Safe Streaming Guide: Prioritizing Responsibility

Recognizing Potential Gambling Harms

It is vital to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with all forms of gambling:

• Financial Vulnerability: Gambling always involves the risk of losing money. Only participate with funds you can comfortably afford to lose.
• Addiction Potential: Problem gambling is a serious behavioral addiction with potentially devastating consequences for finances, relationships, and mental health.
• The Danger of Chasing Losses: Attempting to recoup lost money by gambling more is a common trap that often leads to escalating losses.
• Mental Health Impacts: Excessive gambling can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
• Streamer Influence: Watching streamers, especially those playing with large sums or hitting big wins, can distort perceptions of normal gambling outcomes and risks. Viewers should remember streamers may have different financial situations or sponsorships.

Core Principles for Responsible Play (All Participants)

• Establish Clear Limits: Before playing or watching, set firm limits on both the time and money you will dedicate. Utilize any available platform tools (deposit/loss limits).
• View Gambling as Entertainment Cost: Treat money spent on gambling as payment for entertainment, not an investment or income strategy. Accept that losses are part of the cost.
• Avoid Emotional Gambling: Do not gamble when feeling stressed, upset, angry, or depressed, as emotions can cloud judgment.
• Know the Game Mechanics: Understand the rules, payout structures (RTP), and volatility levels of the slots being played.
• Incorporate Regular Breaks: Step away frequently during gambling or viewing sessions to maintain perspective.
• Never Borrow to Gamble: Only use discretionary funds allocated for entertainment.
• Maintain Life Balance: Ensure gambling activities do not negatively impact work, studies, family responsibilities, social life, or other interests.

Guidelines for Responsible Streamers

• Practice Transparency: Be upfront with your audience. Clearly disclose if you are playing with promotional funds, sponsored money, or demo credits. Avoid portraying gambling as a reliable income source.
• Promote Ethically: If partnering with casinos, ensure they are licensed and reputable. Integrate responsible gambling messages and links to support resources prominently in your stream profile and during broadcasts.
• Model Responsible Behavior: Demonstrate safe practices by adhering to limits, discussing risks openly, and avoiding overly risky or excessive betting solely for content sensationalism.
• Protect Vulnerable Audiences: Be mindful of potential underage viewers. Utilize platform age-gating features and tailor content appropriately. Avoid promotions or language that could disproportionately appeal to minors.

Seeking Support for Problem Gambling

If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you care about, confidential help is readily available. Reach out to specialized organizations for support:

• Gamblers Anonymous: Offers peer support groups worldwide.
• GamCare (UK): Provides free information, advice, and treatment.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): Operates a national helpline and resource network.
• BeGambleAware (UK): Offers tools and support for safer gambling.

Most licensed online casinos also provide tools for self-exclusion and links to professional help services.