Responsible gambling: keeping play under control

888casino.co.ua writes about an online casino, so we think it is only right to be honest about the risks too. Gambling is entertainment that costs money, not a way to earn it. The mathematical edge is always on the casino's side, and over the long run the average player loses. Below is how to stay in control and what to do if control is already slipping.

Why the age is 21

In Ukraine gambling is allowed only from the age of 21. Licensed operators must check age during verification, and the account of anyone under 21 will be blocked together with any winnings. Our site, too, is meant only for adults aged 21 and over.

If there are children or teenagers at home, do not leave a casino account logged in and do not save bank card details in the browser.

Answer yourself honestly

A problem rarely appears overnight. Read the short list below and count how many times the answer is "yes":

1. Do you play for longer or for bigger sums than you planned?
2. After a loss, do you want to win it back as fast as possible?
3. Have you borrowed money or taken out a loan to play?
4. Do you hide from people close to you how much time or money goes on gambling?
5. Do you feel irritated when you cannot play?
6. Are your work, studies, sleep or relationships suffering because of gambling?
7. Has gambling become a way to escape stress or a bad mood?

Even two or three "yes" answers are a reason to stop and rethink your habits. If most answers are "yes", it is worth seeking help; where to find it is described below.

Control tools in your operator account

Licensed operators offer a set of restrictions that players switch on themselves. Set them up right after registering, while you are deciding with a cool head.

Deposit limit

The maximum amount you can deposit per day, week or month. Lowering a limit usually takes effect at once, while raising it only applies after a waiting period, so you have time to change your mind.

Session time limit

After a set time the system reminds you to take a break or ends the session. This helps those who lose track of time at the slots.

Loss limit

The amount you are prepared to lose over a given period. Once it is reached, you cannot play until the period ends.

Time-out and self-exclusion

A time-out blocks the account for a short period, from a day to several weeks. Self-exclusion shuts off access for a long time, and as a rule it cannot be cancelled early.

The state self-exclusion register

Besides the settings with a particular operator, Ukraine has a Register of persons whose access to gambling establishments and/or participation in gambling is restricted. It is run by the state regulator PlayCity, and information about it is available at playcity.gov.ua.

Being entered in the register applies to all licensed operators at once, not to a single casino. How to apply and the restriction periods are described on the regulator's website.

Where to get support

If control has already been lost, do not try to cope alone. Help is available from:

• PlayCity — the Ukrainian regulator, playcity.gov.ua: the self-exclusion register and the list of licensed operators;
• GamCare — gamcare.org.uk: advice and materials for players and their families;
• Gamblers Anonymous — gamblersanonymous.org: mutual support groups following the "12 steps" programme, including online;
• BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org: self-tests for gambling risk and tips on self-control.

You can also turn to a psychotherapist who works with behavioural addictions.

If someone close to you gambles

Reproaches and checking their phone usually do not help. It is better to:

• talk calmly and about specific facts, not about their character;
• not pay off debts for the gambler, as that only prolongs the cycle;
• offer to set up limits together or apply to the register;
• look after yourself as well: the organisations above have materials for families.