Props.com encourages responsible gaming for all site visitors and sports bettors. As part of our commitment, we have partnered with Birches Health, a leading national provider of responsible gaming resources and specialized gambling addiction virtual treatment.
Top 10 Responsible Gaming Tips
Sports betting can be an enjoyable form of recreational entertainment for many people, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience of watching games. When betting responsibly and sustainably, individuals know their limits and are able to stop when they choose. Players are empowered to build healthy habits by learning the recommended practices below:
- When betting on sports, view it as an entertainment expense, not a profit-making activity.
- Choose a sports betting budget and stick to it. This should be an amount you are comfortable losing entirely with no impact on your financial wellbeing.
- Make sure you learn the rules and fully understand how a game works before you play.
- Always bet with your own money, not borrowed funds or credit.
- Keep play balanced by engaging in a variety of other activities.
- Do not bet when you’ve been drinking or aren’t fully sober.
- Avoid betting in a highly emotional state. Feeling stressed? Upset? Anxious? Down? If the answer to any of these is “yes,” you should not be betting.
- Never chase losses by trying to win back what was lost. Accept the losses as the cost of entertainment.
- Pick a time limit for how long you bet on sports, and don’t exceed it.
- Learn the signs of at-risk problem gambling behaviors, so you can spot them in yourself or others and get the support needed.
Signs of a Gambling Problem
If you, a friend or loved one is displaying any of the warning signs of a gambling problem, get a free consultation with a problem gambling specialist from Birches Health. Signs to look out for:
- Increased frequency or amount of bets: If an individual begins to bet more frequently or starts to increase the amount of money they are risking when sports betting, that could be a sign of a problem.
- Borrowing money or using credit: Individuals with a gambling problem may begin to borrow money or use credit to fund their sports betting, often due to gambling debts or other financial troubles.
- Inability to stop: If a person has tried to stop or cut back on their sports betting but finds themselves unable to do so, it could be a sign of a serious issue.
- Neglecting other responsibilities: Someone addicted to gambling may neglect other responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations in order to place bets.
- Chasing losses: An individual addicted to gambling often places more and/or larger bets to try to recoup losses.
- Hiding or lying about betting activity: A person dealing with a gambling problem may hide or lie about their sports betting activity, at times due to feeling ashamed or embarrassed by their behaviors.
Gambling Addiction treatment
Learning and following best practices for Responsible Gaming can help reduce the chances of sports betting potentially turning into a problem. However, it doesn’t eliminate that possibility completely. And even if you are betting responsibly, it doesn’t mean that a friend or family member is doing so too. Therefore, knowing and spreading awareness of Gambling Addiction support resources is important. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a gambling problem, there are specialized care options available.
Props.com’s partner Birches Health is a modern, digital treatment provider that has a nationwide team of specially trained clinicians to help individuals dealing with gambling addiction and related problems. Birches offers free consultations, confidential referrals and personalized treatment from the comfort of home.
If you or someone you know may benefit from talking with a Birches Health care specialist, click here, call (833) 483-3838 or email [email protected]