Betting on sports and playing casino games are enjoyable and exciting, for several social, psychological, and biological reasons. For many of us, betting offers that ‘thrill of uncertainty’ and the dopamine hits that make us happy. “What if we win?”—the slots or roulette games’ unpredictability and randomness create exciting experiences. Then if we win, regardless of the amount, makes us feel good. However, danger and potential risks lie if we don’t priotize bet control, risk assessment, and gambling within limits.
Don’t let the game take over; learn how to play within limits and use tools such as the self-exclusion facility. Self-exclusion, as a responsible gambling tool, lets you opt-out for a specific period. Also, opting-in becomes more effective if you follow a few other tested strategies, which we’ll discuss below!
Opt-in With Reputable Self-Exclusion Programs
If you want to be in control and play safely, then start by signing up with a legit and licensed gambling sites. Licensed betting sites are more likely to offer legit and responsive betting tools, like self-exclusion services. Also, well-known online betting sites have have established safety rules and policies that can guide you in using these self-exclusion programs. Here’s a tip: watch out for casinos that offer multiple self-exclusion options, like a 30 day, 60 day, or even a six months self-exclusion. Interestingly, our own Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) boasts a Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program whicn you can check out.
Pick the Longest Duration
As mentioned, a legit online casino may offer varying lengths for self-exclusion. Some casinos may offer a 30-day or 60-day exclusion service, and others let you opt out for six months, a year, or even longer. Here’s our rule of thumb: the longer the break, the better it is for you. Shorter ones, like a 15-day or 30-day break are easy to over-ride, and can test you on your ‘weak moments’. Also, if you self-exclude yourself from their services for a longer period, it will give you more time focus on alternative activities. As they say, out of sight means out of mind—the longer to skip these sites, the better the chances you’ll soon forget about online betting.
Self-Exclusion Works Better If Paired by Banking Restrictions
Bet control through self-exclusion becomes more effective if paired with efficient banking blocks. For example, you can contact your bank that will block your gaming-related transactions. Another option is to set deposit limits on your gaming accounts. Casinos also offer deposit limits which you can use to track and manage the funds flowing into your betting account. Setting a low daily spending limit helps control your betting activities.
If you self-exclude and stop funding your casino account, then it can also benefit you financially. Instead of using the bulk of your extra funds on games, you can direct it to other beneficial expenses. For example, you can use it to build your savings, start an investment fund, or setup a small business.
Use Your Time Off With Positive Alternatives
Opting in and enjoying the site’s casino’s self-exclusion service opens up plenty of possibilities. If you self-exclude for at least six months, it will give you ample time to explore other positive alternatives to enhance your lifestyle and well-being. For example, you can finally use your time to pursue creative hobbies, like drawing and painting, or to learn skills or a new language. In short, opting to self-exclude lets you direct your energies to other activities with non-financial rewards that can improve your well-being.
By Opting In, You Give Your Brain a Time to Reset
It’s nice to self-exclude from the casino’s games and services for a specific period. It doesn’t just give your wallet some time to breathe, it’s also gives our brain a time to reset. In our extensive reserve, we discovered that betting (including winning and losing) affects our brain’s reward system through dopamine spikes. It gives our body to break this cycle, allowing our brain to refresh and reset from addictive plays.
Final Thoughts
While betting sessions can be potentially rewarding, it can go down south anytime—we lose a few bets, chase losses, or even dip into your personal stash, and that’s where it gets ugly. As regular bettors, it pays to be mindful with our betting sessions and our bets. It’s fine to play at an online casino, but it should always be within limits. For example, you can use responsible gambling tools like self-exclusion to opt out or for bet control. Finally, it’s best to play at a legit and reputable online casino that isn’t just loaded with bonuses—pick a site that’s licensed and puts players like you, first.
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Martine Cena is a highly experienced iGaming writer specializing in online casinos. Her expertise includes crafting engaging and informative content which includes comprehensive casino reviews, strategic guides for various table games and live dealer experiences, and insightful articles on bonus structures and promotions.
Martine possesses a deep understanding of the online casino gaming scene, including regulatory requirements, game providers, and player preferences. She excels at translating complex information into accessible and captivating narratives, ensuring readers are both educated and entertained.
