Responsible Gambling
Last updated: January 1, 2025
At Irishtop.com, we take our role in promoting responsible gambling seriously. We believe that gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, and we want to ensure that our users can gamble safely and responsibly. This page provides information and resources to help you maintain control over your gambling activities.
The companies we recommend have policies in place to help promote responsible gambling, and we encourage all of our users to familiarize themselves with these policies and to use the tools and resources available to them.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means gambling in a way that is safe and enjoyable, without causing harm to yourself or others. It involves:
- Treating gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money
- Only gambling with money you can afford to lose
- Setting limits on time and money spent gambling
- Never chasing losses
- Being aware of the risks and signs of problem gambling
Why is Responsible Gambling Important?
While most people can gamble without experiencing problems, for some individuals gambling can become problematic or addictive. Problem gambling can have serious consequences for individuals, families, and communities, including:
- Financial difficulties and debt
- Relationship problems and family breakdown
- Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Work or academic performance problems
- Legal issues
- Social isolation
Signs of Problem Gambling
It's important to be aware of the warning signs of problem gambling. These may include:
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more
- Lying about gambling activities or losses
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
- Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to
Responsible Gambling Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer a range of responsible gambling tools to help players maintain control over their gambling activities. These tools may include:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money you can deposit into your casino account.
Loss Limits
Set limits on the amount of money you can lose over a specified period.
Session Time Limits
Set limits on how long you can play in a single gambling session.
Cooling-off Periods
Take a temporary break from gambling by setting a cooling-off period during which you cannot access your account.
Self-Exclusion
Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling websites. This is a more serious step that should be considered if you feel you have lost control over your gambling.
Reality Checks
Receive regular reminders about how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent.
Tips for Gambling Safely
- Set a budget before you start gambling and stick to it
- Set time limits for your gambling sessions
- Never gamble with money you need for essential expenses
- Don't chase your losses
- Take regular breaks from gambling
- Don't gamble when you're upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Keep gambling in perspective - it's entertainment, not a way to make money
- Be aware of the odds and house edge
- Don't borrow money to gamble
- Seek help if you're concerned about your gambling
Getting Help
If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, help is available. There are many organizations that provide support, advice, and treatment for problem gambling.
Ireland
- Problem Gambling Ireland: Phone: 089 241 5401, Website: www.problemgambling.ie
- Gambling Addiction Treatment: Contact your GP or local mental health services
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Phone: 0808 8020 133, Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous: Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- GambleAware: Website: www.gambleaware.org
International
- Gamblers Anonymous International: Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
- International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems: Website: www.youthgambling.com
Underage Gambling
Gambling is strictly prohibited for anyone under the age of 18. Online casinos are required to verify the age of their customers and prevent underage gambling. If you are under 18, you should not attempt to gamble online or in any other form.
Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks of underage gambling and take steps to protect children from accessing gambling websites. This may include using parental control software and monitoring internet usage.
Our Commitment
At Irishtop.com, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable individuals. We:
- Only recommend licensed and regulated online casinos
- Provide information about responsible gambling tools and resources
- Include links to problem gambling support organizations
- Do not target advertising at vulnerable individuals
- Regularly review our responsible gambling policies and practices
If you have any concerns about responsible gambling or would like to provide feedback on our policies, please contact us at support@irishtop.com.
Additional Resources
For more information about responsible gambling, please visit the following websites: