According to recent figures, about 26% of the world’s population has gambled at least once. With the rise of iGaming platforms, playing online slots or poker and betting on sporting events like the football Premier League have become popular. Valued at 63.53 billion USD in 2022, this market will continue growing and attracting more people. However, if you are interested in iGaming, you should follow certain precautions to ensure your safety and minimize potential harm.
Choose a reputable iGaming platform.
Choosing a reputable online casino or sportsbook is the first and most important step toward safe online gambling. Look for online casinos licensed and regulated by trustworthy authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. These operators adhere to strict standards and regulations for fair play, security, and responsible gambling. Additionally, reputable iGaming operators will prominently display their credentials and licenses on their websites. Platforms incorporating real-money gaming should consult an attorney specializing in the industry to ensure compliance with privacy, financial, intellectual property, and advertising regulations.
Set time and money limits
The British grant-making charity commissioning prevention and treatment service, GambleAware, recommends setting a money limit in advance and sticking to it. Players must determine the amount they can afford to lose. Most online casinos and sportsbook platforms will have a feature to help users set their account limits.
In addition, keeping track of time is also crucial. After all, it’s easy to lose track of time when gambling online, especially when having fun or going through a winning streak. Set a timer or use a clock to track your playing time. According to a 2018 research study on Norwegian gamblers, those who received personalized feedback whenever they reached their limits showed significant reductions in the amount of money they risked.
Study the game
Before playing a new game or betting on a sport, studying the rules and understanding the odds is fundamental. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid making costly mistakes. You can also look for strategies and tips from other players or online resources.
Take frequent breaks
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) encourages players to take breaks from online gambling to avoid getting too caught up in the game. Set a timer or an alarm to remind yourself to take a break every hour. Use the break time to get up and stretch, walk, or engage in another activity. Taking breaks will help you maintain a healthy balance between gambling and other aspects of your life.
Avoid chasing losses
After a losing streak, it is only natural to want to keep playing to recoup your losses. However, this can quickly spiral out of control, leading to even bigger losses. Instead, take a break and return to the game with a clear head.
Be aware of problem gambling signs.
All gaming enthusiasts should be aware of the tell-tale signs of problem gambling. These signs typically include spending more money or time gambling than you intended, neglecting other responsibilities or activities, and feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, seek help from professional organizations such as GambleAware, GamCare, or Gamblers Anonymous.
In conclusion
iGaming can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s important to approach it with caution and responsibility. To minimize risks and have the best experience, it’s recommended to set time and budget limits, study the game, take frequent breaks, avoid chasing losses, be aware of problem gambling signs, and only play casino games at licensed platforms and bet on popular sports leagues at sportsbooks like: https://sportsbet.io/sports/soccer/england/premier-league/matches.
