A responsible gambler bets consciously and recreationally. They set their own limits on the time and money dedicated to this activity based on their situation and particular circumstances.
Gaming is a necessary and natural activity that we use throughout our lives as a form of learning and development, recreation, and distraction. However, when gambling ceases to be entertainment and becomes almost a necessity, it can have negative consequences on a personal, familial, and social level. This behavior can be a symptom of gambling addiction.
When a person loses control of their gambling habits and engages in the activity with minimal decision-making capacity, we can say that they suffer from compulsive gambling disorder: an addictive behavior in relation to an activity—in this case, entertainment—that can drastically affect different aspects of their life.
What Does Responsible Gambling Mean for Nigerians?
Responsible gambling for a Nigerian involves making rational and sensible choices about gambling options, like sports betting, pool, casino games, etc. These choices must consider the bettor’s or player’s personal situation and circumstances, and prevent gambling from becoming a problem.
Responsible gambling implies an informed and educated decision by Nigerians with the sole objective of entertainment and leisure, where the amount wagered never exceeds what the individual can afford.
Responsible Gaming is a leisure and entertainment activity and never interferes with social, professional, or family obligations of the player.
What Makes You a Responsible Gambler?
While each individual is different, the core of what makes one a responsible gambler is the same. Here are some of those that make you a responsible gambler:
- You play for fun.
- You have personal limits on your time and money.
- You maintain control over your betting.
- When you lose bets, you avoid chasing losses.
- You understand when to stop.
When you see yourself failing in either of the above-mentioned points, then you might not have been betting responsibly. Below, we’ll see why gambling is regulated in Nigeria.
How to Be a Responsible Gambler
Below, we give you some tips that will allow you to play responsibly and enjoyably, preventing you from putting your well-being or that of your family at risk. Here’s how to be a responsible bettor in Nigeria.
- When you play, choose to do so for entertainment, not to win. Remember that you cannot influence the game’s outcome.
- Solve your problems before you play. If you play to escape them, you might forget them for a while, but the problems will still be there.
- Plan ahead, the time and amount of money you will use for fun.
- When you play, do so in regulated places where the competent authority guarantees the transparency of the game and its prizes.
- Remember that your family, work, and personal responsibilities are more important than gaming. Make sure that the time you spend gaming doesn’t come at the expense of those other activities.
- Ask yourself if you are practicing self-care to achieve responsible entertainment. Do you feel emotional distress when you stop playing? Do you stop spending time with your family because of gaming?
- Make your game social by sharing it with your friends, family, and/or co-workers, and combine it with other entertainment activities.
Stay informed about the benefits and risks of your entertainment choices and take the necessary precautions to prevent them from getting out of control. Responsible gaming can be an enjoyable and healthy activity for everyone.
Responsible Gambling Tools Available in Bookmakers in Nigeria
Below, you will find a series of responsible gambling tools that help you make informed gaming decisions. Some of these tools are available in bookmakers listed on Topbets Nigeria. We consider responsible gambling tools highly when reviewing our bookies.
Time Limit
This tool helps gamblers to set time limits for their gaming sessions. Once these limits are reached, the gaming session stops. This feature is available in various bookies like Paripesa, Betway, SportyBet, etc.
Money Limit
The tool enforces the player to set spending and deposit limits for their gaming sessions. Once these limits are reached, the gaming session stops. All bookies in Nigeria have this feature.
Warning Messages
From time to time, messages will appear warning about the session time elapsed and the amount wagered. This tool is mostly seen when playing casino games and is available in bookies offering casino games.
Self-Assessment
Self-assessment allows the gambler to consider or review their gambling behavior through a self-assessment test. This tool is only available in some bookmakers in Nigeria, like Betway.
Time Out
This tool allows the bettor to request a period of time out, which may be 24 hours, one week, one month, or any other period with a maximum of 6 weeks. All bookies in Nigeria have this tool.
Self-Exclusion
It is a tool available to anyone in all Nigerian bookmakers who voluntarily requests to be prevented from accessing and/or being able to place bets or play casino games.
Where to Get Help For Gambling Addiction in Nigeria
To get help for gambling addiction in Nigeria, you can contact any of these services:
- Gamble Alert: http://gamblealert.org
- Gambling Therapy: www.gamblingtherapy.org
- Gamtalk: www.gamtalk.org
- Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga
- BeGambleAware: https://www.begambleaware.org/
Also, some bookmakers have gambling help lines that you can try. Below are some of the bookmakers in Nigeria and their helplines:
- Bet9ja: +234809 999 0933 or [email protected]
- Betway Nigeria: 07000238929 or [email protected]
Conclusion
Responsible gambling is one of the most important aspects of betting, and you should take it seriously. At Topbets Nigeria, we always remind you to bet responsibly and stay in control. If you feel like you’re losing control of your gambling, please reach out to any of the above contacts for quick help in Nigeria.
