Responsible gaming
Responsible Gaming
Gaming is a fun and exciting entertainment option. It is an attractive way if you want to risk and try your luck. Add to this the attractive atmosphere of the casino and you get a particularly exciting experience.
It is safe as long as the risk-taking gets kept under control. Most casino visitors enjoy this kind of entertainment without any problems, but there is a small number of people who lose control over their decisions and their lives. In a winning phase, they can believe that they are able to influence the results of the game while being wholly convinced that their luck will return soon in a losing phase. The stakes keep growing with a desire to win back the lost money, and control disappears.
In such cases, gaming is no longer fun entertainment but rather an obsession.
Check your habits
Most people use gambling as a recreational and entertainment activity, like dancing, going out with friends, or playing video games. Unfortunately, gambling can also lead to problems for some. Therefore, it is always essential to understand your gaming habits. To get an overview and more critical insight regarding gambling, take our self-assessment test.
Take a test
Ferris, J., & Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian problem gambling index: Final report.
NB! Please note that this test gives only an overview of potential gambling problems. A specialist can make a correct diagnosis.
This is a standardized PGSI test that can help you to identify whether your gaming is in the risk zone or not. Please try to answer the test honestly and keep in mind your actions during the last 12 months.
- During the last 12 months, have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
- Have you had the urge to gamble with larger amounts of money during the same timeframe to experience the same excitement?
- Have you tried to win back the money you lost on another day before?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to be able to gamble?
- Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
- Have people criticized your betting habits or told you that you had a gambling problem, whether or not you thought it was true?
- Have you ever felt guilty about how you gamble or what happens when you do it?
- Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
To proceed, please put a score to your answers:
- Never – 0 points
- Sometimes – 1 point
- Most of the time – 2 points
- Almost always – 3 points
Then add up your scores.
Test Result:
Non-problem gambler - Score: 0
You do not have problems with your gambling.
Low-risk gambler - Score: 1 – 2
You have few or no identified negative consequences. For example, you may occasionally spend over the expected limit or feel guilty about gambling.
Moderate-risk gambler - Score: 3 – 7
You may experience a moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences. For example, sometimes you may spend more than you can afford, lose track of time or feel guilty about gambling.
Problem gambler - Score: 8 or above
Your gambling leads to negative consequences and a possible loss of control. For example, you may often spend over your limit, gamble to win back already lost money, and feel stressed about gambling.
If you would like more information about responsible gaming or need help, please read the responsible gaming information below.
Play responsibly
Gambling addiction is considered an impulse control disorder that can be treated. Most people keep their gambling under control and are not in danger of becoming addicted to gambling. Various studies have shown that among frequent casino visitors around 5-10 percent are gambling addicts.
Rules below can help to have a safe gambling experience:
- Gamble within affordable to you limits.
- Do not chase losses. Don't try to get your money back quickly – it could cause more trouble.
- Track your playing time.
- In addition to gambling, find time for other activities. If gambling is your only entertainment, think about whether it's really worth it.
- Take a break from time to time. If you gamble constantly, you may lose your sense of time and reality.
- Do not gamble if you are drunk, irritated, or depressed. It can be crucial to decision-making.
- Think about how much time and money you spend on gambling.
- Learn about your chances of winning and how the products work.
- If you feel that something is wrong – seek help!
Know the signs
When does a player become an addict? It is the point where the private life of a compulsive gambler suffers because of the passion for gambling. It means you're willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value. There are numerous simple tests that can help identify gambling compulsion by assessing the symptoms of compulsive behavior.
Signs indicating a disorder include the person's inability to stop gambling, borrowing money to gamble, and regarding money as a gaming supply rather than means of living. It also includes changes in the player's character, lying and secrecy, regretting gambling, being ashamed of it, as well as risking one's employment, family, significant relationships, etc., for the sake of gambling.
Symptoms of compulsive gambling:
- Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning how to get more gambling money
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
- Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
- Trying to recover already lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
- Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardizing or losing meaningful relationships, a job, school, or work opportunities because of gambling
- Resorting to theft or fraud to get gambling money
- Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled your money away
If you feel that any of these symptoms could be valid for you, it is advisable to seek professional help, as it is tough for people to overcome this kind of compulsive behavior on their own. Support from family and friends is also vital because compulsive gamblers generally cannot reach out and look for professional help.
Know the myths
Below are listed some of the common myths about gambling.
Myth: Gambling can be used as a source of earning money.
Fact: Even though you always have the chance to win, more often, it is a way of losing money. Gambling should be considered an entertaining activity, like paying for concert tickets or going out with friends. Even if you end up winning some money now and then, these winnings should not become something to depend on.
Myth: If you play long enough, you will end up winning.
Fact: “Almost” winning in no way means that a real win is just around the corner. Previous outcomes do not influence future gambling outcomes.
Myth: Tracking past results as you play can help you to predict future outcomes.
Fact: You can use knowledge to make an informed decision, but it will not determine the end result. Past performance will not prevent you from losing your contribution - this can happen even if the statistic is certain.
Know your limits
Before you start gaming, decide how much money you can spend. This helps you stay on track financially and keeps gaming fun for you.
Self-exclusion
If gambling has become a problem, it is possible to set up self-exclusion from gambling activities.
Here is how to submit a request for self-exclusion from gambling in the Slovak Republic:
- By filling out a request to be entered into the register of excluded persons.
- The request form can be found in any casino or gaming hall.
- The request must be signed, but please note that your signature must be notarized.
- You must send the request to the following address: Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier, Križkova 949/9, 811 04 Bratislava
You can send it:
- By mail: On the envelope, write the recipient's address: Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier, Križkova 949/9, 811 04 Bratislava
In the upper left corner of the envelope, you may include your name and address; or - Through the central public administration portal www.slovensko.sk (in this case, the request must be signed with a qualified electronic signature).
More information about gambling restrictions can be found on the website of the Office for Gambling Regulation.
Do you need help or would like to help others?
Always remember that it is okay to ask for help. If you feel you need some, be sure to contact:
