The UK betting sector is one of the most sophisticated and competitive in the world. Whether you are looking for the latest UK new customer free bets or the widest range of betting opportunities, UK sportsbooks provide a huge range of choice and many customer-friendly features.
Yet although the industry has expanded over the last 20 years thanks to the online betting revolution, concerns about problem betting have also grown. Although the vast majority of sports betting customers are not at risk of developing a gambling problem, those who do develop this type of problem can find their lives ruined and their loved ones harmed by their behaviour.
Greater awareness of the risks of problem gambling has led to significant efforts from regulators and from the sports betting industry to promote and ensure responsible gambling. But what exactly is responsible gambling and how can sports betting companies support it?
Use Reputable Betting Sites
The UK sports betting sector is overseen by one of the most respected and reputable gambling authorities in the world, the UK Gambling Commission.
The UKGC offers licences to sports betting companies but the rules and requirements associated with owning a UKGC licence are considerable. As well as strict regulations on fairness, security and data protection, UK sports betting companies are also obliged to make serious efforts to promote safe betting.
This is one more reason why you should always bet with reputable, licensed operators who hold a UKGC licence, and never with unlicensed, offshore betting companies. You can get a list of reliable UK bookmakers at Legalbet.UK.
Signs of Problem Gambling
How do you know if you have a betting problem? One of the hardest aspects of this disorder is identifying and acknowledging that there is a problem. There are some key indicators to look out for:
· Feeling guilt or shame about your betting
· Spending rent, mortgage or other household income on betting
· Hiding your betting activity from friends or family
· Borrowing money in order to bet
· Neglecting your family, work or social life in favour of betting
· Chasing your losses
· Steady increases in the amount you bet
If you recognise any of these behaviours, in yourself or others, that can be a sign of a betting or gambling problem. In that case, there are a range of tools available to tackle the problem.
Responsible Gambling Tools
If you use a UK sports betting site, you will notice that it has a Responsible Betting section. This section, which should be easily located from the homepage will offer a variety of Responsible Betting tools.
Timeout
The Timeout tool effectively locks you out of your betting account for a set period. You can decide how long you want the Timeout to last, and once it is in effect, it cannot be revoked by anyone. During the Timeout you will not be able to bet, deposit money into your account or claim any bonuses or promotions.
Deposit Limits
Another useful tool is the Deposit Limit. You can set a Deposit Limit for any amount across any period. For instance, you may choose to limit the amount you can deposit into your betting account to £20 in a month. As with the Timeout, the Deposit Limit is set for a designated period and cannot be revoked until that period is concluded.
Self Exclusion
If stronger action is required, then Self Exclusion is a good option. With Self Exclusion, you are not able to access any gambling or betting facility at a site or, depending on which operator enforces it, any linked or sister sites. Self Exclusion can be initiated through a betting site or through certain organisations (see below) and can apply across all gambling and betting sites.
Guides and Advice
All licensed UK betting operators should provide detailed links and guides for those concerned about their betting, via their Responsible Gambling pages. These often include questionnaires to establish the extent of the problem and details of all the tools and contacts available to customers.
Gambling Organisations
There are a number of dedicated problem gambling organisations that work with people affected by this problem. Contact details for these resources should be made available via all betting sites:
· Gamblers Anonymous – offers a gambling addiction recovery program and support groups
· GamCare – provides advice and links to problem gambling support programs and resources
· GamStop – offers a self-exclusion tool
· National Gambling Treatment Service – provides 24/7 365 day advice and support
Summary
Problem betting is a serious issue, and UK betting companies are rightly coming under pressure to do more to protect customers who may be at risk.
Remember, sports betting should be a fun pastime, and you should only bet with money that you can afford to lose. If you feel your sports betting is getting out of control or you are worried about the time or money you are devoting to it, please check out the Responsible Gambling section of any sportsbook site or visit the sites of the organisations above to get the help and advice you need.
