| While Rakeshark.com is not an actual poker website like Partypoker.com or Fulltiltpoker.com, we are in the gaming industry and feel that it is part of our mission to not only have fun but it is also important to promote responsible on-line gaming. We understand that casual poker playing can turn into a full blow addiction. It is for this reason that we offer the following tips and safe practices so that you can have fun on-line but make yourself aware of some of the signs which should be considered as a red flag for a possible addiction. Child Safety it goes without saying that minors in your house-hold probably should not have access to gambling software or websites. You may take the following steps to help protect them from accessing poker software or poker related websites. - Use child protection software to block gaming sites. Some examples include Cybersitter, NetNanny, CyberPatrol, and Safe Eyes. You may find these pieces of software online and their prices range from $40/year to $50 per year. if you do not want to spend that type of money on software which will automatically block the websites, you may manually block gambling websites using the Content Advisor located in the advanced options of your Internet browser.
- If you are involved in a poker game and need to leave, you may lock your computer by pressing ctrl-alt-del and selecting the LOCK COMPUTER option. Windows users may find out how to do this by searching in Windows help.
- Setup unique Windows accounts for your children with their own permissions. Your children should not login to your Windows account.
- If you are using gaming software, do not save your login information. Doing this could allow your children to easily access your account and run up high credit card fees.
- Do not share your credit card or bank account information with your children.
Controlling Your Gambling Impulses Gambling, even when it's "free and just for fun" can become a very time consuming and compulsive behavior which can consume more and more of your time and eventually leak over into actual gambling. This usually happens slowly but the impulse to gamble can become stronger and stronger. You may take the following steps to help insure that your gaming activities are kept in check:
- Unless you are a professional gambler, you should never act like one.
- Play within your means - only risk what you can afford to lose.
- If you do lose, don't chase the loss - know when to call it a day. People often fall into the "one more game" trap and end up losing a lot more money than if they just got up and walked away.
- Keep a written log by date to track the time you spend playing and the amount of money you win and or lose.
- Use the safety features offered by software and gambling websites. Many of these system have deposit (or charging) limits, time out procedures (that keep you from logging back in), and warning flags you can set to help you remind yourself when you are spending too much time or money.
- Know when to fold - a bad hand is a bad hand and betting more money will not make it better.
Signs of a Potential Gambling Addiction You could be developing a serious gambling addiction if you have experienced any of the following:
- Have you ever missed work, taken time off of work to gamble?
- Has gambling ever made your home an unhappy place or do you find yourself inattentive to family members?
- Have you ever gambled money to either try to get more money to pay off a debt or have you gambled with money dog-eared for paying off gambling debts?
- After you lose did you have a strong urge to try to win back your money?
- After a win have you ever had a strong urge to try to win some more?
- Did you ever gamble until your last dollar was gone, borrow money to gamble, or even take out a loan?
- Have you ever sold anything to get money for gambling?
- Have you ever lost sleep, or awoke in the middle of the night to start gambling?
- Have you ever felt depressed or suicidal after a big loss?
- Have you noticed a change in your personality since you started gambling?
- Would you have a problem using your "fun money" (which is normally used for gambling) to pay actual bills?
Getting Help If you feel that you are getting out of control or need to talk to counselors, please call the National Hotline at the Gamblers Anonymous Organization. Their phone number is 1-888-GA-HELPS (888-424-3577) and you can find a local chapter here. |
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