Responsible Gaming: Know the Risks

Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income. Learn to recognize problem gambling, set limits, and get help when needed.

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

Gambling, including playing Cricket Duels, should be viewed as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge (4% in Cricket Duels), which means you will lose money over time.

Key principles:

  • Only gamble money you can afford to lose completely
  • Set a budget before you start and stick to it
  • Never chase losses - accept them as part of the entertainment cost
  • Don't gamble when emotional, stressed, or under the influence
  • Take regular breaks and don't play for extended periods

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognizing problem gambling early is crucial. If you experience any of these signs, consider seeking help:

Chasing Losses

Increasing bets or playing longer to recover losses. This is a dangerous cycle that leads to larger losses.

Gambling with Money You Can't Afford

Using money meant for bills, rent, food, or other essentials. Borrowing money to gamble or using credit cards.

Hiding Gambling from Family

Lying about gambling activities, hiding losses, or keeping gambling secret from loved ones.

Neglecting Responsibilities

Missing work, ignoring family obligations, or neglecting personal responsibilities due to gambling.

Gambling to Escape Problems

Using gambling to escape stress, depression, anxiety, or other emotional problems.

Unable to Stop

Repeatedly trying to stop or reduce gambling but failing. Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling.

Self-Assessment

Take a free, confidential self-assessment quiz to evaluate your gambling habits:

Setting Limits

Setting and enforcing limits is crucial for responsible gaming. Use these tools to maintain control:

Deposit Limits

Set maximum amounts you can deposit per day, week, or month. Most casinos offer this tool in account settings.

How to set: Log into your casino account, go to responsible gaming settings, and set your deposit limits. These limits typically have a cooling-off period before they can be changed.

Loss Limits

Set maximum amounts you're willing to lose in a session or time period. Once reached, you cannot continue playing.

Time Limits

Set maximum time you can play per session or day. The casino will remind you or automatically log you out when the limit is reached.

Reality Checks

Enable pop-up reminders that show how long you've been playing. This helps you stay aware of time spent gambling.

Self-Exclusion

If you need to stop gambling completely, use self-exclusion tools to block access to your account for a set period (weeks, months, or permanently).

Important: Self-exclusion is a serious step. Once activated, it cannot be reversed during the exclusion period.

Getting Help

If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:

BeGambleAware

Website: www.begambleaware.org

Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (UK, free and confidential)

Provides free advice, support, and treatment for problem gambling in the UK.

GamCare

Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (UK)

Offers free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous

Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org

12-step recovery program for problem gamblers. Find local meetings and support groups.

National Problem Gambling Helpline (US)

Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

Free, confidential support 24/7 for problem gambling in the United States.

Regional Support

If you need help with problem gambling, consider:

  • Contacting local mental health services
  • Speaking with a counselor or therapist
  • Reaching out to family and friends for support
  • Using casino self-exclusion tools

Note: Problem gambling support services vary by region. Check local resources or contact general mental health helplines.

If You're in Crisis

If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide related to gambling losses, please seek immediate help:

  • Emergency Services: Call your local emergency number
  • Crisis Helplines: Contact mental health crisis services in your area
  • Support: Reach out to family, friends, or a mental health professional

Your life is more valuable than any gambling loss. Help is available.