Whether online slot games form part of your weekly entertainment, or you enjoy placing your bets on the latest football action, gambling can be a great form of entertainment and should always be enjoyed in a healthy, responsible way.

In this guide, we’re taking a look at what responsible gambling is, signs of high-risk behaviour, and tips on how to gamble in a healthy, responsible, and enjoyable way.

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling means treating any form of gambling, whether playing casino games online or betting on your favourite sports team, as a form of entertainment – just as one would go out for dinner or watch a movie. Gambling responsibly means that you never gamble to try to make money, relieve your frustrations, or solve deeper problems.

When gambling responsibly, you are in control of how much time and money you’re spending, don't bet more than you can afford to lose, are aware of and accept the odds, and never try to win back money that you lost. Responsible gamblers play for pleasure and take the associated risks and potential losses as part of the activity. They also balance gambling with other activities in their lives and never allow it to distract them from what's important or place themselves or others at risk.

Understanding high-risk vs. low-risk gambling

Low-risk gambling accepts gambling as one form of entertainment. Money spent on gambling is taken from a player’s entertainment budget, just like eating out or going to a concert would be. These players have balanced lives and never use gambling to make money or expect to win back any money they might have lost during a game.

On the other hand, high-risk gamblers tend to lose the perspective that gambling is only a recreational activity. They might view gambling as a way to make money, and spend money that should be used on other things like rent or groceries on casino games or bets. They may use gambling as a way to escape their problems or neglect their friends, family, and other responsibilities to gamble.

Signs of a gambling problem

Gambling becomes problematic when it negatively affects your well-being and life. If you begin neglecting your physical or mental health, work, finances, or relationships to gamble, you may be developing a gambling problem and should seek help immediately. Studies have shown that people undergoing majorly stressful changes or life events, as well as those who are socially isolated or suffering from depression, may be more vulnerable to developing unhealthy behaviours and addictions.

Signs of compulsive gambling include:

Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.

Continuing to play when you have exceeded your budget or lost money in the hopes of winning it back.

Feeling a sense of emptiness when not gambling and thinking of it often.

Using gambling as a way to feel better when you are frustrated, upset, or lonely.

Neglecting other events, activities or responsibilities to gamble.

Tips for safe gambling

Gambling can be a great form of entertainment when practised responsibly! For a safe and fun experience when playing casino games or placing bets, be sure to:

Think of gambling as a form of entertainment and not as a way to make money.

Only ever gamble money you can afford to do without – gambling can be part of your weekly entertainment budget but should never come from money you should be using for more important things.

Set a budget in advance and keep to it.

Don’t try to win back what you’ve lost; accept losses as part of the game and move on.

Be sure to keep track of time and don't get “lost” in games. Setting an alarm every hour can help with this, as well as taking regular breaks to keep things in perspective.

Don’t gamble when you’re angry, upset, or depressed.

Gambling can be one of your hobbies but should never be the only thing you do to keep entertained – balance gambling with all your other activities.

Resources for safe gambling

If you suspect that you or somebody you love has a gambling issue, be sure to speak to someone you trust and seek help from a professional immediately. Trustworthy resources include:

GamCare

Free phone helpline: 0808 8020 133

Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous

Telephone: 0330 094 0322

Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

The National Problem Gambling Clinic

Telephone: 020 7381 7722

Email: gambling.cnwl@nhs.net

The Gordon Moody Association Ltd

Telephone: 01384 241292

Email: help@gordonmoody.org.uk

Mecca Games values our players and wants them to have fun and enjoy the games we have on offer in a healthy way. As such, players will find a safe gambling hub on our site, as part of the Rank Group’s Keep it Fun support site, where you can find all the tools and support you need to play safely and have fun. These include daily deposit limits, break reminders, and regular reminders of how long you've been playing, as well as support resources.

Play safely and responsibly at our casino online

Choosing a safe and reliable casino site is a great place to start when gambling responsibly. At Mecca Games, you can play all your favourite games, from the best online slots, including Megaways slots, progressive jackpot slots and others, to Slingo games, live casino and more! Enjoy secure gambling with our safe gambling hub, and take advantage of the incredible promotions we have on offer.