RSPG (responsible social gaming practices) has been implemented to protect players from developing harmful gaming habits, such as compulsive play. Sweepstakes casino gaming is meant for entertainment, and RSPG aims to emphasize this, shifting the focus away from profit for sites alone.
Responsible Gaming (Playing Safely)
The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) was launched to promote responsible gaming on sweepstakes sites. You’ll find responsible gaming tools and resources available at online sweepstakes casinos. Make sure to look at the tools and resources a site offers you and take advantage of them.
As a player, you can use responsible gaming tools to limit how much time you play, how much you spend if you purchase coins, and minimize losses. In our guide, we outline the issues that can arise when gaming stops being fun and instead becomes a problem.
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Need Help Right Now?
National Problem Gambling Helpline (US) + how to contact
NCPG is a non-profit organization offering a helpful website with an abundance of resources, along with a 1-800 number that’s available to all US states. There’s a helpful FAQ section that can answer a lot of your initial questions as well. NCPG is committed to connecting anyone in need of support with local resources.
Phone number: 1-800-MY-RESET
Responsible Gaming Basics
Entertainment-first mindset
Playing games on a sweepstakes site is primarily for entertainment, with the option to play for free and win real money. Even so, there is a potential for compulsive gameplay.
Set limits
One way to prevent problematic gaming is to set limits from the outset. Every sweepstakes site has its own tools and resources. You can often set limits in your account section, or you may need to contact customer support to have them set limits on their end.
Practical Tools & Habits
If you use practical tools and habits from the beginning, you can help prevent problems in the future. There are helpful tips to keep gaming a fun pastime and not a chain that holds you down.
Budgeting and purchase caps
Setting a budget for yourself so you don’t overspend is a good rule of thumb. With sweepstakes casinos, there’s never any purchase necessary, as you can receive gold coins and sweeps coins for free. This is something to keep in mind when you do create your personal budget.
Time limits and breaks
It’s possible to set limits, which is recommended before gameplay commences. This helps to prevent playing or spending longer than intended. Taking short and long breaks is also possible when you feel like you need a reset from playing.
Common Limits include:
- Time limits: You can set limits on how much time you spend on a site each day, week, or month. This might be a setting limit in your account or via “Reality Check,” where a pop-up window interrupts your current game session to let you know how long you’ve been playing based on the time you set.
- Spending/purchase limits: set limits on how much you spend or purchase on a site by day, week, or month.
Cool-off / self-exclusion
Many sweepstakes sites offer cooling-off periods, self-exclusion, and account closure. You can take a short break with the cool-off feature, which typically lasts 1 to 30 days, while self-exclusion lasts longer. Self-exclusion is when you exclude yourself from the site and all notifications, usually for 1 to 6 months or longer. Account closure will permanently close your account, which you’ll usually need to request by speaking with customer support.
Device + payment controls
Playing games on your phone may be too accessible, leading you to play more than you would on your desktop. It’s a good idea to remove the app from your device if you are having trouble controlling gameplay. You can block sites you no longer want access to using software like GamBan. Also, use payment controls with certain banking options.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
There are tell-tale warning signs that gaming has gone too far. It’s a good idea to take a look at them so you’re aware of them.
Behavioural signs
- Being preoccupied with gameplay, where you’re constantly thinking about when you can play again if you’re doing something else.
- Chasing losses where you try to get money you’ve lost by gaming more.
- Hiding the realities of how much you’re gaming from friends and loved ones.
- Attempting to control your gaming without being successful.
Financial signs
- Increasing the amount of money you spend to get the same excitement.
- Spending money you don’t have to continue gaming.
- Borrowing money from others to help you out of financial trouble.
Emotional signs
A sense of uneasiness when you aren’t gaming.
- Using gaming to escape problems or feelings.
What To Do If You’re Worried
If you’re concerned that you’re not in control of your gaming, there are steps you can take to distance yourself from sites and get the support you need.
Steps you can take today
- At many of the sweeps sites, you can find a self-assessment on the designated responsible gaming page, which is often found in the footer or in your personal account section. Answer the questions honestly to yourself to determine whether you’re exhibiting the behaviours outlined.
- Take a time-out, self-exclude, or request account closure so you no longer have access to the sweepstakes sites you’re currently on.
- Call a helpline if you need to, like 1-800-MYRESET
For Friends & Family
If you’re a family member or loved one who has noticed someone you care about seems consumed with gambling, it’s difficult to know how to help. We’ll explain below how to address it and offer support in an effective, non-confrontational way.
How to start the conversation
- Calmy explain your concerns using “I” statements and help them understand the consequences. For example, financial, emotional, and relationship strains.
- Listen to their response with compassion if they have something to say.
- Let them know you’re there to help them and remind them that change is possible by taking the first steps.
How to offer support
- Help them find professional support, including a help line, responsible gambling websites, or counselling.
- Avoid judgment and be patient throughout the process of their recovery.
FAQs
Why are responsible gaming tools available at sweepstakes casinos?
Responsible gaming resources and tools at sweepstakes casinos are there to help you play within your limit if you’re purchasing gold coins. Regardless of whether you play for free or make purchases, gameplay is meant for entertainment.
If I self-exclude, can I reverse the request?
No, it’s not possible to reverse a self-exclusion until the period of time you requested ends. You can choose to self-exclude from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the site. Once you’ve selected the amount of time you believe you need, you have no access to the site for the duration.
Will I be obligated to use responsible gambling tools?
No, responsible gambling tools are a resource that you’re free to use if you want to, but it’s not compulsory. We suggest that you do as they’re there to help you as a player.
Should I set limits even if I know I am in control?
Yes, it’s recommended that you set time, spending, or losses limits before you even begin gameplay. It’s a way to prevent problematic gaming from starting, and the easiest way to play games responsibly without going too far.
