The Best Ways to Set Limits in Online Gambling
The tremendous growth of the online casino industry has seen more people trying their luck at these establishments. With the increase in the number of gamblers, a problem has cropped up; how far do you go in the amount of money or amount of screen time dedicated to gambling?
Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime if handled well. In addition to the entertainment aspect, there is the potential to make some good money. However, gambling also has pitfalls that gamblers need to watch out for. Firstly, a person should only gamble using disposable income. This is money that the player is willing to lose without affecting their life.
Uncontrolled gambling can lead to many problems. The dopamine rush you get when you win can be addictive. If you are unable to tear yourself from your favorite casino game, it might be time to rethink your gambling decisions. Some gamblers cannot stop playing especially when on a winning streak. Others will keep playing to recover their money following a losing streak.
Ultimately a balanced approach to gambling ensures a much better gaming experience. Conversely, gambling that is guided by emotion rather than sober and balanced thought can lead to ruin. The smart gambler sets limits within which to play. More important, however, is sticking to those guidelines.
Types of Gambling Limits
There are several ways you can set restrictions on how to gamble. The first is to set a time limit on gambling. One can opt to play only for a specific time such as an hour on weekends. Once the time limit is reached, you have to stop. If you have a problem knowing when to stop, you can opt to stop playing entirely for an extended period. You can also decide to stop gambling if the gambling is ruining your life.
Some smart players will place a wager only when the stakes are high. Immediately a high payout is made, the next jackpot is usually lower. This is especially true of progressive slots where the jackpot amount keeps increasing. The higher the jackpot, the more enticing it is for punters. You can opt to try your luck on the higher payouts and not place any wagers when the winnings are relatively low.
One of the best ways to put a limit on your gambling is to make a budget on how much of your disposable income to set aside for gambling. Once the budget is made, you should stick to it. This can be easier said than done for some gamblers. For a player to gamble responsibly, discipline is crucial. Luckily, one can get assistance to stick to the straight and narrow by employing various tools.
Gambling Limit Tools and Strategies
Many online casinos have a section of their customer care service dedicated to helping gamblers play responsibly. Furthermore, you can use the tracking system in your online casino to keep track of your gambling activity. By monitoring your gambling activities, you can nip any problems in the bud before they blow out of proportion. Some of the measures to limit the excesses of irresponsible gambling include:
- Setting a gaming limit: This measure allows the casino system to disallow any more gambling once a set limit is reached. The limit is set according to the gambler’s preference and budget. The system allows the player to choose how much to spend, daily, weekly, or monthly. Whether the player is winning or losing, once the set limit is attained, the system stops any further play.
- Setting a loss limit: Many gamblers will continue playing after they hit a losing streak. Everybody hates losing and some gamblers seek to recoup their losses by gambling even more. This path could lead down a slippery road as the gambler tries to stop the loss by using more money than they had budgeted for. The solution to this problem is to put a cap on the loss you can absorb comfortably. Once the player reaches the loss limit, the system logs out automatically.
- Setting a deposit limit: This service offers the gambler the option of deciding the amount of money they deposit into their account within a given period. A player can set a monthly, weekly, or even daily deposit limit. By setting a deposit limit, the gambler is forced to play within their set deposit budget. Once the set deposit limit is reached, the account will not accept any more deposits until the set time lapses.
- Taking a break: Sometimes a good option for the gambler whose gambling habit is getting out of control is to take a break. Although self-exclusion might be tough to follow through if you are a trouble gambler, it could be exactly what you need. Stepping back from the excitement of gambling for a while can give you a better perspective of how it is impacting your life.
Possible Pitfalls
The first thing that a gambler needs to realize is that gambling is a pastime. It cannot be a substitute for a full-time occupation. The casino is a business and as such, it aims to turn in a profit. Whereas there is a possibility of you striking it rich, the chance of loss is real. As a gambler, you should be prepared for losses but make sure the losses do not lead to your financial ruin
It is only fair that a casino takes care of its customers' welfare by providing tools to improve the overall gambling experience. Any casino whose platform does not provide the tools for setting limits on your gambling should raise a red flag. A limit-setting tool should be easy to use and have an alert every time the player attempts to overshoot the set limit.
In addition, a casino should have a customer care service that assists punters who have fallen into addiction. Many casinos provide a helpline and recovery programs for customers who are no longer in control of their gambling. Permanent self-exclusion for gamblers who are unable to stop their addiction is an extreme option.
Several online organizations have sites dedicated to helping gamblers indulge in their passion responsibly.
It is also important that the addicted gambler gets social support. Irresponsible gambling can have a huge impact on the gambler's family. It can lead to financial challenges, emotional distress, and the breakage of families. The gambler's family, and especially the spouse, can help the addicted gambler revert to more responsible gaming or quit altogether.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gambling, like most things in life, needs moderation. As a gambler, how your gambling experience unfolds rests with you. You decide how much time and money you spend on gambling. A high level of self-control is crucial in enriching your gaming experience. It all begins with making a budget and only allocating part of your disposable income to gambling. Your favorite online casino should provide the tools to help you stick to the straight and narrow.
Lastly, incomes and earnings are rarely fixed. Because your earnings can rise or fall, it is important that you remain flexible in fixing gambling limits. This means reviewing your previous online gambling activities periodically. You need to constantly adjust your gambling limits so that they align with your current financial needs. Also, remember to adjust your gambling to factor in inflation and other fluctuations in your earnings.
Cecilia Mwangi
iGaming News Writer
Cecilia is a passionate content writer who specializes in gambling content. With her 10+ years of writing experience and expertise, Cecilia loves sharing her knowledge on gambling and reviewing online casinos to help Canadians gamble safely at reputable online casinos. When she is not on her keyboard cooking up a storm with words, Cecilia loves playing online slots, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-mwangi-content-writer-virtual-assistant/
