11/03/2010 03:49am |
Social Responsibility, Responsible Gaming and Betterbet
Betterbet prides itself on providing its customers with a first class service and a responsible gaming environment. Whilst we want all of our clients to bet with responsibility and within their means, we acknowledge that the Service Provider also has a responsibility as well as the service user to ensure that the pastime of gambling does not become problem gambling. To this end we endeavor to put in place as many measures as possible to protect people who are vulnerable to gambling - be they underage, or have susceptibility to gambling problems.
Betterbet monitors customer responses to the measures implemented and will continue to re-assess and evaluate our policies on Social Responsibility and Responsible Gaming.
Betterbet provides customers with a range of options listed below to assist them gamble responsibly
Under Age Gambling
It is against the law for those under 18 to gamble and Betterbet takes its responsibilities in this regard very seriously, having various systems in place to aid in the prevention of under age gambling. Symbols throughout our site indicate that gambling on our website is only permitted by those aged 18 or over and we reserve the right to ask for proof of age from any customer. Customer's accounts may be suspended until satisfactory proof of age if required is provided. The police will be contacted in the event of actual or potential underage gambling and no winnings will be paid on transactions, from any product, accepted from anyone under 18.
Parental Controls
If you wish to monitor or restrict the use of your computer's access to the internet, you can use one of the following third party applications:
Cybersitter filtering software allowing parents to add their own sites to block: www.cybersitter.com
Net Nanny filtering software protects children from inappropriate web content: www.netnanny.com
Deposit Limits
By implementing voluntary deposit limits on each account we can help prevent problem gamblers from betting more money than they have initially intended to. Within the 'My Account' section on the website is the facility for each account holder to place a limit on the amount of money that they may deposit to their account within a specified period. This limit can also be implemented by our Customer Service Team on 0845 029 1366. These amounts may be revised downwards at any time; however any increase will only be implemented 24 hours following the request, allowing the Customer time to reconsider the decision. Our Customer Services staff will be happy to provide any further information required but are unable to override any limits set by customers.
Self-exclusion or Opt-out.
You can exclude your account from betting activity for any amount of time, using the self exclusion section under the "My Account" part of the website or by contacting Customer Services on 0845 029 1366. Your exclusion can be related to any one or more of our services. Customers may also undertake our Six Month Self Exclusion option by sending an email to Betterbet at customers@Betterbet.co.uk with details of all the accounts you have opened with us. During any periods of self exclusion it will not be possible for the account(s) to be re-opened for any reason, whilst Betterbet will also do all it can to prevent any new accounts being opened by the customer. Please bear in mind that an account that is simply "Closed" rather than "Excluded" can be re-opened by the customer at any time. If you wish to have your account re-opened, a minimum of six months after your account closure, you will need to email Betterbet with details of the account(s) you require re-opening.
Access to customer history
Customers can easily access a full history of transactions, withdrawals and deposits on line. A customer's balance is always available through the 'My Account' page and can also be seen from the Betterbet.co.uk home page. Telephone Customers may also request a printed statement of their account.
Staff Training.
All our Customer Service staff receives awareness training on problem gambling issues
Staying in Control of Your Gambling
Whilst the majority of people do gamble within their means, for some gambling can become a problem. It may help you to keep control to remember the following:
- Gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a way of making money
- Be aware of your disposable income - Only gamble what you can afford to lose
- Remember that the numbers on the screen are REAL MONEY
- Avoid chasing losses
- Keep track of the time and amount you spend gambling
- Be secure, ensuring you keep your Account details safe, and away from any third party
- If you want to have a break from gambling use our self exclusion option as detailed above.
Identifying Problem Gambling
If you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your, or someone else's life, then the following questions may help you find out:
- Do you stay away from work, college or school to gamble?
- Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
- When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
- Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even the fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
- Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
- Have others ever criticized your gambling?
- Have you lost interest in your family, friends or hobbies?
- After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
- Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
- Do you feel depressed or even suicidal because of your gambling?
The more you answer 'yes' to these questions, the more likely you are to have a serious gambling problem.
Seeking Help with Gambling
If you believe you may have a problem with gambling, or know someone who does, we encourage you to seek help with the confidential organizations available to offer you the right support to help you combat the problem.
GAMCARE
www.gamcare.org.uk
E-Mail: info@gamcare.org.uk
GamCare takes a non-judgmental approach on gambling. They do not wish to restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone to operate or engage in gambling opportunities that are available legally and operated responsibly. They have become the leading authority on the provision of information, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a worldwide association of people who share the problem of compulsive gambling and work together to solve it. The focus of GA is to help its members recover from their gambling problem.
1st March 2007