Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime when approached responsibly. With the increasing accessibility of online gambling platforms, it’s crucial to understand how to engage in these activities safely and within the bounds of regulatory compliance. Whether you’re enjoying a casual game or aiming for high stakes, adhering to the principles of responsible gambling ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Ninja Gamblers exclusively promote safe gambling. Any content on this website, on our YouTube channel, on our social media and any other content created by us, does not want to promote unsafe gambling or addiction. Instead, we aim to educate players on how to play safe, every time.
This guide outlines key points for playing safe and aligned with worldwide regulations. Please follow this advice whenever you play.
The 4 Ninja pillars of safe gambling
We consider a gambler to be a true Ninja (an expert) not only when they know well games and strategies, but most importantly when they master what we consider the four Ninja pillars of safe gambling. They are:
1) Consider the money deposited as already lost. The idea is that, if you cannot afford to lose what you are about to deposit or bet, it’s better to deposit less (or none at all, in certain circumstances). If you win extra money, it’s then a pleasant gain, but avoid seeing betting as a safe investment, because it’s not, at all. Every strategy we play at Ninja Gamblers could make wins in the short term but has always a strong chance to lose everything. So please, consider the money as already lost, sort of like a “ticket” to enter the game and have some fun, then if you don’t lose it, then that’s a pleasant surprise.
2) Play only what you can afford to lose. Very similar to the first pillar, but with a slight difference. If you consider the money deposited as already lost, can you afford to lose what you’re about to play? If the answer is no, then it’s important that you don’t deposit that money. If you need that money for living, for savings, for important upcoming expenses, or simply you do not feel comfortable losing it, do not gamble it. If you have financial problems, please do not see gambling as the solution, because it will only make it worse.
3) Do not see gambling as a job. Yes, there are people out there who make a living just with gambling, but please understand that this is extremely rare and hard. Gambling is based on luck, no matter what strategy you play, you need some luck to win in the long term, and the chances to lose are greater than the ones to win. No safe job is based purely on luck, therefore it is imperative that you do not see gambling as either an investment, a job or a way to make money. Gambling is a pastime, something that we do for fun, not for money. The fact that you can win some money when you are lucky is simply a bonus, part of the game, but not the sole reason why you should play.
4) Know when to stop. There is a popular saying in the world of online gambling: “when the fun stops, stop”. This is golden advice. Gambling is a pastime, so what does a pastime do? Make us happy, make us have fun and enjoy our time. When a pastime doesn’t make us happy anymore and we do not enjoy it, what do we do? We stop playing it. Gambling is no different. If you enjoy playing it, then you can keep doing it, but if you do not find it enjoyable anymore, it’s becoming an issue that makes you anxious or depressed rather than joyful, then it’s time to stop playing.
Only if you follow these 4 pillars, you can be a true Ninja gambler. Furthermore, below are some extra information about safe gambling.
Understand the Rules and Regulations
Before engaging in any gambling activity, familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that apply in your jurisdiction. Online gambling is heavily regulated, and these regulations vary significantly from one country to another. For instance, the UK Gambling Commission and Italy’s ADM have specific guidelines that protect players and ensure fair play. Knowing these regulations helps you choose platforms that are fully compliant, safeguarding your interests and ensuring a fair gambling environment. Make sure to read our guide on Gambling Regulations.
Choose Reputable Operators
Select gambling platforms that are licensed and regulated by recognized authorities. Licensed operators are required to adhere to strict standards regarding player safety, data protection, and fair play. These platforms often display their licensing information clearly on their websites. Engaging with reputable operators reduces the risk of fraudulent activities and ensures you have access to safe gambling practices.
Set Limits and Stick to Them
One of the pillars of responsible gambling is setting personal limits on how much time and money you spend. Before you start playing, decide on a budget and a time limit for your gambling activities and strictly adhere to them. Reputable gambling sites offer tools to help you set these limits directly on your account, reinforcing your ability to gamble within your means.
Understand the Risks
Gambling should always be approached with an understanding of the inherent risks. It’s crucial to recognize that losing is part of gambling, and you should never bet more than you can afford to lose. Keep your gambling activities in perspective as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking breaks is essential to prevent gambling from becoming a compulsion. Regular breaks help maintain control over your gambling habits and allow time to reassess your engagement with gambling platforms. It’s important to ensure that gambling does not interfere with your daily responsibilities or personal life.
Utilize Responsible Gambling Tools
Most regulated gambling platforms offer a range of responsible gambling tools and resources to help you manage your gambling. These include self-exclusion options, session time limits, deposit limits, and access to your gambling history. Familiarize yourself with these tools and use them as needed to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Be Aware of the Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing the signs of problem gambling is crucial for early intervention. These signs include spending more money or time on gambling than intended, chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, and gambling impacting your personal or professional life. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, seek help immediately. Reputable gambling sites provide links to professional help and support services for problem gambling.
Seek Help When Needed
If gambling is no longer enjoyable or starts to pose problems, it’s important to seek help. Numerous organizations worldwide offer confidential support and counseling for problem gambling. Accessing these services can provide the guidance needed to navigate through difficulties related to gambling.
Conclusion
Safe gambling is about making informed choices, understanding the risks, and taking steps to control your gambling behavior. By adhering to the principles outlined in this guide, you can enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment without compromising your safety, well-being, or financial security. Always remember, responsible gambling is the best way to ensure that your gambling experience remains enjoyable and under control.