Responsible Gaming

Gaming should be fun and entertaining. Learn how to play responsibly and recognize when to seek help.

Need Help Now? If you're experiencing gambling problems, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, free, confidential)

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means enjoying sweepstakes casino games as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your time and spending. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and knowing when to stop.

At FunPlayCircle, we believe that gaming should enhance your life, not control it. While sweepstakes casinos offer entertainment value and the chance to win prizes, it's important to approach them with the right mindset and safeguards in place.

Remember: Sweepstakes casinos are designed for entertainment. Never spend more than you can afford to lose, and never chase losses.

Key Principles of Responsible Gaming

  • Set Time Limits: Decide how much time you'll spend gaming before you start
  • Set Spending Limits: Only use money you can afford to lose
  • Take Regular Breaks: Step away from gaming regularly to maintain perspective
  • Don't Chase Losses: Accept losses as part of the entertainment cost
  • Keep Gaming in Balance: Maintain other hobbies and social activities
  • Never Borrow to Play: Only use your own disposable income

Responsible Gaming Tips

Set a Budget

Decide how much you can afford to spend before you start playing and stick to it.

Time Management

Set time limits for gaming sessions and use alarms to remind yourself to take breaks.

Keep Perspective

Remember that gaming is entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems.

Track Your Activity

Keep a record of time and money spent to maintain awareness of your gaming habits.

Warning Signs of Problem Gaming

It's important to recognize the warning signs that gaming may be becoming a problem. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

Behavioral Signs

  • Spending more time or money gaming than intended
  • Lying about gaming activities or spending
  • Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
  • Borrowing money to fund gaming activities
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets or longer sessions
  • Feeling restless or irritable when not gaming
  • Using gaming to escape problems or negative emotions

Emotional Signs

  • Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about gaming
  • Mood swings related to wins and losses
  • Preoccupation with gaming when not playing
  • Loss of interest in other activities
  • Difficulty concentrating on other tasks

Financial Signs

  • Spending money allocated for necessities on gaming
  • Hiding financial statements or gaming expenses
  • Borrowing money or using credit to fund gaming
  • Financial stress or debt related to gaming

Self-Assessment Tool

Gaming Habits Self-Check

Answer these questions honestly to assess your gaming habits:

1. Do you spend more time gaming than you originally planned?

2. Do you feel restless or irritable when you can't play?

3. Have you lied to family or friends about your gaming activities?

4. Do you use gaming to escape from problems or negative feelings?

5. Have you spent money on gaming that was meant for other expenses?

Help and Support Resources

If you're concerned about your gaming habits or need support, there are many resources available to help:

National Problem Gambling Helpline

24/7 confidential support for problem gambling

1-800-522-4700

Crisis Text Line

Text support for crisis situations

Text HOME to 741741

Gamblers Anonymous

Support groups for people with gambling problems

gamblersanonymous.org

NCPG Resources

National Council on Problem Gambling resources and information

ncpgambling.org

Find Local Help

Locate counselors and support groups in your area

Find Local Resources

Self-Exclusion Programs

Tools to help you take a break from gaming

Learn More

For Family and Friends

If someone you care about may have a gaming problem, here's how you can help:

How to Help

  • Listen without judgment: Provide a safe space for them to talk
  • Encourage professional help: Suggest they speak with a counselor or call a helpline
  • Set boundaries: Don't enable their behavior by lending money or covering for them
  • Take care of yourself: Seek support for yourself through groups like Gam-Anon
  • Be patient: Recovery is a process that takes time

What Not to Do

  • Don't lecture, threaten, or give ultimatums
  • Don't bail them out of financial trouble
  • Don't take control of their finances without their consent
  • Don't blame yourself for their problem
  • Don't ignore the problem hoping it will go away

Gam-Anon: Support groups for family and friends affected by problem gambling. Visit gam-anon.org to find meetings near you.