Responsible Gaming

Introduction

At CasinoReviewIreland, we believe gambling should be enjoyable, safe, and within your means. We're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and helping you make informed decisions about online gambling.

While most people gamble responsibly as a form of entertainment, we recognize that gambling can become problematic for some. That's why we provide information about responsible gaming and connect you with resources if you need help.

Your wellbeing matters to us. We encourage all visitors to gamble responsibly and seek support if gambling is no longer fun.

What Is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means gambling in a way that's safe, controlled, and enjoyable. It's about making informed choices and staying in control of your gambling habits.

Key Principles of Responsible Gaming

Stay in Control: You should always be in charge of your gambling decisions. This means setting limits and sticking to them, never gambling more than you can afford to lose.

Gamble for Fun: Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge, so expect to lose money over time.

Know When to Stop: Set time and money limits before you start gambling. When you reach these limits, stop playing and walk away.

Stay Informed: Understand the odds of the games you play. Know that all casino games are designed to favor the house in the long run.

Never Chase Losses: If you're having a losing session, don't try to win back your money by betting more. This often leads to bigger losses.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Before You Start

• Set a budget for gambling and stick to it
• Decide how much time you'll spend gambling
• Never gamble money you need for bills, rent, or other expenses
• Only gamble when you're in a good mood and thinking clearly

While Gambling

• Take regular breaks to avoid losing track of time
• Don't drink alcohol while gambling
• Keep track of how much you're spending and how long you've been playing
• Don't borrow money to gamble
• Accept losses as the cost of entertainment

Money Management

• Use only disposable income for gambling
• Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits
• Consider using deposit limits on gambling sites
• Separate your gambling money from other funds
• Never gamble with credit cards or loans

Time Management

• Set specific times for gambling
• Use alarms to remind you when to stop
• Balance gambling with other activities
• Don't let gambling interfere with work, family, or social commitments

Recognizing Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Here are warning signs to watch for in yourself or others:

Financial Signs

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Lying about gambling losses
• Neglecting bills to fund gambling
• Using credit cards or loans for gambling

Emotional Signs

• Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
• Getting upset when you can't gamble
• Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
• Mood swings related to gambling wins and losses
• Feeling like gambling is the only way to be happy

Behavioral Signs

• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
• Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
• Trying unsuccessfully to cut back or stop gambling
• Thinking about gambling constantly

Relationship Signs

• Arguments with family or friends about gambling
• Hiding gambling activities from loved ones
• Isolating yourself from others
• Losing important relationships due to gambling

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it's time to seek help.

Getting Help

If gambling is causing problems in your life, support is available. You don't have to face this alone.

National and International Resources

GambleAware

• Website: www.gambleaware.org
• Provides information, advice, and support for problem gambling
• Free and confidential help

GamCare

• Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• Free counseling and support services
• Live chat and forum support

Gamblers Anonymous

• Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Support groups across Ireland and the UK
• Peer support from people who understand

Professional Help

• Contact your GP for referrals to counseling services
• Many therapists specialize in gambling addiction
• Some health insurance plans cover gambling addiction treatment

Crisis Support

If you're in immediate distress:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Emergency services: 999 or 112

Self-Exclusion Tools

Self-exclusion is a tool that prevents you from accessing gambling sites for a set period. It's an effective way to take a break from gambling.

How Self-Exclusion Works

• You request to be excluded from gambling sites
• The exclusion period can range from days to years
• During exclusion, you cannot access your account
• The site will not send you marketing materials

Types of Self-Exclusion

Site-Specific Exclusion

• Excludes you from individual gambling sites
• Must be done separately for each operator
• Useful if you have problems with specific sites

Multi-Operator Exclusion

• Blocks access to multiple gambling sites at once
• More comprehensive protection
• Available through some industry schemes

Exclusion Services

GAMSTOP (UK residents)

• Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Free service blocking access to UK-licensed gambling sites
• Choose exclusion periods from 6 months to 5 years

Individual Casino Self-Exclusion

• Contact customer support at any gambling site
• Request self-exclusion for your desired period
• Keep records of your requests

Blocking Software

• Gamban: Blocks access to gambling sites and apps
• BetBlocker: Free gambling blocking software
• Cold Turkey: Website and app blocker
• Router-level blocking: Block gambling sites on your home network

Remember: gambling should be fun, not a source of stress or financial hardship. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to take a break or seek help.

Need immediate help? Contact GamCare at 0808 8020 133 or visit GambleAware for free, confidential support.

If you're concerned about someone else's gambling, help is available for friends and family members too. Don't hesitate to reach out for support.