The advent of social casino gaming has added an extra layer of fun for casino enthusiasts in the US. Players are not only treated to real casino games, but also get the opportunity to redeem real cash prizes with sweepstakes casino options.
While real money doesn’t necessarily have to be involved, casino style games like Online Poker and Blackjack are still considered a form of gambling. That’s where SkaleMoney’ commitment to promoting responsible gambling comes in clutch.
We understand that casino games are, by their nature, addictive, and can hook individuals to problem gambling. So whether you stake real money or play for free, our aim is to put a safety net that ensures the gaming environment is enjoyable for all, and that the vulnerable ones are protected.
Gaming addiction can ruin lives, and that’s why we promote responsible gaming practices. Ideally, a player should spend a controlled amount of time on gaming sites and stick to budgeted “play” funds.
In honor of Responsible Gaming Month, here’s the lowdown on how to play safe, protect your loved ones, apply responsible gaming tools, and where to seek professional help.
Table of Contents
Our Approach To Support Responsible Gaming
The online casino arena is a mucky world often associated with scams. Bad actors do exist for sure, but at SkaleMoney, we aim to do the legwork and spare you the risks and challenges of online gambling.
Ultimately, our objective is to offer unbiased reviews of operators and help you stay in control.
Explanation of Policies
We take responsible gaming seriously, and want every player to have a safe gaming experience playing at sweepstakes casinos. As such, we only recommend trusted platforms that offer responsible gaming tools for safer gambling.
These typically vary from one platform to the other, but the main ones include:
- Age limits.
- Deposit limits.
- Cool-off-periods
- Session time-outs
- Self exclusion features.
In determining which platforms offer the best and safest sweepstakes gaming experience, we consider a specific proprietary criteria that monitors player behavior to prevent problem gambling.
When reviewing gaming websites, we prioritize aspects such as:
- Transparency
- Responsible advertising
- Player protection
- Cooperation with Professional Help Organizations
Further, we understand that the integrity of our sweepstakes casino reviews is of utmost importance. As a result, we undertake comprehensive research and hands-on-testing to establish which sites adhere to our strict guidelines.
We strive to find answers to questions like:
- Is player safety and support a priority?
- How does the social platform handle responsible gaming?
- Is the social platform legitimate and reputable?
- Are their bonuses fair and of value to the player?
- What game types (and providers) sit in the lobby?
Team and Resources
It is vital that gaming operators provide adequate educational content and support on responsible gaming. Additionally, potential consequences of compulsive gambling behavior should be stated clearly, and proper intervention mechanisms availed to players.
A sweepstakes casino platform should make it easy for players to self-exclude and utilize responsible gaming resources. A secure platform should include problem gaming helplines (links & contacts) and organizational help websites such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Crucially, a platform should provide responsible gaming training or a quick self-assessment feature for players to keep an eye on their gambling habits and overcome addiction.
Commitment to Player Protection
All the gaming operators that we promote are partnered with responsible gaming, professional help, and mental health organizations. The National Council on Problem Gambling, for instance, offers the Internet Compliance Assessment Program (ICAP) accreditation to platforms with top-notch player protection practices.
A gaming operator should put in place a series of regulations that protect punters at all times. These include setting limits on time and deposits, as well as enabling exclusion programs.
Not only is player protection a commentable corporate responsibility but also ideal for business. A player with problem gambling is likely to rack up unmanageable debt load and may not remain a customer long-term.
On the flipside, an operator’s reputation may take a hit if countless gamers dissipate stories of going bust.
Signs of Problem Gaming
Gambling is considered an addiction, and for a reason. Some people get hooked on it and don’t know when to call it quits. Individuals can spiral out of control and dive into financial ruin, but there’s plenty of warning signs to look out for.
Gambling-related addiction can lead to multiple long-term personal or social problems that may require months or years of specialized treatment and therapy. Potential warning signs manifest in different ways, which, in isolation, may not amount to much, but can be problematic when occurring simultaneously.
Warning Signs
The biggest clue to problem gaming is spending hours on gambling sites. Incurring massive financial losses is also a telltale sign that someone is addicted to gambling. That said, punters typically react differently to the same issue, but here are the main warning signs:
- Concealing your gambling habits from friends and family
- Struggling with gambling-related emotional or financial distress
- Relying on gambling as your primary source of income
- Chasing losses or using gambling as a get-out-of-jail card
- Feeling a strong emotional attachment to your losses in social casinos (these includes feelings of anger, stress, and frustration)
- Feeling the compulsive urge to wager valuable items with the promise of a bigger reward
Player Awareness
Are you a sweepstakes casino enthusiast? While money doesn’t necessarily have to be involved in online sweepstakes platforms, casino-style games are, by their nature, addictive. Therefore, be on the lookout for the aforementioned warning signs and seek help if and when you discover them.
The impact of this addiction goes deeper than the potential financial losses that most gamers suffer. If no action is taken, the potential consequences of gambling addiction may include:
- Mental health issues such as stress and depression
- Overborrowing/bankruptcy
- Poor interpersonal relationships
- Neglecting family and the possibility of divorce
Luckily, multiple agencies can help folks struggling with gambling problems. Gambling addiction is a depressing enough problem to deal with, and you wouldn’t want to go down the rabbit hole of its consequences.
Responsible Gaming Tools on Sweep Casinos
Online sweepstakes casinos and sports betting have become increasingly popular, with new casino platforms popping up each year. In light of this, gaming operators and governments have an even bigger role to promote responsible gaming and safe gambling practices to ensure it remains fun and harmless to players.
But what is responsible gaming? This is a social initiative involving governments, the gambling industry, operators, and gaming control boards that’s designed to moderate and regulate player behavior and prevent gambling addiction.
The initiative’s primary role is to ensure fairness and integrity of operators while enhancing mass literacy about responsible gaming. Think of the Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) every September, a time when the American Gaming Association (AGA) ramps up its efforts to promote gaming literacy.
Tools Available
Responsible gaming promotes gambling for entertainment purposes only, and to prevent prohibited players (such as minors) from participating. To achieve this, online operators offer responsible gaming tools to not only prevent problem gambling habits but also protect those who need help.
As a measure to promote responsible social gaming, sweepstakes casinos have several useful tools. These include but are not limited to:
- Deposit Limits: This feature specifies the maximum amount of money a gamer can deposit into their casino account.
- Session Time Limits: This feature limits the amount of time you can spend logged into your account for every session.
- Loss Limits: Some sweepstakes casinos allow players to set the maximum amount of sweeps coins (SC) they can spend over a specified period. For example, if you set a 200 SC monthly limit, your play will be restricted once you hit your 200 SC limit.
- Reality Checks: This feature allows you to set an alarm to remind you how long you’ve been logged into your session online. This can be one, two, or three hours.
- Account Cool-off Periods: This feature temporarily locks players out of their accounts for a specified period. Unlike the self-exclusion program, the time-out here is much shorter.
What is Self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a program that enables players to deactivate their account (or that of a loved one) for a period of time or indefinitely. This feature is available in the account section of a player’s casino account, and can come in handy if you’re looking to steer clear of gambling for some time.
All the social casinos that we promote offer the self-exclusion feature. Once logged into your account, you can click on the “Self-Exclude” option in settings, or email the customer support team stating your intention.
The temporary exclusion program can run for 3 to 6 months, but once the account is deactivated, the player won’t:
- Access their casino account
- Receive promotional and marketing emails
- Redeem prizes or receive pending payments
Underage Gambling
We do our best to scrutinize operator advertising practices to ensure their marketing campaigns don’t target minors. However, there’s only so much that sweepstakes casinos can do to prevent underage gambling.
Their best bet is the age verification tool that many casinos enforce during prize redemption. For some, this feature requires a new player to submit live images during the onboarding process. Therefore, it is the responsibility as a parent to protect your child from accessing online sweepstakes casinos.
Gambling addiction has numerous well-documented risks, so the last thing you want is your kid getting hooked on gambling from a tender age. According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, between 10 – 15% of youths aged between 12 – 17 are at a risk of developing a serious gambling disorder.
Watch out for signs like increased frequency in borrowing money, a sudden interest in gambling-related game shows, and frequent mood swings. Obviously, every parent/guardian will use a different approach to prevent that, but as a pro tip:
- Be a role model and don’t visit social casinos in your kid’s presence.
- Set rules and guidelines for internet use in your household.
- If your kids are making online payments with your credit card, monitor what they are paying for.
- If you suspect any signs of addiction, talk to your kids about the dangers of gambling.
Why Is Responsible Gaming Important?
SkaleMoney seeks to inform players that gambling is and should be for entertainment purposes only. As such, players should enjoy sweepstakes casinos responsibly to avoid the potential effects of gaming addiction.
The impact of this addiction extends beyond the individual. For the most part, compulsive gamblers run into trouble creating a stable social and economic life. Some ruin their relationships, careers, and even break families.
At SkaleMoney, we understand the inherent ethical responsibility to protect vulnerable players from falling victim to gambling addiction. Among other effects, compulsive gamblers typically:
- Commit petty crimes like robberies
- Neglect or disconnect from friends and family
- Rack up inconceivable amount of debt
It is for the aforementioned reasons that we set on a mission to keep the dangers of gambling addiction at a minimum. Our approach is to educate players on how to enjoy, be secure, and stay in control while relishing the thrill of sweepstakes casino games.
Our Advice For Responsible Gambling
For most people, navigating the online gambling scene can be a colossal challenge. However, to ensure you are gambling responsibly, we have compiled a list of excellent tips to guide you along.
Tips and Best Practices
As a player, it is crucial to set rules and abide by your principles. Here are the tips to remember at all times if you’re to keep control of your gambling sense:
- Set spending limits so you don’t gamble away more than you can afford
- Play for fun rather than as an income generator
- Set session limits to keep a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life
- Learn to assess the signs of problem gambling so you know when to take breaks or self exclude
- If you gamble in a group, stick with fellas that showcase excellent responsible gaming habits.
- Avoid gaming on casino platforms that don’t have integrated responsible gaming tools
- Utilize the convenience of responsible gaming apps that bring reality check notifications at your fingertips.
- Keep your expectations at a minimum when gaming to avoid chasing losses
Promoting Self-awareness
You should always remain self-aware at all times, and stick to your gambling budget and principles. Additionally, do not expect to win when gaming at sweepstakes casinos. This is the best way to ensure you only stake money you’re comfortable losing.
However, if sweepstakes casinos are negatively affecting your social and financial life, our best advice is that you STOP gaming and seek professional help.
How to Seek Professional Help
Are you at a tipping point with your gambling problems? If you, a friend, or a loved one is having gambling issues, it may be time to get help or therapy from an organization (recommended below).
Organizations for Help
In addition to our tips on responsible gaming, below are the helplines, online forums, and professional support groups to reach out if you’re struggling to keep your addiction under control:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- ResponsibleGamblingOrg
- National Council on Problem Gambling: This is a non-profit that works with the incentive of the National Center for Responsible Gaming to offer professional help nationwide. You can reach out via call or text at 1-800-GAMBLER and 800GAM, respectively.
- GambleAwareOrg
When to Seek Help
Gambling is undeniably addictive, but how do you know when it is time to seek help? Here are the key telltale signs:
- Having trouble reducing or stopping gambling
- Failing to stick to a budget when gambling
- Constantly thinking about gambling
- Neglecting vital responsibilities in favor of gambling
Table
Sweepstakes casinos don’t require special licenses to operate and are, therefore, legal in 49 states. You’ll find local help organizations in your state, including their toll-free numbers. These organizations/ helplines are available 24/7, vary by state, and guarantee confidentiality.
| State | Local Resources | Problem Gambling Hotline |
| Alabama | Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling | 334-277-5100 |
| Alaska | Alaska council on problem gambling | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Arizona | Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling | 480-802-4945 |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Problem Gambling Council | 501-403-2321 |
| California | California Council on Problem Gambling | 714-765-5804 |
| Colorado | Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado | 303-662-0772 |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling | 959-230-4034 |
| Delaware | Delaware Council on Gambling Problems | 888-850-8888 302-438-8888 |
| Florida | Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling | 888-ADMIT-IT 888-236-4848 |
| Georgia | Georgia council on problem gambling | 404-985-6785 |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Problem Gambling Resources | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Idaho | Idaho Problem Gambling Resources | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Illinois | Illinois Council on Problem Gambling | 1 833-937-4274 |
| Indiana | Indiana Council on Problem Gambling | 800-994-8448 317-632-1364 |
| Iowa | Iowa council on problem gambling | 855-581-8111 |
| Kansas | Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling | 785-266-8666 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling | 1-877-770-STOP 318-227-0883 |
| Maine | Maine Council on Problem Gambling, Inc. | 207-520-0293 |
| Maryland | Maryland Council on Problem Gambling Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling | 443-292-2809 667-214-2120 |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health | 1-800-327-5050 617-426-4554 |
| Michigan | Michigan Association on Problem Gambling | 800-270-7117 517-672-6904 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling | 1-800-333-HOPE 612-424-8595 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling | 1-888-777-9696 601-853-8351 |
| Missouri | Missouri council on problem gambling | 888-238-7633 |
| Montana | Montana Council on Problem Gambling | 888-900-9979 406-438-1276 |
| Nevada | Nevada Council on Problem Gambling | 702-369-9740 |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling | 1-833-BETOVER 402-890-0504 |
| North Dakota | North Dakota council on problem gambling | 1-877-702-7848 |
| Ohio | The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio Ohio Problem Gambling Online Resource Directory Ohio for Responsible Gambling | 1-800-589-9966 614-750-9899 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming | 405-801-3329 |
| Oregon | Oregon Council on Problem Gambling | 1-877-MY-LIMIT 971-361-9333 |
| Pennsylvania | Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, Inc. | 215-643-4542 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling | 401-499-2472 401-354-2877 |
| South Carolina | South Carolina council on problem gambling | 1-877-452-5155 |
| South Dakota | South Dakota council on problem gambling | 1(888) 781-HELP(4357) |
| Tennessee | Tennessee council on problem gambling | 901) 678-STOP |
| Texas | Texas council on problem gambling | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Utah | Utah council on problem gambling | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Vermont | Vermont council on problem gambling | 1-800-522-4700 |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling | 502-223-1823 |
| Virginia | Virginia Council on Problem Gambling | 1-800-547-6133 360-352-6133 |
| West Virginia | West Virginia council on problem gambling | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Washington | Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling | 1-800-547-6133 360-352-6133 |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling | 1-800-GAMBLE-5 920-437-8888 |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling | 307-620-2655 |
| New York | New York Council on Problem Gambling | 336-370-6952 |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico | 1-888-696-2440 505-897-1000 |
| New Jersey | Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey | 609-588-5515 |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire council on problem gambling | 603-724-1605 |
Conclusion
At SkaleMoney, our focus is to go above and beyond to ensure players enjoy the thrill of gambling as a fun adventure without spiraling out of control. As such, we conduct thorough due diligence on sweepstakes platforms to identify the operators who offer responsible gaming tools.
SkaleMoney is committed to providing a fun, safe, and supportive environment for all its users, but there’s just so much our reviews can accomplish. The onus is on you to adhere to gaming best practices, watch out for early signs of gambling addiction, and seek professional help if necessary.
FAQ
How to practice responsible gambling?
Responsible gambling is the ability to recognize and manage risks, observing safe and healthy practices, and taking the initiative to combat the adverse effects of problem gambling.
What is safer gambling?
Safer gambling refers to the guidelines that gamers should follow to ensure gambling remains fun and does not create addiction or disorder.
How to be a responsible gambler?
A responsible gambler is a punter who adheres to responsible social gaming best practices, including setting time and money limits, monitoring play, and being able to break off or seek help when warning signs start creeping in.
What are 2 risks associated with gambling?
The two major negative effects of compulsive gambling are financial ruin and mental health problems such as depression.
What is the purpose of responsible gaming?
The aim of responsible gaming is to protect and support players from developing gambling-related issues. Sweepstakes casino platforms have integrated protection tools that help monitor player behavior to ensure gambling is used for entertainment purposes only.
Author: Cosmas Mwirigi
Cosmas Mwirigi is an established freelance writer with over five years of experience and the founder of Skalemoney.com. Cosmas Mwirigi has been published on PV-Magazine, Slidebean, Bridge Global, Casinos.com, Gambling.com, and Reverbico among many other websites.
Cosmas Mwirigi is an expert writer in iGaming, B2B, SaaS, Finance, digital marketing and Solar renewable energy. To contact him for his services, connect with him on his LinkedIn
