Protection of Vulnerable Individuals and Online Well-Being
A Guide to Responsible Gaming and Healthy Tech Habits
Welcome!
Hi there! 🎮👋 Gaming and technology are awesome parts of life. But keeping a balance is important for staying happy and healthy. This guide will help you use gaming and tech responsibly, so you stay in control and enjoy the best of both worlds!
What is Responsible Gaming?
Gaming responsibly means playing in a way that’s fun, safe, and doesn’t interfere with other important things in life—like studies, friends, and sleep. Remember: games are just one part of a bigger picture!
Example: Imagine you’re setting a timer before playing to avoid spending too much time online. When the timer goes off, it’s time to switch to something else you enjoy!
Extra Tip: Set it and Forget it! – Use the time-limit tools offered by Betano to set gaming limits that automatically remind you when it’s time for a break.
Ask yourself: “Am I gaming to have fun, or to escape something else?”
Technology Addiction – What You Need to Know
Technology addiction happens when it’s hard to pull yourself away from screens, even if you want to. It can make you feel tired, stressed, or even anxious.
Signs to Watch For:
⁕ Feeling restless, anxious, irritable when you’re away from your phone;
⁕ Not enjoying or losing your interest in activities/hobbies that you were previously enjoyed;
⁕ Ignoring real responsibilities such as meals, time to rest, only to stay online;
⁕ Gaming or browsing late into the night.
Tip: Try to set “tech-free” times, like during meals or an hour before bed.
Healthy Habits for Gaming and Tech Use
Playing is great, but set limits to make sure it doesn’t take up all your time.
Example: Give yourself one hour of gaming after work/university —then take a break for something else!
Tip 1: Take Breaks
Your eyes and mind need a break! Try the 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Tip 2: Start Small
Begin with small goals, like spending just 10 minutes less each day on screens.
Balancing Offline Activities
Gaming isn’t the only way to have fun. Join a sport, start a new hobby, or plan a hangout with friends!
Examples:
⁕ Balance screen time with activities you love outside of gaming—try cooking, painting, or exploring new places around your neighborhood.
⁕ Try a sport, dance class, or even just a walk or run in a new area.
⁕ Experiment with drawing, writing, or creating music—find something that allows you to explore your talents.
⁕ Consider activities like meditation, journaling, or even reading a book that helps calm your mind after screen time.
Your Story
A story like yours: See how others found balance in gaming and get inspired to shape your own path.
Story 1:
"Gaming is one of my favorite ways to relax, but I noticed it was getting hard to stop. Now I set a timer before I start, so I still have time for my friends and studies. It’s actually made gaming more fun!"
Story 2:
"I love the thrill of spinning slots at the casino, but it was easy to lose track of time and money. I began using Betano’s deposit limits to ensure I only spend what I can afford. I also started timing my sessions to make sure I didn’t go overboard. Betting is still fun, but now it fits better into my life."
Story 3:
"Placing bets on my favorite team felt exciting, but after a few losses, I started chasing wins by betting more. It became stressful, and I realized I needed a change. Now, I approach betting as entertainment, not a way to make money. I only bet what I can afford and take breaks by going for a run or playing football with friends. It’s made me appreciate the sport even more."
Reflection Time:
Think about what changes you'd like to make for a more balanced gaming experience.
Take a moment to reflect on how you can balance gaming with other aspects of your life. Write it down or discuss it with a friend or family member!
Need guidance?
If you ever feel the need for support or tips on maintaining a balanced gaming routine, we’re here to help!
Need Help? You’re Not Alone!
Support contacts
It’s okay to ask for help if tech is taking over your life. Talk to a friend, coach, professional, or check out the Contact section to find some useful contacts.
Top Tips for Responsible Gaming
1. Set Boundaries: Use Betano’s time and deposit limits to stay in control.
2. Take Breaks Regularly: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes and mind a rest.
3. Balance Screen Time with Other Activities: Make time for hobbies and socializing offline.
4. Reflect and Adjust: Every few weeks, check in with yourself and adjust as needed.
5. Ask for Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it!
It’s Just A Game
Fun is the keyword here, and placing a bet for entertainment that you can afford is the only way to it; placing a bet too many times to break even, make money or any other motive than just leisure or fun is definitely not.
Learn Your Betting Limits
Not everyone recognizes when they’ve had too much of something they enjoy. If you are feeling unsure whether you are at risk of developing an addiction or if you are concerned about playing too much, use our anonymous self-test to get some safe play advice based on your answers and your playing behavior.
Control Your Bets With Limiting Tools
It’s easy to lose sight of when you’re overextending yourself with losing bets or time spent. Take advantage of our self-imposed limits to control how you gamble. You can test out our Responsible Gaming tools at your own pace.
Keep An Eye On The Clock
Time flies when you are having fun! The trick is to make sure that you decide upfront how much time you are comfortable spending on our site per session. Don’t let betting take over the time you need to spend taking care of your health, developing meaningful relationships, and get in the way of your work.
Set A Spending Budget
Smart players set limits. Establish a budget before you start playing, or you can also easily set a betting limit from through account settings. This helps you stay in control and ensures your gaming remains a fun and responsible activity.
Touch Grass and Stay Social
It’s fun to share your big wins with friends and family, but gambling shouldn’t take over your life. Take time to enjoy life by spending time with your loved ones, taking in some fresh air, and touching some grass. A little disconnect from the casino and sportsbook can go a long way for your mental health.
Keep It Sober
It’s few and far between that people make reasonable decisions while under the influence. Keep your betting in check by avoiding a mix of gambling and substance use. Take advantage of our Responsible Gaming tools to make sure you’re gambling responsibly.
Learn What Responsible Gaming Means To You
Take the time to understand your needs, values, and limits. Gambling is meant as entertainment and nothing more. Please treat this activity responsibly and understand where or if gambling fits within your lifestyle. It’s also essential to find your support system if you find yourself struggling with maintaining those lifestyle boundaries.