Responsible Gambling Guide
Gambling should be fun entertainment, not a financial strategy. This guide helps you stay in control and recognize when to seek help.
Key Principles
Only Bet What You Can Lose
Never gamble with rent money, savings, or borrowed funds. Set aside an entertainment budget and stick to it.
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you'll play before starting. Set phone alarms. Take regular breaks every 30-60 minutes.
Accept the Odds
The house always has an edge. There's no "system" to beat casinos. Treat wins as bonuses, not expectations.
Never Chase Losses
If you lose, accept it and stop. Trying to win back losses usually leads to bigger losses.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money gambling than intended
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Chasing losses by betting more to win back money
- Lying to family or friends about gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, family, or health due to gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Important: Problem gambling is a recognized condition that can affect anyone. There is no shame in seeking help.
Practical Tools to Stay Safe
1. Set Deposit Limits
Most casinos allow daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Once set, you cannot exceed these limits even if you want to.
2. Use Session Timers
Set a timer on your phone before you start playing. When it goes off, take a break or stop for the day.
3. Reality Checks
Enable pop-up reminders that show how long you've been playing and your current profit/loss.
4. Self-Exclusion
If you need a break, use self-exclusion to block access to your account for 24 hours up to permanently.
5. Track Your Spending
Keep a gambling diary. Write down every deposit, win, and loss. This gives you a clear picture of your actual results.
6. Never Gamble While Impaired
Avoid gambling when drinking alcohol, using substances, or when emotionally upset. You'll make worse decisions.
Help Resources
Quick Self-Assessment
Answer these questions honestly:
- Do you spend more money on gambling than you can afford?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts to get the same feeling?
- Have you tried to stop gambling but couldn't?
- Do you feel restless when trying to cut down?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or bad feelings?
- Do you chase losses by gambling more?
- Have you lied about how much you gamble?
- Has gambling caused relationship or work problems?
If you answered "yes" to 2 or more questions, consider speaking to a counselor or contacting one of the help resources above.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Bangladesh?
Online gambling operates in a legal grey area in Bangladesh. While local gambling is prohibited, there are no specific laws against accessing international online casinos. Players should use their own judgment and play responsibly.
How do I set deposit limits?
Most casinos like Takaboss allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits in your account settings. Once set, you cannot deposit more than your limit. Contact support to increase limits (usually has a cooling-off period).
Can I self-exclude from casinos?
Yes, most casinos offer self-exclusion options ranging from 24 hours to permanent. During self-exclusion, you cannot access your account or make deposits. This is a useful tool if you need a break.
Where can I get help for gambling problems?
International resources include Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org), GamCare (gamcare.org.uk), and BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org). For Bangladesh-specific support, contact local mental health services.