Gambling Responsible
Responsible gaming refers to the set of requirements and policies designed to protect players from the negative consequences of gambling. This concept is followed by both land-based and online betting operators, gaming providers, and other associated service providers. Responsible gaming should be followed by both gamblers, operators, and the government.
What Does It Mean To Gamble Responsibly?
Gamblers are responsible for their actions and should understand the impacts of gambling addiction. This means that you should take breaks regularly, not bet more than you can afford to lose, set limits, and not use gambling as a source of income. There are many operators that even have built in tools that allow players to set their limits. To gamble responsibly means to exercise control over your gambling activity to ensure that it does not cause any issues for yourself and others.
- Create a platform where players can enjoy a safe and secure gambling environment
- Keep personal and financial information of players safe
- Create and promote environments that prevent or minimize addiction
- Encourage responsible gaming by offering self-exclusion programs, responsible gaming sessions, and helping users to set a financial limit
- Implement anti-money laundering policies and procedures
- Identity verification
- Use software programs that detect and block illegal activities such as hacking
- Monitor transactions and report suspicious activities to authoritiesight
- Comply with advertising codes
- Ensure advertisements do not target minors
Responsibilities of the User
Since it can be easy to get caught up in gambling activities be it online or physical, players are expected to take some precautionary measures.
- Set a budget in advance
- Set a time limit in advance
- Protecting your accounts with password access
- Read and understand information privacy
- Make sure you are playing in a secure and safe environment
- Use secure payment methods
- Keep track of your funds regularly
- Restricting account access to minors
- Never put gambling before friends and family, especially minors
- Do not leave minors unattended when a gambling site is running
- Ensure minors do not access gambling services via personal devices
- Join a self-exclusion program
- Gambling should never interfere with your personal relationships
- Never gamble to escape from personal problems in life
Recognizing A Gambling Problem
Gambling addiction is similar to other addictions where the individual is unable to stop gambling even when they realize that their behavior is hurting themselves or others. If you or a loved one have difficulties walking away from gambling, is gambling with borrowed or stolen funds, keeping secrets regarding gambling activities, causing others to worry due to gambling, or losing a relationship, career, or education over gambling, chances are that you have a gambling problem.
Helping A Loved One With Gambling Addiction
If you have a loved one with gambling addiction, try not to be judgmental or threatening. Instead, encourage him or her to seek help through therapy, counseling, or support groups and support them throughout their recovery process. Organize an intervention to voice your concern in a supportive and positive tone. Due to the higher suicide rates among gamblers, keep a lookout for suicidal ideation.
Resources
If you recognize that you or a loved one have issues with gambling, it is time to seek help. There are many ways to start, even if it is a small step. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Support
Reach out for support from your friends and family. Avoid isolating yourself and find healthier ways to socialize and keep yourself distracted with a new hobby or other activities. There are also many other ex-gamblers out there who can provide great advice on how to stop gambling. You can find them online or through a local group.
Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
Email : support@gamblingtherapy.org
Healthcare for Malaysians is largely free. If required, head to the nearest klinik kesihatan (government clinic) and ask to see a doctor for a referral to a specialist (psychiatrist).
If you are already seeing a psychologist, your psychologist can also prepare a referral letter.
Government Mental Health Clinics (Klinik Mentari)
A new initiative by the Ministry of Health to improve mental health, you can reach out to the different branches in various states across Malaysia.
Previously known as BGFCU Helpline, this is a free helpline that offers emotional support to individuals in need, they can help to provide information and referral services.
Phone numbers for appointments: +6011-2528 9610 or +6011-5994 4384
Email: bgf.counselingunit@gmail.com
Promoting self-help and the awareness of seeking help, this organization has a goal of zero suicide. They have been around for 29 years and have helped 31,000 lives.
Phone number: +603-4265 7995
Email: counselling@lifeline.org.my
Established in 1993 as a nonprofit counseling and care organization, they aim to contribute to the wellbeing of the community. Schedule an appointment through the online form. The recommended rate for a lay counselor is RM60 or RM150 for a professional counselor. However, the amount paid is up to the client as it is by donation basis.
Website: https://clm.org.my/
