SAFER GAMBLING WEEK

Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling

Gambling is fun when done safely and responsibly. However, problems with gambling can also arise. As part of Safer Gambling Week, we’re starting the conversation about Responsible Gambling.

Read more to learn how to better understand your gambling habits and ensure that you’re in control of your gambling.

What is Safer Gambling Week?

Safer Gambling Week is an annual cross-sector initiative that takes place in the UK and Ireland from the 18th to the 24th of November 2024. Our campaign aims to raise awareness about safer gambling by sparking a nation-wide conversation. We share resources that promote safe gambling practices and offer advice and support for problem gamblers and their loved ones.

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is defined as a gambler’s need to continue gambling despite suffering its negative consequences and having the desire to stop.

This type of gambling can be damaging. Financial strain, severe stress, anxiety, or depression are some of the negative effects that may be experienced by both the gambler and their loved ones.

Check-In With Yourself…

Worried about your gambling? Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you are still in control.

• Do you often think about your past gambling wins?
• Do you feel the need to spend more when gambling to find the same enjoyment in it?
• Have you had any unsuccessful attempts at stopping gambling?
• Is your mood negatively affected when you cut down from gambling?
• Do you use gambling as an escape from your problems?
• Do you turn to gambling to make yourself feel better on a bad day?
• Do you wager more to try to make up for losses?
• Do you lie about how much or how often you gamble?
• Have you ever stolen money or defrauded to be able to gamble?
• Has your gambling ever negatively impacted a personal relationship?
• Has your gambling ever hindered an educational or occupational opportunity?
• Have you ever asked others to help with a financial issue resulting from gambling?

In Rizk’s Help section, a Self-Assessment Test is available, should you feel that your playing habits have changed in a negative way.

How to Regain Control of your Gambling

Support for problem gambling is available to help you or a loved one re-gain control of their habits.

• Gambling Helplines – GB 0808 8020 133, IRL 1800 936 725, NI 08000 886 725
• Online forums and live chat – https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
• Self-guided resources – https://www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/self-help-resources/
• Ireland GamblingCare support services – https://gamblingcare.ie/

Tips for Safer Gambling

• Set personal deposit limits on the online gambling website.
• Set your own gambling and session limits.
  • Use time-tracker apps or set up a gambling reality check timer. This will allow you to receive on-screen alerts that help you track how much time you are spending gambling.
• Self-exclude from gambling online and in-person.
  • At Rizk you can set your own deposit limits, time outs and even temporary or permanent self-exclusions should you feel you need a break. You can also see how long you’ve been playing with our reality check.
• Block gambling payments with your bank.
• Block gambling websites.
• Limit your exposure to gambling websites and content.
  • Unfollow, mute or block accounts that share gambling related content
  • Exclude gambling as an interest on your social media accounts. Learn more about this here:
  • Personalise the ads you see on YouTube to see fewer gambling related ads. Learn more about this here.
  • Only spend what you can afford – think about what else you might want or need to spend your money on, and who might be affected if this money is lost.
• Gambling is not the answer to your problems and is not a way to make money.
• Gambling should not impede on any personal relationships – your friends and family are more important.
• Step back and think before you play by taking breaks.

When playing real-money games, always:

• Ask yourself: Are you past your spending limit?
• Remember: It’s good to set yourself limits.
• Remember: It’s good to take a break.
• Play smart: Don’t chase your losses.
• Remember: Friends and family are more important than gambling.
• Remember: Gambling is not a way to make money.

To access safe gambling tools are available on Rizk, log in, go into your account settings, and click on the Responsible Gaming section. You can also find safe gambling resources in our Help section.

For more information visit the Safer Gambling Week website.