Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Blackjack-masters.com is a responsible casino content website and we are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable online casino environment for our valued players. We support responsible gambling and believe that online gaming should be a fun and enjoyed as a form of entertainment. Most online casino players gamble responsibly, enjoy their casino experience and spend money that they can afford – however for some, gambling can become a problem. This page covers the various measures that we have in place to ensure that our users play responsibly, safely and ultimately enjoy their experience.
Responsible Gaming Tips
As a general rule, you should only gamble for entertainment purposes, therefore, gambling should not be stressful. It is also important to be aware of the signs of problem gambling and addiction. This is why we believe education is the best prevention. To ensure responsible gaming, set a max budget: decide how much you can afford to lose and how much you want to spend gambling. Think of the money you lose as an expense for entertainment, and any winnings would be a bonus. Never chase losses and stick to your limit at all times.
Another good strategy to gamble responsibly is to set a disciplined time limit; so you should stop playing once that time has expired – whether you are winning or losing. Most importantly, you should not expect to win and look at gambling as a guaranteed source of income. This is why you need to understand the games and the odds. Odds are against you and more often than not, losing is part of the game. You should never resort to borrowing money for gambling purposes, so be sure to avoid credit, loans or borrowing from others. Always make sure you are playing for fun and never allow gambling to affect your personal and social life.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
The following list outlines some telltale signs that your gambling has become problematic.
- Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford.
- Gambling is interfering with work or other responsibilities
- Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling.
- Lying about gambling or hiding it from other people.
- Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble.
- Gambling until all your money is gone.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bulls in order to pay for gambling.
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz.
- Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive, and there are some signs which could still indicate you should stop gambling.
Finding Help
If you require further information or help to treat a gambling issue, please visit the below websites who specialise in responsible gambling support and gambling addiction cures. If feel you or someone you know may be a victim of gambling addiction, we suggest you visit one of the following sites for guidance and sound advice:
This is where you or your loved ones can be guided to make informed decisions about gambling habits. Here, you will find out more information about gambling, the definition of safer gambling and the ability to recognise and understand what problem gambling is. Most importantly, it BeGambleAware offers the necessary help and support for people who are addicted to gambling. For more information, click here.
“GamCare provides support, information and advice to anyone suffering through a gambling problem.” For more information and responsible gambling information, click here.
“Gambling Therapy is a free online service and mobile app that provides advice and support to people affected by problem gambling.” For more information about Gambling Therapy click here.
How to stay in control
These below tools are designed to keep gambling fun. You may never need them, but you should use them if you feel the need to.
Deposit Limits
Limit your deposits for a day, week or month so you can cap the amount you put into your account. Every operator will have a feature to set specific limits or controls to help players keep in control their spending.
Cooling-off Periods
You can always take break from the game and block your access. Take a set time away from the operator by setting a cool-off period between one and 30 days. The operators shouldn’t communicate to you with sign-up bonuses or free spins.
Self-exclusion
Again, every operator is required to provide players with the ability to self-exclude themselves from gambling online. You can set different time limits – usually from at least one year or permanently. Gambling operators will suspend all marketing and emails to you for the duration of the exclusion period.
In the UK a self-exclusion system called GAMSTOP allows players to self-exclude from every UK licensed gambling site or bricks and mortar betting shop in one go.
Social media break
Stop following gambling operator social media pages or casino bonus or sports tipster pages that encourage bonuses.
Gambling blocking software
When you believe you need something more to help restrict your gambling – there are tools you can install on your computer or mobile devices to block access to gambling websites – check-out Betfilter, Gamblock or PlayScan.
Protecting Children and under 18s
We take being a responsible blackjack news website seriously and want to prevent anyone underage gambling or accessing an online gambling website – which is illegal.
Gambling operators have strict processes to verify age and identity using KYC and Bank-ID processes. Companies are not allowed by law to advertise gambling in ways that might appeal to children or under 18s. However, we still ask that you take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under the legal age of gambling from accessing online gambling products or casino / sports betting / affiliate websites. It is also important to keep in mind the following tips:
- Never glamourize gambling to anyone under the legal age or place bets for them.
- Do not leave under 18s unattended near your computer or mobile if you have gambling websites open on your desktop or mobile app.
- Never let anyone under 18 access your credit card or bank account details.
Never use the ‘remember password’ option when accessing online gambling products. - Use separate and secure profiles for everyone who uses a shared computer.
- Research child-protection software, such as Cyber patrol, Net Nanny or CYBERsitter block gambling sites from minors accessing the internet.
