655

Gambling Helpline New Zealand

Contacts: 0800-654-655

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United States

SAMHSA

Contact: 1-800-662-HELP

Gamblers Anonymous

Contact: Refer to the website for local numbers.

National Council on Problem Gambling

Contact: 1-800-522-4700

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United Kingdom

GambleAware

Contact: National Gambling Helpline 0808-8020-133

GamCare

Contact: 0808-8020-133