Our Commitment

At Belados, we believe that gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and providing resources to help our users maintain healthy gambling habits.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means making informed choices about your gambling activities and treating gambling as entertainment rather than as a source of income. It involves understanding the odds, setting limits, and knowing when to stop.

Key Principles of Responsible Gambling

Gambling is Entertainment, Not Income

Always view gambling as a form of entertainment with a cost, similar to buying a movie ticket. Never see it as a way to make money or solve financial problems.

Set Time and Money Limits

Decide in advance how much time and money you're willing to spend. Once you've reached your limit, stop playing regardless of whether you're winning or losing.

Balance Gambling with Other Activities

Gambling should be just one of many recreational activities you enjoy. It shouldn't interfere with or replace other hobbies, relationships, or responsibilities.

Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

Don't gamble when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when you're feeling depressed or upset. These states can impair judgment and lead to poor decisions.

Never Chase Losses

Accept that losing is part of gambling. Never try to win back money you've lost by increasing your bets or continuing to play beyond your limits.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

It's important to recognize when gambling is becoming a problem. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

  • Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Lying to family members or others to hide your gambling
  • Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement
  • Failed attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
  • Jeopardizing or losing significant relationships, job opportunities, or educational pursuits because of gambling
  • Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling

Self-Assessment Quiz

Answer these questions to assess your gambling habits:

  1. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
  2. Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gamble?
  3. Do you think about gambling all the time?
  4. Do you gamble to escape from problems or when you're feeling bad?
  5. Have you tried to stop gambling but couldn't?
  6. Has gambling affected your relationships or responsibilities?
  7. Have you ever gambled with money you couldn't afford to lose?
  8. Have you borrowed money or sold anything to finance gambling?

If you answered "yes" to two or more questions, it may be time to reconsider your gambling habits or seek professional help.

Tools for Responsible Gambling

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much money you can deposit into your casino account.

Time Limits

Restrict how long you can play by setting session time limits or reality checks that remind you how long you've been playing.

Self-Exclusion

Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing a casino if you feel your gambling is getting out of control.

Activity Statements

Review your gambling history, including deposits, withdrawals, and time spent playing, to monitor your habits.

Understanding Gambling Risks and Rewards

Gambling, while entertaining for many, carries inherent risks that all players should understand. The excitement of potential wins must be balanced with the reality that gambling venues and games are designed with a "house edge," meaning the odds always favor the operator in the long run. This mathematical advantage ensures that, over time, most players will lose money.

Responsible gambling means accepting this reality and approaching gambling as paid entertainment rather than a way to make money. Setting limits on both time and money before you begin playing is essential. Once those limits are reached, you should stop regardless of whether you're winning or losing.

Problem gambling often starts gradually. What begins as occasional play can slowly increase in frequency and stakes as tolerance builds and the initial excitement fades. This progression is particularly dangerous when gambling is used as an escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other life problems. The temporary distraction gambling provides can create a harmful cycle where gambling itself becomes a source of additional problems.

Experts recommend that gambling should never exceed 5% of your discretionary income or time. Keeping gambling in proper perspective means maintaining a healthy balance with other leisure activities and ensuring that work, family, and social commitments remain your priorities.

Know Your Boundaries

Set these boundaries before you start gambling:

  • Money Limit: Decide the maximum amount you're willing to lose and stop when you reach it.
  • Time Limit: Set a timer and stop playing when it ends, regardless of winning or losing.
  • Win Limit: Decide in advance at what point you'll walk away if you're winning.
  • Loss Limit: Never chase losses or try to "win back" money you've lost.

Resources for Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling problems, these organizations provide support. All services are confidential, and many offer 24/7 assistance:

UK FlagUnited Kingdom

Canada FlagCanada

  • Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: www.ccsa.ca/gambling
  • Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554 (24/7 support)
  • Gambling Research Exchange Ontario: www.greo.ca

New Zealand FlagNew Zealand

International Resources

Our Commitment to You

At Belados, we are committed to providing accurate and objective information about online casinos while promoting responsible gambling. We believe that gambling should remain a fun and entertaining activity. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, we encourage you to seek help using the resources provided on this page.

If you have any questions about responsible gaming, please contact us at contact@belados.uk.