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Instructions

Step-by-step guides on how to earn, claim, and play smarter

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Responsible Gambling and Gamble Aware

Gambling can be addictive, and it's crucial to play responsibly to avoid financial or personal harm.

Important!

If gambling feels out of control, seek help immediately. Never chase losses. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money.

Tips for Safe Gambling

Set Limits

Use casino tools to set deposit, loss, or time limits. Many casinos offer built-in responsible gambling features to help you stay in control.

Use Demo Mode

Test games for free before betting real money. This helps you understand game mechanics and volatility without financial risk.

Check RTP

Choose games with high Return to Player (RTP) percentages (e.g., 96%+). Higher RTP means better long-term odds.

Switch Games

If you're on a losing streak, try a different game. Sometimes a change in game mechanics or volatility can help break bad patterns.

Use Bonuses

Leverage welcome bonuses and free spins, but read wagering requirements. Some bonuses may require you to wager a certain amount before withdrawing.

Gamble Aware Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, help is available:

Poland

Contact Anonimowi HazardziΕ›ci (Gamblers Anonymous) or call the 24/7 helpline for support:

800 199 990

International

Visit GambleAware for tools, advice, and support resources in multiple countries:

GambleAware

Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction:

  • Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
  • Chasing losses by betting more to recover previous losses
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
  • Lying to others about gambling activities
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
  • Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone else, please seek professional help immediately.

Understanding the Odds

One of the most important aspects of responsible gambling is understanding that the odds are always against you in the long run. Casinos are businesses designed to make a profit.

RTP (Return to Player)

RTP is the percentage of wagered money a game pays back to players over time. For example, a 96% RTP means that for every $100 wagered, the game returns $96 on average, with the casino keeping $4.

Important: RTP is calculated over millions of spins. In the short term, you can win or lose much more than the RTP suggests. The house always has an edge.

Volatility

Volatility refers to the risk level of a game. High volatility games have bigger wins but they come less frequently. Low volatility games have smaller, more frequent wins.

  • Low Volatility: Steady, smaller wins - better for longer play sessions
  • Medium Volatility: Balanced risk and reward
  • High Volatility: Bigger wins but longer losing streaks - higher risk

The Reality Check

No betting system, strategy, or "hot streak" can overcome the house edge. Every bet you make has a negative expected value. The only way to guarantee you won't lose money gambling is to not gamble at all. Treat gambling as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money.

Setting Personal Limits

The most effective way to gamble responsibly is to set strict limits before you start and stick to them no matter what.

Financial Limits

Deposit Limit: Decide how much you can afford to lose per day, week, or month. This should be money you can afford to lose completely without affecting your bills, savings, or daily life.
Loss Limit: Set a maximum loss amount per session. When you hit this limit, stop immediately.
Win Goal: Decide a realistic win amount where you'll cash out and walk away. Many gamblers win but keep playing and lose it all back.
Never Gamble With: Money for rent, bills, food, debt payments, or borrowed money. Only gamble with disposable income.

Time Limits

It's easy to lose track of time when gambling. Set a timer or alarm for your session length and stop when it goes off, regardless of whether you're winning or losing.

  • Take regular breaks every 30-60 minutes
  • Don't gamble for more than 2-3 hours in a single session
  • Never gamble when tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Balance gambling with other hobbies and activities

Using Casino Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer responsible gambling tools. Use them:

  • Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
  • Loss limits
  • Session time limits with automatic logout
  • Reality checks (pop-ups showing how long you've been playing)
  • Cooling-off periods (temporary self-exclusion for 24 hours to 6 weeks)
  • Permanent self-exclusion (long-term account closure)

Self-Assessment: Ask Yourself

Answer these questions honestly to evaluate your gambling behavior. If you answer "yes" to several of these questions, you may have a gambling problem.

  • β€’Have you ever lied to family, friends, or others about how much you gamble or how much money you've lost?
  • β€’Do you feel the need to bet more and more money to get the same excitement?
  • β€’Have you tried to cut back or stop gambling but found yourself unable to do so?
  • β€’Do you gamble to escape problems, anxiety, depression, or boredom?
  • β€’After losing money, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win it back ("chasing losses")?
  • β€’Have you jeopardized or lost an important relationship, job, or educational opportunity because of gambling?
  • β€’Do you rely on others to bail you out of desperate financial situations caused by gambling?
  • β€’Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or committed illegal acts to finance gambling?
  • β€’Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling?
  • β€’Have you missed work, school, or family events because of gambling?

Important!

If you answered yes to 4 or more questions, you should seriously consider seeking professional help. Gambling addiction is a serious condition, but it is treatable.

Taking Breaks & Self-Exclusion

If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, taking a break can help you regain control. Most casinos offer temporary or permanent self-exclusion options.

Cooling-Off Periods

A cooling-off period temporarily restricts your account for a set time (usually 24 hours to 6 weeks). During this time, you cannot deposit or play, but your account remains intact.

When to use: If you've had a bad session, feel you're chasing losses, or simply want to take a break and reassess your gambling habits.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a more serious step where you voluntarily ban yourself from gambling for a longer period (6 months to 5 years or permanently). Your account will be closed and you won't be able to create new accounts.

When to use: If gambling is seriously affecting your life, finances, relationships, or mental health.

How to self-exclude: Contact the casino's customer support or use the responsible gambling section in your account settings. You can also register with national self-exclusion databases that block access across multiple gambling sites.

Blocking Software

Consider installing gambling blocking software on your devices:

  • GamBlock: Blocks access to gambling sites across all browsers and apps
  • BetBlocker: Free tool that blocks gambling websites and apps
  • Net Nanny: Parental control software that can block gambling sites

Common Gambling Myths

There are many misconceptions about gambling that can lead to harmful behavior. Let's debunk the most common myths.

βœ—

Myth: "I'm due for a win" or "The machine is hot/cold"

βœ“

Reality:

Every spin, hand, or bet is independent and random. Past results don't influence future outcomes. This is called the "Gambler's Fallacy." Slot machines and games use Random Number Generators (RNG) that ensure each result is completely random.

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Myth: "I can win back my losses if I keep playing"

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Reality:

Chasing losses is one of the most dangerous gambling behaviors. The more you play to recover losses, the more likely you are to lose even more. The house edge doesn't change, and emotional decision-making leads to bigger losses.

βœ—

Myth: "I have a system/strategy that works"

βœ“

Reality:

No betting system can overcome the house edge. Systems like Martingale (doubling your bet after losses) may work in the short term but will eventually lead to massive losses or hitting table limits. The house always has a mathematical advantage.

βœ—

Myth: "I can control the outcome with skill"

βœ“

Reality:

Most casino games are pure chance. While some games like poker involve skill, the vast majority of casino games (slots, roulette, dice) are entirely random. Near-misses and bonus features are designed to keep you playing, not indicators that you're "close to winning."

βœ—

Myth: "Gambling is a good way to make money"

βœ“

Reality:

The house edge ensures that over time, the casino always wins. While some people may have lucky sessions or even lucky months, the long-term expectation is always negative for the player. Treat gambling as entertainment with a cost, not as income.

How to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem

If you're concerned about a friend or family member's gambling, here's how you can help.

Recognizing the Problem

Look for signs like unexplained financial problems, secretive behavior, mood swings, neglecting responsibilities, borrowing money frequently, or talking excessively about gambling.

How to Approach Them

  • β€’
    Choose the right time: Talk when they're calm and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Choose a private, comfortable setting.
  • β€’
    Be non-judgmental: Express concern without criticizing or blaming. Use "I" statements like "I'm worried about you" rather than "You have a problem."
  • β€’
    Listen actively: Let them talk about their feelings and struggles. Don't interrupt or dismiss their experiences.
  • β€’
    Focus on consequences: Discuss how gambling is affecting their life, relationships, work, and health rather than lecturing about gambling itself.
  • β€’
    Offer support: Let them know you're there to help and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

What NOT to Do

  • Don't lend them money or pay their gambling debts (this enables the behavior)
  • Don't lecture, nag, or try to control their gambling (this often backfires)
  • Don't cover up for them or make excuses for their behavior
  • Don't threaten unless you're prepared to follow through
  • Don't expect immediate change - recovery is a process

Encourage Professional Help

Suggest they contact a gambling helpline, therapist specializing in addiction, or attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Offer to help them research resources or accompany them to appointments if they're comfortable with that.

Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be emotionally draining. Consider seeking support for yourself through groups like Gam-Anon (for family and friends of problem gamblers).

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