Online gambling can be fun and profitable, but it can also be addictive and lead to a lot of challenges.

The good thing is that there are many tips out there that can help and protect you from becoming a full brown gambling addict.

In this guide, we will be discussing everything that you need to know to gamble responsibly.

Let us dive deeper right away:

Compare the Services of Different Online Casinos

The casino industry has one of the biggest collections of brands, and this makes it a huge challenge for online gamers to pick the best from the worst.

However, with little patience, you can visit a couple of online casinos and compare notes.

As a real money player, it is important that you don’t get shortchanged by a casino when you play online.

To weigh the casino’s fairness, keep an eye on a few things. Look out for tricks that the casino is using, and also, try as much as possible to figure out how the slot machines are produced.

Each online casino may offer games from different developers, so their functionality will also differ.

Remember to check the individual slot rules, and terms and conditions. You can easily find the rules in the game’s interface.

Games with an RNG tend to offer the most fairness as they are regularly checked to ensure proper functionality. Also, these cannot be easily manipulated.

Make Use of Online Tools

If you want to enjoy a flawless gambling experience, then you need to cultivate a “ healthy relationship” with online gambling.

However, how do you remain Ok while in this dynamic industry that is ever-evolving? Well, this is where online aid tools come in.

When you look online, you will find lots of apps and tools that are dedicated to helping online gamblers enjoy good health and mental well-being.

Calm App

This is one such app that can be found on the Appstore. Just as its name suggests, the app helps you get into a calm position, when you need it most. It will slowly take you to a place where you create a peaceful mind, while slowly becoming relaxed.

The Calm app also offers several guided meditation sessions, and every one of these sessions has a dedicated purpose that helps you relax.

The Mindfulness App

If meditation doesn’t seem to work, then you could probably try the Mindfulness App. It’s an all-rounder app that takes users on a 5-day guided meditation starter pack, and the sessions teach all the ins and outs of mindfulness.

If you are one of the players who worry too much, or you always have difficulty sleeping, then this might be the right App for you.

Play Casino Games While Sober

Alcohol and drugs have always been known as some of the things that heavily impair judgment. You'll want to be fully mindful of your own behaviour when playing online casino games for real money.

Playing casino games while intoxicated will almost certainly lead to poor judgment, violating stake limitations, and even ignoring the amount of time spent gambling.

Remember, a simple mistake can be very costly. For example, It's impossible to get a wager back once you place it, and this doesn't matter whether you placed it by mistake, or in good faith. Even your many complaints to customer care will fall on deaf ears.

Casino Games Should not be Used as An Avenue to Escape from Problems

Casino games should be taken as a form of entertainment but not an avenue to escape from reality. If you notice that you can barely resist playing, do something a little different.

You can take a walk or short drive: just something that will keep you distracted from your thoughts, and keep you away from gambling.

It doesn't matter what is bothering you, gambling on casino games while you're vulnerable will never be a good idea. In fact, it is likely going to worsen the situation than it already is.

Playing casino games to cheer yourself up with the hope of big rewards is not the best way to get into gaming. This will not only have a psychological effect on you, but it will also exhaust you emotionally. As a real money gamer, the best that you can do is to avoid playing while in a bad mood or mindset.

At no time Should you Try To Recover Lost Wins

As said briefly above, pursuing lost bets by placing more numerous and greater bets would put you in a terrible mental state that will affect your entire life.

To avoid any undesired behaviour, make a betting budget and adhere to it.

Pursuing lost bets is a typical example of how anxiety symptoms emerge while playing casino games, and this often leads to anger and frustration with oneself.

You'll not only put yourself in danger, but you'll also lose more money than you planned. Obviously, this will trigger a chain of other problems.

As you engage in gambling online, make sure that whatever is in your bankroll is money that you can afford to lose. You can set daily, weekly or monthly limits on your budget.

Set Exclusions and Limitations

It's worth remembering that you can always take some action if you notice that you're slowly losing control of your betting activities.

Here are a few tips that you can consider:

“Cooling-off” Period

Various online casinos include a cooling-off period and it is a time that you get to rediscover your skills and get back on your footing.

A "cooling-off period" is a strategy meant to help you restrict yourself from gambling. Once implemented, you will be unable to place any bets for the next 24 hours.

Other forms of self-limits that are commonly offered by casinos include:

• A deposit limit
• Loss limit
• Set breaks

Self-exclusion

This is another effective way of controlling problem gambling, and you can self include by filling and signing an official form.

Although it may sound quite severe, it is one of the most effective ways for players who are deeply plunged into gambling addiction.

Some reputable websites like GamStop are a great starting point. They offer a self-exclusion ban, mostly for British gamers who are desperately looking for a way to stop betting.

Please keep in mind that once you've submitted your self-exclusion request, you won't be able to change or cancel it. A self-exclusion request normally applies to all gaming operators recognized by the Gambling Authority. The list comprises land-based casinos as well as online sites.

We do not suggest that you try this on online casinos that have not been certified by official agencies committed to verifying casinos. With uncertified sites,  you are likely going to experience more trouble than what you already have.

Risk Factors Associated with Gambling Addiction

There are some risk factors that, if not addressed or controlled, can lead to a gambling problem.

The factors listed below should always be observed in order to avoid falling into chronic gambling problems. If you or a close person exhibits any of the following traits, it is best to stay away from betting:

Borrowing money to gamble:

• Lack of accountability for losses or wins;
• Sudden life crisis like a divorce, or job loss:
• Easily getting bored, irritable or lonely;
• History of impulsive behaviour, or risk-taking actions;
• Frequent financial problems;
• Have gone through abuse or trauma;
• History of addictions in the family.

If a gamer has several of the above factors, they are likely going to develop a gambling addiction.

Gambling Addiction Help and Treatments

There are several ways to address gambling addiction, although some individuals overcome the issue on their own, others find it too overwhelming.

Any addiction may be difficult, and for those dealing with gambling addiction, knowing that there are people and organizations dedicated to helping them overcome the issue is the most reassuring thing.

Acknowledging that there is an issue and that you are not alone in this is the first step toward correcting your direction. 

Here are some of the places where gambling addicts can get help:

BeGambleAware

Not only is this organisation popular in the Uk, but it is known worldwide. Here, problem gamblers get any kind of help on the site.

The site offers a lot of help that comes in handy when clarifying any behaviour common with individuals who are battling gambling problems.

There are many tips on the site on how to stay safe, whether you are gambling at your land-based casino, or online.

GamCare National Helpline

This helpful site offers a gambling helpline (0808 8020 133) that is reachable throughout the day, seven days a week. They have professional friendly support staff who help gambling addicts pour out any issues that they may have without revealing their identity.

With their many years of experience, addicts can count on them for help which is only a phone call away.

Conclusion

Gambling is always fun when you are winning, but when you get into a losing streak, the fun stops, and frustrations kick in.

Whenever you notice a change in your gambling trends or moods, it's always important to ask for help before things spiral out of control.