How to Block All Gambling Sites in the UK

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Responsible Gambling: How to Block All Gambling Sites in the UK

We live in a digital age where online activities are a significant part of our daily lives, and consequently, the prevalence of problem gambling has become a concerning issue. In this article, we aim to empower players in the UK with the knowledge and tools they can use to take control of their online experiences by blocking access to gambling sites.

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is not just about financial consequences and loss — let’s just get that out of the way. When gambling becomes a problem, it affects the player, their loved ones, their outside relationships and so much more.

According to a recent review by the UK Government, it is estimated that “ 0.5% of the adult population has a problem with gambling, 3.8% are gambling at at-risk levels, and 7% are affected negatively by another’s gambling.” From strained relationships to financial ruin, the repercussions can be quite serious.

Some can manage their gambling habits without any effort but for others, blocking access to gambling sites is a crucial step they need to take in curbing this issue and practicing healthier online behaviours.

What Does It Mean to Be A Responsible Gambler?

People are different, and some people can afford to lose more than others, without gambling losses affecting their livelihood. Finances aside, what makes you a responsible gambler are your habits and overall attitude towards gambling. If it feels like a need, instead of a pastime, you need to take a step back and assess your actions.

How do you know if you’re a responsible gambler?

If you’ve been contemplating whether you gamble responsibly or not, consider the below:

Profile of a responsible gambler

I gamble for entertainment purposes only
I don’t need gambling money to survive
I don’t have to gamble every day and I can take a break
I can easily limit how much I spend on gambling and stick to my budget
I can walk away from gambling for a weekly/ a month or whatever I desire
I only gamble with money that I can afford to lose. and I can take a break

Responsible gambling initiatives and tips

Over the recent years, responsible gambling initiatives have gained traction. Self-exclusion programs and support organisations play a vital role in helping individuals combat gambling issues. Responsible gambling is about understanding the risks and actively managing them for a safer online experience.

Here are some tips to ensure you continue gambling safely:

Set a gambling budget

Establish a budget every time. It makes no difference if you’re a high roller chasing enormous jackpots or if you’re a player with limited resources. Stick to your guns and adhere to your budget.

Limit access to funds

If you already know you’re bad at sticking to your budget, and you have more than one bank account, restrict access to the accounts you don’t want to use for gambling.

Gamble for fun only

Yes, gambling does offer you the chance to win money, but gambling as an activity is supposed to be fun. The primary purpose is for entertainment and it should not become a need for income. Some gamblers do go pro and can make a regular income; however, this includes a very small group of people.

Only play if you understand the game

We know it can be fun to try out new games but we don’t suggest you pour in a lot of money into a game you don’t fully understand. This should be obvious but you should only play when you understand the odds, the wagering requirements, etc. Always know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand.

Don’t chase your losses

No one likes to lose, period. We can all agree that’s a universal feeling — you have to know when to walk away and accept reality. Most problem gamblers try to bet themselves out of a hole but never do this. In reality, this is the easiest way to get into debt and it rarely even works. Never chase losses. If you can see you’re on a losing streak, we suggest you end your gaming session entirely before things get worse.

When under the influence, don’t play

This can easily happen because as players have fun and play online, sometimes they may be in the comfort of their homes, having an alcoholic beverage. This isn’t a good idea though, never place a wager whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This may eventually result in irrational bets that could cost you a lot of money.

Available Tools for Blocking Gambling Sites

Taking control of your online gambling involves using available tools and features. Below, we have provided options for you to explore in terms of blocking gambling sites.

Tools to help you block gambling sites:

Safe Gambling at Online Casinos

While the focus here is on blocking gambling sites, it’s worth mentioning that some online casinos prioritise responsible gambling. For example, the casinos that we recommend have implemented robust responsible gaming features.

As a player, you are always in control. You can set deposit limits, you can choose to take a break from gambling and even sign up for self-exclusion if you feel you need to. When we recommend casinos, we select platforms that are committed to player safety and well-being, to ensure you have an enjoyable online experience.

Additional resources

If you need additional support or information, there are various resources available. Checkout these gambling support websites below:

Blocking gambling sites in the UK is a proactive step you can take towards responsible online gambling and preventing any gambling issues. By embracing responsible initiatives and taking advantage of all the available tools, you can take control of your online gaming effectively.