Responsible Gambling

Here at SlotFruit, we want all players to adopt responsible gambling while playing at online casinos or slot sites.

Whether you just enjoy the odd bet once in a blue moon or regularly enjoy spending your spare time playing in online casinos or having a flutter for fun, it’s imperative that you’re gambling responsibly and it’s not getting out of hand. Online slots and casino sites have processes to help ensure players gamble responsibly and can get access to help and support if required. Both players and operators have a duty of care to ensure the gambling taking place is responsible, and we’re going to take a look at what players and sites can do to protect players.

Legal age to gamble

Gambling laws governing online casinos are just as strict as on the high street. Players under the age of 18 are not allowed to register or play on any gambling site, and sites will have measures in place to ensure that no minors can play. Sites may block players until they’re able to prove their age successfully.

Parents should also be aware of the sites their children or young people within the home are accessing. Set up parental controls on your home internet to block any websites unsuitable for under 18s and ensure any mobile devices have the correct blocks and filters.

Be responsible for yourself

If you gamble online regularly, ask yourself the following:

• Have you lied about what you’re spending gambling?
• Have you lied about the amount of time you spend gambling online?
• Are friends worried about the time or money you spend gambling online?
• Did you miss work or studies in order to play online?
• Have you got into debt to fund online gambling?
• Have you ever stolen to fund online gambling?
• Do you try and win back your losses?
• Are you so desperate to get online to gamble that you’ve lost interest in other hobbies?
• Do you spend ALL of your spare money on gambling sites?
• Do you see less of your family or friends because you’d prefer to be online gambling?

If any, some or all of these are true, you might want to assess your online gambling and question whether you’re still gaming responsibly and, if appropriate, seek further advice or information.

Setting limits for yourself

When gambling online, you can set up deposit and loss limits and, if needed, exclude yourself from specific games or sites. Setting limits is an excellent way of deciding what your limits are to begin with and then sticking to them.

A deposit limit will stop you from depositing more than a certain amount to a specific site. If you have a run of bad luck and lose it all, you won’t be able to top up your account anymore until the period has expired. You can usually set deposit limits by the day, week or month.

Loss limits help you gamble responsibly and help stop players from losing all of their funds by chasing any losses. Limits can be set by day, week or month, so if you lose a certain amount of money, you’ll be unable to play further.

If you feel the need to take a break from a site or feel you cannot control your gambling, then casino sites allow you to self-exclude. Self-exclusion means the casino will either freeze your account for a set period or block you from playing particular games.

If you enjoy playing a few poker games on a Saturday night but get carried away, you can exclude yourself.

If you feel the need to self-exclude from an entire casino, there are steps to take. Stop following them on social media or change the filters on your home internet to block gambling sites.

Protecting Players: Responsible Gambling Measures by UK Slots Sites

New slot sites in the UK are increasingly focused on promoting responsible gambling to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for their players. One of the primary measures implemented is using sophisticated algorithms to monitor and identify problematic gambling behaviour. These systems can detect patterns such as excessive spending, frequent deposits, and extended gaming sessions, which may indicate a player is at risk of developing a gambling problem. When such behaviour is flagged, the sites can intervene by sending notifications, offering self-assessment tools, or suggesting limits on deposits and playtime.

Self-Exclusion and Time-Out Options

To further support responsible gambling, slot sites provide self-exclusion and time-out options. Self-exclusion allows players to block themselves from accessing the site for a period ranging from six months to several years. This measure is crucial for players who recognise that they need a break from gambling. Time-out options offer shorter breaks, allowing players to take a few days or weeks off to regain control over their gambling habits. Both of these tools empower players to take charge of their behaviour and seek help if needed.

Deposit and Loss Limits

Setting financial boundaries is another key strategy employed by these sites. Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to control their gambling spending. Similarly, loss limits help ensure that players do not lose more money than they can afford. These limits can be easily adjusted by the players, though any increases typically require a cooling-off period to prevent impulsive decisions. This approach encourages players to gamble within their means and reduces the risk of significant financial harm.

Reality Checks and Activity Statements

UK slot sites also use reality checks and activity statements to promote awareness of gambling habits. Reality checks are pop-up notifications that appear regularly during gameplay, reminding players of the time they have spent gambling and how much money they have earned. These reminders help players stay conscious of their gambling activity and make informed decisions about whether to continue playing. Activity statements provide detailed records of a player’s gambling history, including deposits, withdrawals, and net losses, enabling players to review their behaviour over time and make necessary adjustments.

Access to Support and Resources

Finally, these sites ensure players can easily access support and resources. Links to organisations such as GamCare, GambleAware, and Gamblers Anonymous are prominently displayed, providing players with information and assistance for dealing with gambling-related issues. Many sites also offer direct access to professional counselling services and helplines, ensuring that help is readily available for those who need it.

Casino sites are implementing various responsible gambling measures to protect their players. By monitoring behaviour, offering self-exclusion and time-out options, setting financial limits, providing reality checks and activity statements, and ensuring access to support, these sites are committed to fostering a safe and responsible gambling environment.

Responsible Gambling Help and advice

While most people adopt responsible gambling, some people’s gambling can become out of control. If you feel you are spending more time or money online, organisations are out there to offer support.

Gamblers Anonymous is one of the most well-known worldwide organisations. People with gambling addictions set it up to help others overcome their issues with gambling. For more information, check out their website www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

The GambleAware logo is plastered across most online gambling sites and is specifically there to help players gamble responsibly. GambleAware was set up to offer advice and information on all types of gambling, not just online. www.gambleaware.co.uk

GamCare is an excellent organisation with a telephone helpline and free counselling where necessary. They can be contacted on 0808 8020 133 or www.gamcare.org.uk