Understanding the importance of safe and responsible betting allows one to have an enjoyable gambling experience and minimizes negative consequences. We all know that betting can be addictive and lead to such problems as money loss, mental health issues, and even family problems.
Portugal legalized online sports betting in 2015. Since then, operators have offered entertaining opportunities for Portuguese casino and sports betting fans. This country is famous for its strong football following, so the introduction of sports betting allowed local fans to place bets on their favourite teams and athletes, feel the adrenaline rush, and win real money.
What is responsible betting?
Responsible betting means knowing what betting is, including rules, odds, and payouts. It involved awareness of how to gamble for fun and when a gambler should stop. Responsible betting means understanding potential harmful risks.
The benefits of practicing responsible betting lead to financial well-being. The major problem in this industry is binge betting, which leads to money loss. Gamblers often suffer from anxiety and other negative emotions connected to excessive betting. Such tools as time and budget limits, understanding your emotions, and following the responsible gambling rules that famous betting sites and apps promote will contribute to a joyful experience.
Legal framework in Portugal
Current gambling laws in Portugal are regulated by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos do Turismo de Portugal (SRIJ). The regulations state that only state-owned actors and locally licensed operators are permitted to offer online gambling services in the country. Fixed-odds sports betting is permitted, but pari-mutuel sports betting is reserved to the state monopoly. The lottery is reserved for the state monopoly.
In order to provide gambling services in Portugal, the operator is required to pay a licensing fee and provide a responsible gaming policy. It also should provide bank account identification data so all transactions relating to online gaming and betting activity are carried out exclusively. Only in this case is this a legal operator you can trust.
Portugal has implemented several measures in its gambling laws and regulations to promote responsible gambling, which include:
- age verification
- self-exclusion programs
- responsible advertising
- problem gambling prevention
- licensing requirements
Note that these measures can only be effective when both operators and bettors cooperate. It is not only the operators' responsibility to ensure a safe experience but also the willingness of players to follow the rules.
Self-exclusion programs
Self-exclusion programs allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gambling activities for a certain period of time or permanently. You will find self-exclusion features on popular betting websites and apps. Also, you will find self-exclusion software that, after downloading on a device, blocks access to betting platforms.
Portugal has implemented self-exclusion programs as part of its responsible gambling measures. SRIJ is the regulatory authority overseeing online gambling activities in Portugal and advises betting operators to provide mechanisms for reflection, self-exclusion, and wager and deposit self-limitation.
It should be noted that not all legal betting sites are blocked by such programs. Gamblers can still access online sportsbooks on Non-GamStop Betting site with reputable licenses and a high safety index. The global gambling industry is exploding, offering more betting options in Portugal in the coming years.
How to recognize problem gambling?
As mentioned earlier in this article, the common signs of problem gambling include:
- Irrational behaviour. About 2 million of US adults in the US suffer from gambling addiction.
- Loss of control over spending. Gamblers lose money and tend to borrow big sums from friends and family.
- Escaping stress, relationships, and various issues through gambling.
- Desire to experience the thrill or "high" associated with winning.
- Engaging in criminal activity.
These are just some of the signs of problem gambling, which requires prompt and professional help.
Tips for responsible betting
To practice responsible betting in Portugal, you should set strict limits regarding money and time, see gambling as a fun activity, not a way to make a living, understand the odds and how much you can potentially win and lose. Also, we recommend you to not chase losses. In the end, try a self-exclusion program to help control your gambling activity!
You can also seek help if managing your desire to win is bigger than you.
Online betting safety
The desire to win more can easily "swallow" you as it easily takes control over people. We would advise you to get familiar with responsible gambling rules or GamStop alternatives that you will find at any betting site and practice them.
Conclusion
Being aware of potential risks is a powerful weapon. Before spending your hard-earned money at betting sites and apps in Portugal, think about your well-being and gamble only in that case if you see it as a fun way to spend your free time.
