At VideoGamer, we believe gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of financial hardship or personal harm. Whether you’re playing online casino games, betting on sports, or exploring poker platforms, it’s essential to approach gambling responsibly and with a clear understanding of the risks involved.
We are committed to promoting safe play across every platform we review and providing our global audience with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to gamble responsibly.
Our Commitment to Safer Gambling
Responsible gambling means maintaining control over how much time and money you spend on gambling activities. It also means recognizing when gambling stops being fun and starts becoming a problem. At VideoGamer, we only feature platforms that offer robust player protection tools and provide access to professional support resources.
We evaluate every casino and betting site we review based on their commitment to responsible gambling, including the availability of self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, reality checks, and links to help organizations.
What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is the practice of keeping your gambling activities safe, balanced, and within your means. It means treating gambling as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems.
Key principles include gambling only with money you can afford to lose, setting strict time and spending limits before you play, never chasing losses or trying to win back money, keeping gambling in balance with other life activities, and never gambling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Set Limits Before You Play
The most effective way to stay in control is to establish personal limits before you start gambling. Many regulated platforms offer built-in tools to help you manage your play, including:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit)
- Loss limits (maximum amounts you’re willing to lose in a session or timeframe)
- Wager limits (restrictions on individual bet sizes)
- Time limits or session timers (alerts that notify you how long you’ve been playing)
We strongly encourage all players to use these tools proactively. They’re designed to help you stay within your comfort zone and prevent impulsive decisions.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Problem gambling doesn’t always announce itself clearly. It often develops gradually and can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience level. Common warning signs include:
- Spending more time or money gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses or gambling to win back money you’ve lost
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Lying to friends or family about your gambling activities
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling interfering with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or other problems
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available.
Tools and Features for Safer Play
Reputable online gambling platforms provide various responsible gambling tools. When choosing where to play, look for sites that offer:
- Deposit limits and spending controls
- Reality checks that remind you how long you’ve been playing
- Session time limits
- Cooling-off periods (short-term breaks from gambling)
- Temporary self-exclusion (blocking access to your account for a set period)
- Permanent self-exclusion programs
- Activity statements showing your gambling history
- Links to support organizations and helplines
At VideoGamer, we prioritize platforms that make these tools easy to find and use. Responsible gambling features should never be buried in settings or difficult to access.
Age Restrictions and Legal Compliance
The legal gambling age varies by jurisdiction. In most regions, you must be at least 18 years old to gamble, though some jurisdictions require players to be 21 or older. VideoGamer does not promote or link to platforms that allow underage gambling. We strongly support all efforts to protect minors from exposure to real-money gambling.
Parents and guardians should monitor children’s online activities and use parental control software to block access to gambling sites where appropriate.
Gambling Should Never Be a Solution
Gambling is not a way to make money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favor of the house, and losses are part of the experience. If you’re gambling because you’re facing financial difficulties, stress, or emotional challenges, please seek appropriate help through financial counseling services or mental health support.
When and How to Seek Help
If gambling is no longer fun, if you’re spending more than you can afford, or if it’s affecting your relationships and responsibilities, it’s time to reach out for support. Help is available, confidential, and free of charge in most regions.
International Resources
Gambling Therapy provides free global support in multiple languages through online chat, email, and forums. Available worldwide at gamblingtherapy.org.
Gamblers Anonymous operates support groups and 12-step recovery programs in countries around the world. Find local meetings at gamblersanonymous.org.
Regional Support Services
United States:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Gamblers Anonymous USA: gamblersanonymous.org/ga
United Kingdom:
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808-8020-133
- GamCare: gamcare.org.uk
- BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org
Canada:
- Responsible Gambling Council: connexontario.ca
- Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
Australia:
- Gambling Help Online: 1800-858-858
- gamblinghelponline.org.au
New Zealand:
- Problem Gambling Foundation: 0800-664-262
- pgf.nz
Europe:
- Spain: Jugar Bien helpline and support services
- Check local resources through your country’s gambling regulatory authority
Latin America:
- Argentina: Provincial helplines through ALEA
- Colombia: Coljuegos support programs
- Check with local regulatory bodies for regional resources
This is not an exhaustive list. If your region isn’t listed, contact your local gambling regulatory authority or search for “problem gambling help” along with your country or region name to find local support services.
Self-Exclusion Programs
Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling for a set period or permanently. Most regulated gambling sites participate in self-exclusion schemes, and some regions operate centralized self-exclusion registries that cover multiple operators.
When you self-exclude, the operator will close your account, prevent you from opening new accounts, and stop sending you promotional materials. Self-exclusion is a powerful tool if you need to take a break or stop gambling entirely.
Many jurisdictions also offer multi-operator exclusion programs where a single registration blocks you from all licensed sites in that region.
Our Role and Responsibility
At VideoGamer, responsible gambling is central to how we evaluate platforms and engage with our readers. We will never recommend unlicensed or unregulated gambling sites. We highlight platforms with strong player protection measures. We provide clear, honest information about gambling risks. We promote awareness of responsible gambling tools and support resources.
We regularly review and update our content to ensure it reflects current responsible gambling best practices and includes up-to-date support resources.
A Final Word
Gambling should be entertainment, not a necessity. If it stops being fun, if you’re gambling more than you intended, or if it’s causing stress in your life, please reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for support, and recovery is possible.
We encourage all our readers to gamble responsibly, know their limits, and prioritize their wellbeing above all else. If you’re in control, gambling can be an enjoyable pastime. If you’re not, help is always available.
