A GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING

For most people, gambling is a fun and enjoyable form of entertainment, but for a small minority of people it can become a problem.  At Coral Island we are committed to providing a safe gambling environment, where our customers are able to make informed choices, are aware of the risks associated with gambling and can utilise the available tools on offer to remain in control.

How to stay in control

At Coral Island we are committed to helping our customers stay in control and there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your gambling remains a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Only gamble with what you can afford to lose, set yourself a limit and stick to it.
• Set a time limit on how long you will play for.
• Avoid chasing losses. 
• Set yourself an affordable limit if you use the Casino Cash Desk facilities.
• Take advantage of the voluntary time/spend limits available on many of our gaming machines.
• Remember to take regular breaks. Perhaps get something to eat, some fresh air or just step away and gather your thoughts.

 We offer help by:

• Providing training to our employees to be able to monitor behaviour that might give rise to concerns and to assist our customers by directing them to appropriate help and information. 

• Allowing customers to set limits on how much they can withdraw from the Casino Cash Desk. 

• Allowing customers to set time and or spend limits on many of our gaming machines. 

• Allowing customers with concerns about their gambling to “self-exclude” from our venues. (Nationally from all casinos in the UK by enrolling in the SENSE scheme and via the BACTA Self Exclusion scheme for Arcades) to prevent them from making further visits.   Further details are provided below. 

• Providing information that will help you identify and prevent gambling problems at an early stage and details about useful support services who can otherwise offer specific counselling, help or treatment to those who feel they have or may develop gambling problems.

Is gambling negatively affecting you?

 Ask yourself the following questions to help understand if gambling is becoming an issue for you.

• Have you put at risk Important or significant relationships, a job or your career because of gambling?
• Do you see gambling as a means of escape from problems or other feelings?
• Do you find yourself re-living previous gambling experiences and thinking of ways that you can get more money to gamble?
• Have you ever claimed to be winning from gambling when, in fact, you are losing?
• When you run out of money for gambling. do you feel loss and despair and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
• Do you gamble all of your money, including what you may need to get home or for food and drink?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to get money for gambling?
• Do you chase gambling losses or quickly return to gambling when on a losing streak?
• Are you reluctant to spend your money on normal things?
• Are you in debt because of gambling?
• Do you try to hide the extent of your gambling from friends and family?
• Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
• Have you ever thought of suicide as a way of solving your problems?

The more you answer yes to any of the above, the greater the likelihood of a gambling problem. It is essential that you speak to someone about this.  You can also complete the ‘GamTest’ at https://www.gamcare.org.uk/understanding-gambling-problems/self-assessment-tool/

Getting back in Control

Firstly, be honest with yourself and with others about your concerns and gambling habits. Taking responsibility and seeking help is vital to ensure that you, and those close to you are not negatively impacted by your gambling. The following outlines some steps you can take to begin to address the concerns around your gambling.

• Call the National Gambling helpline who can offer advice and support in dealing with gaming issues.
• Talk about it with someone you trust; A friend, family member or counsellor.
• Ask someone you trust to handle your money for an agreed amount of time.
• Talk in confidence to the Duty Manager at the Casino/Arcade. They are well trained in the issues involved and can assist you in getting help and support and to ‘self-exclude’ from the venue/s for a period of time if desired.

Seeking help and advice

GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline and offer confidential information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling in Great Britain. The Helpline is open 24 hours every day on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via Live Chat. Advisers will listen to you; they won’t judge and your conversation is confidential.

www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamcare also offer information about Self Exclusion and what that entails. 

Visit https://www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/self-exclusion

GambleAware offer free, confidential help and support to anyone who’s worried about their – or someone else’s – gambling.

www.begambleaware.org

Gamblers Anonymous (GA):

0330 0940 322

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same. 

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

BACTA - Self Exclusion (Arcades)

If you think you are spending too much time or money gambling in an Adult Gaming Centre then you should talk to one of our staff members in confidence.  They are trained to talk to you sensitively about your gambling and can offer a range of tools to help you.  One of these is self-exclusion.

For information and details on how to self-exclude yourself from an Adult Gaming Centre please visit;

www.bacta.org.uk/self-exclusion

SENSE - Self Exclusion (Casinos)

The SENSE self-exclusion programme is available for anyone who may be experiencing gambling problems to enrol in a scheme to exclude themselves nationally from all land-based casinos in Great Britain licensed by the Gambling Commission.

For information and details on how to self-exclude yourself from Casinos please visit;

www.bettingandgamingcouncil.com/sense-self-exclusion-scheme