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Online casino games provide lots of thrill and excitement, and you can play many different ones, from strategy games such as blackjack to games of chance such as slots. However, things can quickly get out of hand as the excitement builds. You can find yourself spending money you can’t afford to spend comfortably or even just playing at the expense of your other responsibilities.
Before you even start playing at an online casino, it’s good to have a plan that will ensure you stay responsible, and it will even make your gaming experience much better.
Set up a Bankroll Management Plan
Your bankroll is the money you’ve allocated for gambling, and managing it properly is the most important part of responsible gambling. First, you need to come up with a sum you can spend on casino games without affecting your financial life. From there, divide this sum into smaller, manageable portions, such as the maximum amount you can spend in a week or day.
As for the gaming itself, you need to have a maximum amount you can bet. This can be a percentage, ideally 1% to 5% of your allocated bankroll. Doing this will go a long way in ensuring that you don’t deplete your bankroll quickly, as you can avoid substantial losses. Ensure that you stick to the plan you set and regularly review it for improvement.
Understand Every Game You Play
Today’s online casinos offer a huge variety of games. You can play the likes of blackjack, video poker, roulette, baccarat, craps, and even live dealer games. However, being responsible requires that you choose your games carefully and understand each game you play. If you want to play a game like poker, ensure that you understand all its rules and mechanics. Read about the game online and understand it, then read through the casino’s game rules (as they vary).
From there, take advantage of the free mode offered by casinos to practice with virtual currency. Use this time to understand how it works and also come up with a strategy to help you win. When you feel comfortable, you can then proceed to real money, but ensure you start with small bets. This will help you avoid losing money through uninformed decisions.
Avoid Chasing Losses
Losses are part of the casino experience. But while they can be frustrating when they happen in a row, you have to keep your emotions in check to avoid chasing your losses. Gamblers usually chase losses by making bigger bets in a bid to recoup their lost money.
However, each casino game is independent and doesn’t regard your previous games. Chasing losses often leads to bigger ones. Instead, take some time and re-evaluate your strategy. Ensure that you then stick to your bankroll management plan for each bet by not increasing your percentage or amount.
Use the Casino’s Self-Exclusion and Limits
In order to promote responsible gambling and comply with regulation authorities, today’s online casinos offer various measures that gamblers can use to stay responsible. One of these is setting limits on deposits, losses, and playing time. These come in handy to avoid losing money that you can’t afford to lose, and they will also help protect your bankroll.
Another tool you can use is self-exclusion. This one is designed to help users deal with the urge to gamble when they know they shouldn’t. If you’ve spent your allocation for this week or simply want to step back, you can exclude yourself for a certain period. This will mean you won’t be able to access your account (and even most other casinos), so you will have time to cool off.
Manage Your Gaming Time
Responsible gambling goes beyond financial considerations to encompass how you manage your time. To avoid playing at the expense of your other responsibilities, set time limits such as daily limits and session times, and be disciplined enough to stick to them. If you only play once in a while for long periods, ensure you take breaks in between, as it will help with your decision-making and ensure you remain responsible.
