A bet should be an entertaining activity, not one which will create tension or financial hardship. Sporing the odd time or occasional visit to online gambling platform, there is still a requirement to know the risk and do all you can to keep it in check. Knowing how to gamble online safely is not just a matter of knowing how to set limits, it's about knowing how your actions impact your time, money and health.

This book will tell you how to gamble online safely, and discuss basic safe gambling practices, from tools for controlling spending to restricting access where appropriate. You might be reducing your betting or abstaining altogether - being informed can make all the difference.

Online gambling is secure if you play on licensed sites with the highest security measures. UKGC regulates sites for fair play, financial security and responsible gaming behavior.

To ensure a betting site is secure:

• Look for a UKGC licence number in the footer of the homepage.
• Check if the site has SSL encryption (a padlock in the browser's address bar).
• Look for payment security secure sites have accepted banking facilities.
• Read feedback from players to track trust and speed of payment.

Responsible gambling is necessary even on secure sites. The following tools can stop you from getting out of hand.

Safe Gambling Tools: A Guide to Safe Internet Gambling

1. Use the Gambling Blocking Service Provided by the Bank

Some UK banks now have the capability to block gambling transactions on credit and debit cards, enabling account holders to have a further control. Activated once, this kind of service prevents gamming site transactions and is an appropriate safeguard for individuals who need to cut back gamming. Banks also have controls where gamblers can cap gambling spends in a day, week or month, and this ensures that the spend is under what can be acceptable. This could be normally executed using web-based banking sites or merely by calling the bank.

The majority of gambling block time is not instant to remove, so you can't simply turn it off when you want to. That waiting period can be a lifesaver for those trying to minimize or stay away from gambling.

2. Keep Your Time and Money You Gamble Under Control

Authorized gambling websites have built-in features to keep you in check:

• Reality Check gambling warnings - Timed Reminders pop up while you are playing, reminding you of how long you have been gaming.
• Time Trackers - Some sites provide you with a record of your total playing time, enabling you to assess your propensity.
• Machine Limits - If you are playing slot machines, most casinos allow you to set a time or loss-based session limit. Certain bricks-and-mortar casinos permit you to sign up for a card recording your visits and expenditure. You may place restrictions or ask to be excluded.

Having the resources in place makes it more feasible to gamble responsibly and not lose money or time.

3. Keep An Eye On Your Activity

Checking over your gambling history allows you to identify trends and avoid over-spending. The main aspects to monitor are:

• When you've been gambling: If viewing you spend playing at unusual times or excessively, impose timeouts to regain control.
• How much you've spent: The majority of websites allow you to set deposit and loss limits. If spending excessively, cut limits.
• What you've been betting on: If gambling behavior has altered (e.g., wagering more in an attempt to win or chasing losses), inspect style.
• Most UKGC-licensed websites allow account statements such as deposits, withdrawals and playtime.

4. Block Gambling Activity Whenever Possible

Should you require even greater control, it is possible to block access to gambling websites entirely. Packages such as GamBan and GamBlock can be installed onto devices to prevent access to betting sites.

5. Ask to Be Self-Excluded

Self-exclusion is a provision which can be availed by a person who cannot restrain gambling and shuts down entry to betting websites and establishments for five years to six months. Your accounts get frozen and bookmaking companies have a legal requirement to ban you from opening new ones. They must also block promotional texts, emails or offers which would make you bet again.

For Internet gambling, safe internet gambling sites tended by the UK Gambling Commission must offer facilities for self-exclusion, with most being under GamStop, a nationwide scheme closing off entry to all sites registered. Where you gamble face-to-face, betting shops, casinos and arcades provide exclusion schemes so you can depart without loopholes. Self-exclusion shouldn't be taken lightly, though, if gambling is getting on top of you, it can be a good way of regaining control.

Online self-exclusion: Register with GamStop to exclude yourself from playing at all UKGC-licensed betting sites.

Land-based casino self-exclusion: Visit a casino and request to be excluded. This includes all the locations in the operator group.

6. Use Only Safe Internet Gambling Websites

Choosing a safe online casino is important for security as well as integrity. Remember:

• Licensing: Choose only a UKGC-licensed site.
• Security software: Make sure the site is SSL encrypted and features anti-fraud protection.
• Payment options: Reputable sites offer safe banking options like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Skrill.
• Customer support: Reputable operators offer 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, or phone.

7. Be Aware of Organisations That Can Provide Assistance with a Gambling Addiction Problem

If gambling is affecting your health, there are several free organisations that can assist you:

• GamCare: Free confidential advice and counselling through live chat and helpline (0808 8020 133).
• BeGambleAware: Advice and information on gambling responsibly.
• Gordon Moody: Close counselling for more severe gambling issues.
• GamStop: Voluntary online gambling blocking scheme.

Conclusion on the Importance of Safe Gambling Practices

Gambling is enjoyable, but let's ensure that we don't lose control and when to stop. Without protection, it is easy to waste time and money, which can be an issue, sooner or later. Fortunately, there are numerous safe gambling resources that will help you set limits and manage your activity responsibly.

With aspects like spending limits, reality check game reminders and self-exclusion plans, it can greatly prevent unhealthy habits from taking hold. All the online gambling websites licensed provide features of spend and playtime tracking, which enable you to monitor your activity.

Whether you gamble regularly or just occasionally, being a responsible gambler ensures that it can always be a fun and healthy activity and never a risk.