
Here at MatchStat, we are dedicated to ensuring that our users have a safe and enjoyable betting experience. While many see betting as a fun form of entertainment, it’s essential to acknowledge that some might struggle to maintain control.
Given that MatchStat collaborates with licensed gambling providers, we deem it our responsibility to educate our users about the potential risks of gambling. We want to equip our community with the necessary tools and resources should they ever need guidance or support.
Understanding ‘Safer Gambling’
For many, responsible gambling means wagering within one’s means, enjoying the experience without it negatively impacting other areas of life, including relationships with family and friends.
However, identifying detrimental gambling habits isn’t always straightforward. To aid in this, we’ve highlighted some indicators of potential issues. Recognizing these signs early is vital for preventing harm.
Could I Have a Problem?
- Chasing after losses?
- Increasing stakes because smaller bets aren’t thrilling anymore?
- Borrowing money for betting purposes?
- Betting even when it’s not financially sensible?
- Do you regularly gamble beyond your means?
- Are you increasing your stakes for the same thrill?
- Do you gamble to recover losses?
- Have you borrowed money or sold items to gamble?
- Does gambling cause you emotional distress?
- Have loved ones expressed worries about your gambling?
- Are your emotions driving your gambling decisions?
- Have you faced financial problems due to gambling?
- Do you feel guilty post-gambling?
- Is stopping a challenge, even when winning?
Recognizing Gambling Concerns:
- Problem Gambling: This arises when you can’t manage your impulses, leading to unaffordable bets, mismanaged time, or deceit about your activities.
- Compulsive Gambling: It’s characterized by an unstoppable urge to gamble, resulting in potential emotional dependency.
- Binge Gambling: This is characterized by intense, sporadic gambling episodes.
- Relief Gambling: Here, one uses gambling as an escape, possibly leading to other personal issues.
The Imperative of Responsible Gambling: Simply put, if you can’t gamble responsibly, refrain from gambling. Irresponsible gambling can detrimentally impact your life and the lives of those around you, leading to reduced quality of life, social isolation, health issues, financial strain, relationship troubles, potential criminal activities, and employment challenges.
Evaluating Your Gambling Habits: If you’re uncertain about your gambling behaviors, consider the following questions and answer them candidly:
- Do you regularly gamble beyond your means?
- Are you increasing your stakes for the same thrill?
- Do you gamble to recover losses?
- Have you borrowed money or sold items to gamble?
- Does gambling cause you emotional distress?
- Have loved ones expressed worries about your gambling?
- Are your emotions driving your gambling decisions?
- Have you faced financial problems due to gambling?
- Do you feel guilty post-gambling?
- Is stopping a challenge, even when winning?
If you resonate with 1-2 statements, reflect on your gambling control. For 3-4 affirmatives, seek professional evaluation. Answering “yes” to 5 or more suggests a likely gambling problem, warranting immediate intervention.
These behaviors might suggest that you need to evaluate the role gambling plays in your life, and possibly its impact on those close to you.
Where to Turn for Help?
If you ever feel overwhelmed by your gambling habits or merely want expert advice, a variety of resources are at your disposal.
Safer Gambling Tools Offered by Bookmakers:
Licensed gambling providers offer numerous tools to help users keep track of their activities and maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits to ensure you never exceed your budget.
- Cool Off Periods: Pause your betting activities for a duration ranging from one to 30 days.
- Profit & Loss: Monitor your winnings and losses over specific periods, aiding in budget management.
- Reality Check: Set reminders about how long you’ve been active on betting platforms.
- Self-Exclusion: Prevent access to specific bookmakers for periods ranging from 6 months to 5 years. For broader restrictions, consider services like GAMSTOP, which blocks access to multiple gambling sites.
List of Bookmakers and Their Tools:
Bookmakers | Deposit Limit | Time-out | Reality Check | Self-Exclusion | Profit/Loss Graph | Restrictions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bet365 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Additional Support Tools:
- Self-Assessment via GamCare: Gauge your gambling habits through an online questionnaire.
- TalkBanStop: Access a combination of free tools designed to help you quit gambling online.
- Social Media & Ad Controls: Limit gambling advertisements on platforms like Google, Twitter, and Facebook.
- Blocking Software: Use applications like Gamban or BetBlocker to prevent access to gambling websites.
- Banking Controls: Implement gambling transaction blocks on your debit cards.
- Information on how to limit exposure to gambling advertising across social media platforms, such as is explained on this page: www.begambleaware.org/limitinggambling-ads-online
Support and Counseling Resources:
United Kingdom
- GamStop – Free online self exclusion. Once registered you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
- GamCare Forums & Chatrooms: Interact with others who share similar experiences.
- BeGambleAware: Access advice and support on safe gambling practices.
- GamblingTherapy.org: Access global online support in multiple languages.
USA
National Council on Problem Gaming (NCPG): https://www.ncpgambling.org/
National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG): https://www.icrg.org/
Gamblers Anonymous: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
Canada
Gamblers Anonymous: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gaming: http://www.cprg.ca/
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC): https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
MatchStat encourages every user to bet responsibly. Remember, it’s always okay to ask for help or take a break. Your well-being is our priority.