Playing it Safe: The Guide to Responsible Gaming

From setting up smart limits to offering self-check tools, our goal is to keep the good times rolling without crossing any lines.

Take a look at how we’re paving the way for responsible gaming practices, both within our platform and throughout the industry.

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming keeps the excitement of gambling in check, creating a space where fun doesn’t come at a cost to your well-being. It’s a set of practices and guidelines designed to help players stay in control, avoid financial strain, and maintain a healthy relationship with gaming.

For players, responsible gaming includes tools like deposit limits, time-out features, and self-assessment tests, which make it easier to set boundaries and recognize when it’s time to take a break.

Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 regular gamblers are at risk of developing harmful gambling habits?

This statistic underscores why responsible gaming is essential—not just for players, but for the industry itself. Casinos and gambling sites are held to standards that protect players, ensure fair play, and prioritize transparency, creating an environment where gaming is fun, secure, and sustainable for everyone.

Why Responsible Gambling Matters to Us

Gambling, when balanced and enjoyable, is great entertainment—but when it slips beyond control, it can lead to serious harm. From financial safeguards to mental health protection, here’s why we believe balanced gambling is crucial for both our players and the industry.

How We’re Raising the Bar for Safe, Transparent and Responsible Gaming

We’re committed to making online gaming safer, more transparent, and genuinely player-centered. Here’s how we’re working to bring you a more responsible and trustworthy experience:

• Real Voices, Real Insights: Your opinions matter, and we’re all ears. We encourage players to share unfiltered reviews about their experiences. These authentic insights make our reviews richer and more reliable, helping the whole community make smarter choices.
• The Playscore: To give you a well-rounded view, our Playscore gathers player reviews from across the web, creating a single score that reflects the broader gaming community’s opinion. You get our insights plus a market-wide snapshot—one place, all the opinions.
• Thorough, Unbiased Ratings: Our ratings are based on solid, measurable criteria that we apply to every site equally. Each casino is evaluated using clear benchmarks that are public, so you know exactly why a casino scores the way it does—no fluff, just facts.
• Community at the Core: We believe gaming is more enjoyable when we share experiences. Our community fosters player connections, where you can hear from other gamers, swap tips, and support each other. We’re here to create a space that’s as fun as it is informed.
• Global Reach, Comprehensive Coverage: Our goal is to cover every major operator in the industry. Whether you’re looking to explore a new platform or want to find the best in a specific category, our expansive reach and open rating system ensure you’ll find what you need.

12 Smart Tips for Responsible Gambling

Staying in control while gaming makes for a safer, more enjoyable experience. Here are practical tips to help you gamble responsibly:

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and stick to it. Treat this budget as part of your entertainment expenses, not a potential profit.
• Limit Your Time: Set a specific time limit for your sessions. This keeps gaming enjoyable without taking up too much of your day.
• Take Regular Breaks: Step away from the game every so often. This refreshes your mind and helps you stay sharp.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: Losing is part of the game. Don’t risk more money trying to “win it back”—this often leads to bigger losses.
• Use Self-Limits: Many platforms allow you to set deposit or spending limits. These tools are useful for keeping spending within safe boundaries.
• Play with a Clear Mind: Avoid gambling when under the influence of alcohol, medications, or any substances. These can cloud your judgment, making risky decisions more likely and harder to control.
• Stay Calm: Emotional highs and lows can lead to impulsive choices. Don’t play when you’re feeling stressed, upset, or overly excited; wait until you’re calm and thinking clearly to make the best decisions.
• Understand the Odds: Know that games are based on chance, and the house always has an edge. This realistic perspective helps you set clear expectations.
• Know When to Stop: If gambling stops being enjoyable or feels overwhelming, take a step back. Recognizing when to walk away is key to maintaining control.
• Balance with Other Hobbies: Engage in a variety of interests to keep gaming in perspective, making it an occasional treat rather than a daily routine.
• Seek Support if Needed: If gambling begins to impact your well-being, there are resources and support groups available to help. Reaching out is a proactive way to keep gaming safe and positive.
• Use Self-Assessment Tools: Regular check-ins with self-assessment tools can give you insights into your gambling habits and help you stay in control.

By following these tips, you can keep gambling enjoyable, safe, and in check

RG Tools to Keep Your Gambling Safe and Balanced

Having the right tools at your fingertips makes a huge difference in maintaining a healthy, enjoyable gaming experience. Here are some of the most effective tools and strategies for responsible gambling:

Deposit and Spending Limits

Deposit and spending limits are like setting up guardrails on your budget. These limits allow you to cap how much you can add to your account over a specific period—daily, weekly, or monthly. Many platforms allow you to adjust limits periodically, but there’s usually a delay before increases are allowed, giving you time to rethink before making changes.

Expert Tip: Start with a weekly limit that aligns with your entertainment budget, and if you find you’re consistently sticking to it, reassess monthly to keep spending in check.

Session Time Limits

Set session time limits to keep gaming from eating up more time than intended. Platforms often let you choose limits by session or day, with reminders that pop up once your time is up. This can be a lifesaver for staying balanced, as it’s easy to get carried away.

Expert Tip: Pair your time limits with a “cool-down” activity, like a quick walk or some exercise, to reset between sessions. Over time, this builds a healthy gaming rhythm.

Reality Check Notifications

Reality checks are alerts that pop up during your session to remind you of how long you’ve been playing. Think of them as friendly nudges that help you stay aware of time passing. Many platforms allow you to set these reminders for intervals that work for you.

Expert Tip: If you tend to lose track of time, set these reality checks at shorter intervals—every 20 or 30 minutes—to help you take intentional breaks and prevent marathon sessions.

Loss Limits

Loss limits allow you to set a cap on how much you’re willing to lose within a set time frame. Once you hit this limit, your account will pause, preventing further play until the time resets. This is a valuable tool to help you avoid chasing losses and letting frustration cloud your decisions.

Expert Tip: Set a loss limit that’s slightly below your usual budget, so you’ll be prompted to step away and reassess before it affects your overall finances.

Bet Limits

Bet limits let you set a maximum amount for each bet, helping you avoid placing higher stakes than planned. This is especially useful if you enjoy high-stakes games but want to keep your risk manageable.

Expert Tip: Use this tool as a reminder to focus on fun, low-risk bets. Set the limit to match your comfort level, especially if you’re playing higher-stakes games. Lower bets allow you to extend playtime while keeping potential losses small.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a tool that lets you block access to your account for a specified period. It’s particularly useful if you feel you need a longer break to regain perspective. Platforms typically allow self-exclusion for days, weeks, or even months.

Expert Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try setting a short-term self-exclusion for a few days to reset. You can always extend it if needed, but this initial pause can give you a fresh start.

Cooling-Off Periods

Cooling-off periods are perfect for those moments when you just need a brief break. Unlike self-exclusion, which can last longer, cooling-off periods are shorter and allow you to step away without fully suspending your account.

Expert Tip: Use cooling-off periods to take a breather after intense sessions or if you find yourself getting too absorbed. A short pause can provide clarity, making it easier to come back refreshed.

Self-Assessment Tools

Self-assessment tools are quizzes or surveys that help you evaluate your gaming patterns and identify potential red flags. They’re a great way to check in on your habits.

Expert Tip: Treat self-assessments as regular check-ins, like a health check-up. Doing them monthly can help you catch any patterns early, keeping your gaming habits in a good place.

Gambling History

Your gambling history is a valuable tool that provides a complete record of your sessions, including dates, times, amounts wagered, and outcomes. This tool is available on many platforms and gives you a clear view of your gaming patterns.

Expert Tip: Regularly reviewing your gambling history helps you see trends and patterns over time, enabling you to make adjustments if you notice an increase in frequency or spending.

External Budgeting and Time-Tracking Apps

Sometimes, an external app for budgeting and time-tracking can add an extra layer of control. Apps like PocketGuard for finances or Clockify for tracking time can give you a broader perspective on your gaming habits.

Expert Tip: Use these apps alongside in-platform tools to get a full picture of how much time and money you’re putting into gaming, keeping you fully accountable.

Intentions and Reflections

Before starting a session, take a moment to set your intentions. Are you gaming for fun, or are you using it as a stress relief? By setting a purpose, you’re more likely to stay in control and avoid impulsive decisions.

Expert Tip: Keep a journal or jot down a quick note about your goal for each session. Over time, this can reveal patterns and help you make more informed decisions about when and why you play.

Payment Blocking Tools

Payment blocking tools allow you to restrict access to certain types of transactions or block deposits to casino sites entirely. This can be done through your bank or specific third-party services.

Expert Tip: If you’re trying to reduce or control your gaming, consider setting up a block on gambling transactions with your bank. This extra layer of protection helps you maintain a budget and makes it easier to avoid impulsive deposits.

Signs You Might Be Hooked on Gambling

Sometimes, what starts as harmless fun can slowly shift into something more concerning. Here’s how to recognize if gambling is starting to take a stronger hold than intended:

Time and Money Are Getting Out of Hand

If you’re spending more hours or cash on gambling than planned, or if gaming is pulling you away from responsibilities, it’s worth taking a closer look. Blowing past your budget or extending sessions to recover losses are signs that gaming is becoming more than just a hobby.

It Feels Hard to Take a Break

Feeling like you have to keep playing, even when you know it’s costing you—financially or emotionally—can be a sign of losing control. If quitting or even cutting back seems tough, it might be time to rethink your approach to gaming.

You’re Keeping It a Secret

If you’re hiding how much or how often you gamble from friends or family, it might signal a problem. Whether it’s stretching the truth about your losses or keeping things quiet to avoid judgment, secrecy around gaming is often a red flag.

Gambling for Escape

Using gambling as a way to handle stress, anger, or boredom can quickly turn it into a habit. If gaming is more of a coping mechanism than a fun pastime, it could be time to explore healthier outlets for stress relief.

Chasing Losses

If you feel the urge to keep betting to “win back” losses, this can quickly spiral out of control. Chasing losses often leads to greater financial strain and stress, creating a cycle that’s hard to escape.

Restlessness Without Gambling

Feeling irritable or restless when you’re not playing is another red flag. If your mood seems to rely on whether or not you’re gambling, it could point to dependency.

Noticing these signs early on can make a big difference. If any of this sounds familiar, consider reaching out for support—there are plenty of resources and people ready to help keep gaming fun and balanced.

Where to Find Help: Trusted Resources for Gambling Support

If gambling has started to feel out of control, you’re not alone. These organizations offer specialized support, counseling, and resources to help individuals and families regain balance and maintain a healthy approach to gaming. Here’s a closer look at what each one offers:

Taking the first step and reaching out to these organizations can be life-changing. They’re here to help you regain control and support you in creating a healthier, more balanced approach to gaming.