At Free Credit RM, we take responsible gambling seriously. We understand that for most people, online gambling is a fun and entertaining way to spend their leisure time. However, we also recognize that for a small minority, it can become a problem. Our commitment is to promote safe and responsible online gambling, ensuring that all our customers can enjoy their experience while staying in control. In this article, we will provide comprehensive information and guidance on responsible gambling practices, empowering you to make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being.

The Importance of Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is not limited to individuals who already have a gambling problem or those at high risk of developing one. It is an approach that benefits everyone, regardless of their current circumstances. By adopting responsible gambling practices, you can maintain a healthy balance between leisure and control, ensuring that gambling remains an enjoyable pastime.

Strategies for Responsible Gambling

To help you avoid the potential pitfalls of excessive gambling and promote a safe online environment, we recommend the following strategies:

Set Reality Checks

Setting reality checks is an effective way to manage your online gambling time. By implementing prompts and time-outs, you can establish boundaries and maintain a healthy balance between your gambling activities and other aspects of your life.

Set Deposit Limits

We encourage you to set deposit limits to exercise control over your gambling expenditure. Our platform allows you to set limits that can be adjusted according to your preferences. Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or monthly limits, you can customize them to suit your budget and ensure responsible gambling practices.

View Gambling Activity History

Keeping track of your gambling activity is essential for responsible gambling. By accessing the history of your transactions, deposits, and withdrawals, you can gain insights into your patterns and make informed decisions about your future gambling habits.

Take a Break

Taking breaks from gambling is a proactive step toward responsible gambling. You have the option to set a break period, ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks, during which you can refocus your attention on other activities and maintain a healthy balance in your life.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel that you need a more extensive break from gambling, self-exclusion can be a valuable tool. By self-excluding, you can temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from all gambling activities. Self-exclusion periods can range from six months to five years, allowing you to regain control and prioritize your well-being.

Autoplay Controls

To ensure responsible gambling, licensed UK casinos no longer offer autoplay features. This decision was made to empower players to stay in control of their budgets and make conscious decisions regarding their gambling activities.

Recognizing Problem Gambling

It is crucial to be aware of signs that your gambling may be transitioning from a fun pastime to a problem. Asking yourself the following questions can help gauge whether your gambling habits are getting out of control:

1. Do you spend long periods gambling alone on your computer, neglecting work or other activities?
2. Have you gradually increased your gambling stake to maintain the same level of excitement?
3. Do you experience mood swings, irritability, or agitation when you are not gambling?
4. Do you use gambling as an escape from other problems or issues in your life?
5. Have you ever claimed to be winning from gambling while actually losing?
6. Have you tried, unsuccessfully, to reduce the time or money spent on gambling?
7. Have you ever been tempted to engage in dishonest acts to finance your gambling?
8. Have you attempted to recoup your losses by gambling on subsequent days?
9. Have you hidden your gambling activities from important people in your life?
10. Are you in debt or struggling to repay borrowed money due to gambling-related issues?
11. Have you sold possessions to fund gambling expenses or pay off gambling debts?
12. Have you broken promises to family and friends to prioritize gambling over your commitments?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may indicate that your gambling habits require attention and intervention. Acknowledging these warning signs is an essential step toward taking control of your gambling behavior.

Taking Control of Problem Gambling

If you suspect that you have a gambling problem, it is crucial to take proactive steps to address it. Here are some recommended actions to regain control:

Be Honest with Yourself

The first and most critical step in regaining control is being honest with yourself. Recognize and accept that you have a gambling problem, but also understand that you possess the willpower to confront it. By acknowledging the issue, you have already taken a significant stride toward finding a solution.

Self-Adjustment and Reflection

Sometimes, simply gaining awareness of your behaviors and their consequences is enough to prompt self-adjustment. Reflect on the signs of problem gambling and assess how they relate to your own experiences. This introspection can enable you to reevaluate your approach and regain control over your gambling habits.

Seek Help and Support

There is no shame in seeking help when it comes to problem gambling. Reach out to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, and ask for their support. You can request that they handle your finances for a designated period or assist you in creating a budget plan that aligns with responsible gambling practices.

Imposing Personal Limits

To exercise control over your gambling activities, utilize the limit-setting tools provided by reputable gaming websites. These tools enable you to establish personal limits on your expenditures, ensuring that you stay within your budget and avoid excessive gambling.

Reward Gambling-Free Periods

Rewarding yourself for periods of abstinence from gambling can be a motivating factor in regaining control. Allocate the money you save during these gambling-free periods toward something meaningful for yourself or your family. This practice reinforces positive behavior and helps you realize the value of responsible gambling habits.

Consider Self-Exclusion

If all other attempts to control your gambling have been unsuccessful, self-exclusion can provide a valuable solution. Self-excluding yourself from all gambling websites ensures that you are unable to access any form of online gambling. Platforms such as gamblock.com can assist you in implementing effective self-exclusion measures.

Tracking Progress

Maintaining a visual record of your progress can be an empowering tool in your journey toward responsible gambling. Use a calendar to mark each day that you successfully refrain from gambling. By observing the progress you are making, you can reinforce your commitment and celebrate each milestone achieved.

Independent Help Services

If you require more specific guidance, advice, or counseling, numerous independent help services are available to assist you. These organizations specialize in supporting individuals dealing with gambling-related issues. Here are two recommended services:

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware offers free and confidential assistance both online and via the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). On their website, you can access advice, learn about staying in control, and assess whether you or someone close to you may have a gambling problem. They also provide budgeting assistance through their money-management app, Squirrel, and information about gambling-blocking software like Gamban.

Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA)

The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental well-being in the community. They offer support services, education, training, research, and advocacy for individuals with mental health problems and their caregivers. MMHA can provide detailed advice and specific help tailored to your needs.

Solace Asia

Solace Asia helped people with gambling addiction and providing a safe space for recovery. Their program addresses the underlying causes of addiction, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and low self-esteem. Through talk therapies and activities, they help individuals break free from the grip of gambling addiction. Solace Asia prioritizes anonymity and confidentiality throughout the treatment process, ensuring a supportive and trustworthy environment for your loved one.

Conclusion

At Free Credit RM, our commitment to responsible gambling is unwavering. We believe that by promoting safe and responsible online gambling practices, we can provide our customers with an enjoyable and sustainable gambling experience. Remember, responsible gambling is not just for those already facing gambling issues—it is for everyone. By setting limits, taking breaks, seeking help when needed, and staying informed, you can maintain control and make responsible choices that prioritize your well-being. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to the independent help services mentioned in this article. Together, we can ensure that online gambling remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all, while minimizing the potential risks associated with excessive or problem gambling.