Playing real money casino games is a splendid way to enjoy some entertainment. However, for a small group of people, the activity can get a bit too much and sometimes spiral out of control. In the UK, around one in 200 players pick up problematic gambling habits.
Any bad gambling habit can become very serious very quickly. It’s important to make sure you are keeping things safe and fun. If things do get too much, you can set up an account break and step away from gambling for a bit. You have a few options when it comes to taking a break.
Time Out Break
A time-out break, also known as a cooling-off break, is a temporary break from the casino. This can be set up from just 24 hours to a few weeks. This break will close your account but will not restrict your access to your account, which means you can end the break early if you wish. The time-out break is best for those looking to take a short time out but still feel in control of their play.
Self Exclusion Break
A self-exclusion break will shut down all access to your account for a minimum of six months and up to five years. You will not be able to end the exclusion early or gain access to the account until the exclusion period is up. This option is for those who are suffering from a serious gambling problem and need to go cold turkey quickly.
More About Exclusion
If you are excluded from a casino operator that also has other casino brands, you will also be excluded from playing on those brands. As part of the UK gambling regulation, you will go on an exclusion list, which then prevents you from signing up to another UK online casino while you’re currently in a self-exclusion period.
Other Responsible Gambling Measures
When you join the casino, you can use the available gambling tools to help you stay in control of your play. These tools are in place to protect the well-being of players and keep gaming fun. You can place limits on your account, including on deposits, losses, and wagers. Once you hit these limits, you will have to wait until the next day, week, or month, depending on the time frame you placed.
How to Deal with Your Break
If you are currently taking a break from gambling, you should not look to gamble elsewhere. There are many offshore online gambling sites that will allow you to sign up and play. These sites are not regulated, which means they don’t have to play by the UK rules.
🎲 Zingo Tip: Breaks are a win too. Whether it’s a quick time-out or a longer self-exclusion, stepping back helps keep the fun in the game.
Playing at another online casino will lead to even greater setbacks, and you won't have any time to overcome your gambling issues. If you continue playing without dealing with the problem, it could have some serious consequences on your personal, social, and even professional life.
The Consequences of Gambling Issues
Playing real money casino games when you have a gambling problem can lead to life-altering financial issues. This can have a devastating impact on your life, encouraging more problems to arise with your friends and family.
Your gambling problem can lead you to gamble with funds that do not belong to you. Additionally, it can damage your mental well-being, putting you at risk in your work, social, and family environments. A gambling problem should never be underestimated. It’s incredibly important that you seek the right help to overcome a gambling problem.
Seeking Further Help
There’s plenty of help available to those who have a gambling problem. You can seek help at one of the many professional organisations, which offer free guidance and advice to problem gamblers. These organisations include the likes of Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and GambleAware.
You can get in touch with these services through the phone and talk to a trained professional. These guys will help you get on a steady program to recovery and also offer support along the way. You should not feel like you have to battle your gambling issues alone. There is free help for everyone.
