Over the last year, many gambling establishments have opened up in the UK, with hundreds of new venues appearing across the country. This is great news for UK casino visitors, who now have a large number of choices when it comes to spending their gambling money. However, it’s not all good – the proliferation of betting shops has led to some people trying to restrict their children’s access to gambling, with many unhappy parents doing their best to keep them away from the seductive sights and sounds of a real-money casino. Here are some simple tips on how to self-exclude from betting shops.
Know The Laws
The first thing to do if you want to self-exclude from a betting shop is to figure out what the law states about children and gambling. Most countries and territories around the world consider gambling to be an adult activity, and therefore people under 18 are barred from participating in most games of chance. However, certain countries and states in America allow minors to visit and play in casinos, so it’s important to know the local laws in advance.
Ignore The Calls
Once you know the limits that the law places on your children regarding gambling, you can move on to the next step – ignoring the calls. It’s a well-known fact that most casinos around the world use telemarketers to call potential customers, and these calls are often highly persuasive, tempting people with the lure of huge wins just over the counter. If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of a casino, it’s important to not give in to these calls and stay off the phone as long as possible. This is easier said than done, as you’ll be tempted to get involved in the conversation, but if you want to maintain your self-control, it’s recommended to simply hang up on these marketers, even if it’s a short call – it’s better than getting trapped in a sale, especially when you’re still deciding whether or not to gamble in the first place!
Keep Your Wallet Hidden
Using a credit card to make a purchase at a betting shop will prevent automated payments, as well as offering better currency exchange rates and the ability to use a credit card abroad, many casinos will happily accept cash. Therefore, if you’re walking into a betting shop with cash in hand, it’s best to keep your wallet hidden – after all, the last thing you want is to cause a scene, and have the casino’s employees come to investigate your sudden movement. Instead, if you want to self-exclude from betting shops, carry your wallet in your hand, especially if you want to go into a smaller venue where there’s less likelihood of a security guard paying attention to you.
Play In Face-To-Face Transactions
If you’re planning on visiting a casino in person, it’s highly recommended to play in face-to-face transactions – at least, that’s what casinos are set up for, so that they can provide the best possible service to their customers. With online gambling, especially if you use a credit card to make a purchase, it’s very easy for your personal and financial information to be compromised. It’s better to play in a casino where you can see, and therefore verify, the person you’re dealing with. In face-to-face situations, you can also rest assured that the casino is much more likely to provide a secure environment for your sensitive information – after all, they don’t want to risk losing a customer either!
Use An Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
When you go into a casino, you’ll often be asked to wash your hands before you eat, and it’s because most casinos are unhygienic places. When you gamble, even if it’s not in person, there’s always the possibility of some unwanted bacteria on your skin getting in through a scratch on your skin or an insect bite. To avoid any possible infections, it’s advisable to use antiseptic skin cleanser before and after you gamble. After all, a little bit of hygiene can go a long way – it really is that simple!
Bring Your Baby With You
Many parents are torn between their desire to keep their children safe online and the allure of gaming technology. As a result, they’re often desperate to keep their kids away from the gaming world, but they also want to enjoy their children’s company while they’re there. Going into a casino with your baby is definitely a novelty and will likely attract some attention, but if you want to enjoy some quality time without worries, it’s advisable to take them along. However, you have to be careful about the sorts of places that you take them – after all, you don’t want them to end up in potentially dangerous situations just because they were bored and wanted to play with a parent nearby!
If you want to self-exclude from betting shops, it’s not impossible – you just have to be careful and make sure that you abide by the law. Gambling is a dangerous addiction and can ruin many people’s lives if they aren’t careful – it’s important to be aware of this and protect yourself, your family, and your friends from the dangers that gambling presents. Just remember to follow the law and ignore the calls – it’s a surefire way to keep your family safe and ensure that you don’t fall into a cycle of gambling. Now you know what to do – protect yourself, your family, and your friends from betting shops!