5 Strategies to Play Safely and Responsibly

Gambling can be an incredibly fun pastime, but it must be done safely and responsibly.

Security is ensured by the certifications and controls of the platforms (online) and casinos (live), while, for responsibility, it’s important to rely on personal common sense. However, there are also a few easy-to-follow and very useful tips you can use to make gambling an even safer hobby.

Here are five strategies to keep in mind.

ONLY PLAY IN SAFE AND CERTIFIED LOCATIONS

The online world is a vast place, and it’s easy to get carried away, sometimes even beyond what is allowed. When it comes to gambling, however, the first rule we must always follow is to rely exclusively on safe game rooms.

In Italy, this is provided by ADM certifications (the former “AAMS”). The ADM is the government body responsible for granting gambling licenses, checking and controlling technical and practical characteristics of gambling (e.g., algorithms and software), and preventing collusion or fraud through user verification techniques.

Playing in a safe environment where illegal operations are not allowed is the first step to having fun responsibly.

BANKROLL MANAGEMENT

When we talk about “bankroll”, we mean the amount you have decided to spend. Usually, your bankroll will depend on your financial resources. It’s important to use precise numbers so that you can keep track of how much you’re spending.

The key is to regulate your stakes and the type of games you play. That way, you shouldn’t lose all your capital quickly and recklessly.

In this sense, knowing how much you have at your disposal, setting profit and loss limits for each session, and always being aware of your situation is critical to not losing control.

SETTING PLATFORM CONTROLS

Despite your best efforts, it’s not always easy to be objective when gambling, especially after an unlucky period or a session where you’ve made a loss.

That’s why certified platforms let you set parameters to help you stop losing control. For example:

• Deposit limits: this is one of the first options provided when signing up online. You can enter a maximum deposit amount for a given period (i.e., per day, week or month), during which you won’t be able to play or make any further payments if you go over it.
• Stake limits: it is also usually possible to set a maximum stake figure, depending on the type of game or stake (e.g., you can’t bet more than “X” Euro on each roulette spin).
• Pause/self-exclusion period: in the most extreme cases, you can even set a period where you can’t access your account or the tables. Once the self-exclusion period is over, you’ll be able to play normally again.

DO NOT PLAY IMPAIRED

This is a universal rule in the gaming world because it’s always important to play responsibly.

So, avoid any gambling situation when you have drunken too much, taken medication or are very tired. These are times when you won’t be able to play at your best and consider the risk factor involved in placing bets.

It applies to altered “emotional” states, too. It’s not advisable to play when you are depressed, or even just angry (considering betting as an outlet). In short, avoid the moments where you’re not able to rationalize the risks.

PLAY FOR FUN, NOT TO “MAKE MONEY”

The last point is not always obvious. Everyone wants to finish a session in profit. But the best way to be responsible and gamble safely is to focus on having fun.

If you’re thinking of playing to “make money”, you should focus on something else instead. After all, gambling is an activity where the banker has an advantage, so it’s not always possible to be in profit. Never play to make back the money you lost, either. This is a vicious and unhealthy cycle and can sometimes make your situation (economic and mental) worse.

Conversely, a smart approach to responsible gambling is to see gambling for what it is: a moment of leisure. That way, you incorporate the “cost” of spending (see the point on “Bankroll Management”), just like you would for other hobbies and recreational activities.

In that sense, everything you win will be a “plus”, making gambling more fun and enjoyable.