Gambling Online - Be Responsible

10.09.2006

By Peralis - The online gambling business is bigger than ever! With both casino and poker web sites online, it is easier now than ever for anyone anywhere to place a bet, making responsibility all the more important.

But, with the ease of access to gambling sites also comes problems. Most people look at gambling as a fun, entertaining, and relaxing way to pass a little time, but there are a few that do not know when to walk away from it. Statistics show that as little as one percent of the population will actually have a problem with gambling, but it is still a good idea to consider how much you are spending to keep things in check.

How can you have fun gambling online and still remain responsible? Here are a few tips:

Only Bet What You Can Afford

This sounds simple enough, but this is the very thing that gets many people in trouble. Most online gambling sites will require you to make a deposit with a credit card or an online banking account, such as Neteller, Click2Pay, and FirePay. Some places also accept e-checks and cash transfers from your checking account. While at brick and mortar casinos, where you actually see the money leave your hand, it is easier online to deposit money without realizing it is just that – real money. This is especially true with credit cards. If you just keep charging and charging, before you know it, you may have run up a large credit card bill you really cannot afford to pay.

When you decide to visit an online casino, look at your finances and decide how much you can reasonably afford to lose. Yes, you may deposit $50 and win $300 – that is wonderful. But you should always go into betting with the idea that you will not get any of your money back. Of course, this will not always be the case, but it will keep you from overspending money you really cannot afford to lose.

If you decide to make deposits to an online gambling web site, keep a journal of the amounts you deposit and the dates. Just like it helps someone who is overeating to write down everything they consume, this will help keep you aware of how much money you are actually spending on gambling.

Only Bet on Reliable Web Sites

If you are an honest person, you may just assume that everyone on the Internet is also honest, but that is a fallacy. There are dishonest online gambling sites just as there are dishonest people in the world. Be aware that online gambling web sites are not regulated by a governing party, as are brick and mortar casinos. Take time to research a web site before you deposit your hard-earned cash with them. Reliable sites will have a page that lists their online gambling odds. They will also probably note that a major accounting firm audits them at certain intervals to ensure that the odds they state are what they are really offering you. If you cannot locate the online odds on a web site, chances are they are not on the up and up and are to be avoided.

Many reliable sites will also have a daily spending limit. They want you to enjoy gambling at their site, but they also want people to remain responsible about online gambling. As a result, you may only be able to deposit a certain amount per day.

Avoid Chasing Losses

If you gamble, there are times you will lose. You may even find yourself on a losing streak. At times like this, it is very hard not to think two things – my luck is about to change and I need to recover my losses. If you find yourself on a bad streak, maybe you should change from playing for real money back to play money. Almost all sites allow you to play with play money or play chips. Taking a break will help you refocus and avoid throwing good money after bad.

Know When You Have a Problem

The scary thing about a gambling addiction is most people do not realize they have one until it is too late. Here are a few things you can ask yourself to ensure that you are gambling responsibly:

• Do you miss work or school to gamble?
• Are you using gambling as an escape from something else?
• Have you lied to friends or family about how much you are spending on gambling?
• Do others mention how much time you are spending gambling?
• Have you had to borrow money to cover gambling debts?
• Have you lost interest in other hobbies outside of gambling?

If you said yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a problem. If you find yourself in trouble due to gambling, it is very important that you seek help. Some people may be too ashamed, but seeking help is the only way to start down the road to recovery. Check online to see if there is a Gamblers Anonymous location near you.