Gambling can be fun — but there are some risks you need to be aware of.
Importantly, you need to remain in control of how much time & money you spend on betting.
At TheBestFreebets we fully encourage safe, responsible online gambling. Follow these steps if you want to protect yourself from betting compulsively, or wish to seek additional help.
How To Bet Responsibly Online
1. Set Deposit Limits
When you open a bookmaker account you’ll have the option to set deposit limits. This will cap how much money you’re allowed to transfer into your bookmaker account.
2. Ring-fence Your Money
Always set aside an amount of disposable income for gambling activity.
We recommend setting up an e-wallet account to create a separate “pot” of money. This way you’ll avoid unintentionally eating into essential living costs — for food, bills etc.
3. Block Gambling Websites
You can install specialist browser apps to restrict specific sites. This will protect you from compulsively gambling.
Learn more from GamCare.
4. Self Exclude
In your bookmaker account settings — or via the telephone or LiveChat service — you can opt to “self exclude” for a set length of time. The idea is that you’ll be refused their services for that period.
5. Stay Healthy
Sports betting shouldn’t consume all your spare time.
Make an active effort to maintain a sociable, active lifestyle. This may help to prevent you from over-betting with online gambling sites.
When Does Gambling Become A Problem?
Gambling addiction is defined by the severity of the problem rather than the frequency of it.
It’s the drive to gamble — the compulsion to put the habit before important everyday activities and relationships — that makes gambling a serious problem.
Failing to recognise and get help for a gambling problem can cause a lot of disruption and harm to the lives of the gambler and those around them.
What Can Be Done To Help?
The NHS recommends seeking help from the following organisations:
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk. The leading national provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
- GamAnon: www.gamanon.org.uk. Get help and support if you’re affected by someone else’s gambling problem, including how to recognise the signs and where to find your nearest meeting.
We also recommend:
- GambleAware: www.gambleaware.co.uk. An organisation aiming to promote responsibility in gambling, providing information to help people make informed decisions about their gambling.