Responsible Gambling in Ireland

Tips for Responsible Gambling

It is absolutely essential to gamble responsibly when playing online casino games and placing sports bets. Luckily, it is easy to maintain a balanced approach. Here are some practical tips to help online gambling remain a fun and enjoyable activity:

• Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a source of income: You should always look at online gambling from a clear-headed perspective and view it as a form of entertainment only. It should not be considered as a means of generating income. We do not deny that some people may experience occasional wins, but making a stable income from gambling is not at all likely. 

• Set a strict budget: You should only gamble with funds you can afford to lose, so, establishing a budget before playing is essential. Once this budget is set, you should stick to it, regardless of whether you win or lose. 

• Stick to your budget, even if you’re winning: If you’re on a winning streak, it can be tempting to keep playing with your winnings, but luck doesn’t always last. Make sure you know when to walk away to avoid losing more than you can afford.

• Make smaller bets to extend your gameplay: Those who are new to the world of online gambling should keep their stakes low to help prolong your entertainment and reduce the risk of big losses. This tip also applies to those who enjoy playing multiple games in one session. 

• Don’t chase your losses: One of the best things you can do to help maintain a healthy relationship with gambling is to never chase your losses. Trying to recover lost money by betting more is not a good idea. If you’re on a losing streak, the best course of action is to take a break. 

• Take regular breaks: Extended periods of time spent gambling online can lead to stress and, therefore, poor decision-making. You should set time limits to help maintain perspective and control. 

• Assess your mood before gambling: One of the biggest factors that can impact your judgement is your emotional state. It is not recommended that you gamble if you are feeling stressed, upset or under the influence of alcohol. 

• Balance gambling with other hobbies: Keeping a well-rounded lifestyle with a mixture of interests can help prevent gambling from becoming an unhealthy and unbalanced habit. 

• Use responsible gambling tools: Taking advantage of the tools and resources available in terms of responsible gambling is recommended. If you feel that your gambling is getting out of your control, you can use resources such as Problem Gambling Ireland, Gamblers Anonymous Ireland and the Gambling Awareness Trust.

Stay Safe When Gambling Online

There has been a huge surge in the popularity of online gambling in Ireland, with many people choosing to place bets online in favour of going to betting shops or casinos. Online gambling is, obviously, much more convenient, however, it can present unique challenges. Here are some expert tips to maintain control over your online gambling habits:

• Set Time Limits: It is essential to take regular breaks from gambling. Many online gambling platforms will let you set a timeout period during which you can suspend your account for a set amount of time. This is a voluntary action, but it is recommended that you stick to it. During this time, you will not be able to deposit or place bets, helping you to regain control. 

• Self-exclusion Options: At online casinos and bookmakers that accept Irish players, there will be various self-exclusion tools to help those with gambling problems. Many licensed operators offer this type of tool, where you can restrict access to your account for a set period of time. There are other schemes out there, such as GAMSTOP (for UK sites) and Ireland’s self-exclusion programs to help prevent access to gambling sites. 

• Track your spending: Another vital step to maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling is monitoring your transactions. Reputable online gambling platforms will allow you to review your deposit and betting history, giving you an indication of the frequency of your bets. You can also keep a physical record yourself to provide even more clarity. 

• Set Deposit Limits: Reputable gambling platforms will also allow you to set daily, weekly or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once this has been set you cannot override it, helping you to effectively manage your spending. 

• Block Gambling Transactions: Another way to effectively limit the amount of money you deposit at online gambling platforms is to go directly to your bank and block any transactions related to gambling. If you need extra support, you can get in touch with your bank to see if they offer this option. 

Resources for Responsible Gambling in Ireland

If your gambling habits are becoming a problem, it is extremely important to seek professional help. People living in Ireland have lots of great organisations that they can make use of when struggling with gambling addiction, such as:

• Problem Gambling Ireland: https://www.problemgambling.ie/

• Gamblers Anonymous Ireland: https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/

• Gambling Awareness Trust: https://gamblingcare.ie/

• National Helpline for Gambling Addiction: Freephone 1800 936 725

• Exclusion Programmes: Available through various Irish betting providers

Conclusion: Responsible Gambling in Ireland

We believe that gambling should always remain an enjoyable and safe activity, and most importantly, should only be viewed as a source of entertainment. If you feel that your relationship with gambling has become unbalanced, and you are starting to hope that gambling will become a source of income, it is time to start setting personal limits and using available resources to maintain control over your gambling habits. 

If online gambling starts to negatively affect your life, you can make use of the support and resources available to you. Whether you use self-exclusion schemes, seek professional help or track your own spending, being proactive about your habits can be extremely beneficial.