Responsible Gaming

Last Updated: January 25, 2025

Our Commitment

At The Horse Market, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming and ensuring that horse racing remains an enjoyable form of entertainment. We believe that gambling should be fun, safe, and within your means. This page provides information and resources to help you gamble responsibly.

Understanding Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming means gambling in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and does not cause harm to yourself or others. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and recognizing when gambling may be becoming a problem.

Key Principles of Responsible Gaming

  • Gamble for entertainment, not to make money
  • Set time and money limits before you start
  • Never chase losses
  • Don't gamble when you're upset, stressed, or depressed
  • Keep gambling in perspective and balance it with other activities
  • Never borrow money to gamble
  • Don't gamble when under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Setting Limits

Before you start gambling, it's important to set clear limits:

Time Limits

  • Decide how much time you want to spend gambling
  • Set alarms or reminders to help you stick to your time limit
  • Take regular breaks to maintain perspective

Money Limits

  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
  • Set a daily, weekly, or monthly budget for gambling
  • Never exceed your predetermined budget
  • Don't use credit cards or loans to finance gambling

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

  • Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
  • Lying about gambling activities or losses
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets
  • Gambling when you can't afford to lose
  • Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
  • Borrowing money to gamble
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling

Getting Help

If you're struggling with gambling, remember that help is available. You don't have to face this problem alone.

National Resources

International Resources

Self-Exclusion and Cooling-Off Periods

If you need to take a break from gambling, most reputable platforms offer self-exclusion tools:

  • Self-Exclusion: Block access to gambling sites for a specified period
  • Cooling-Off: Take a short break from gambling
  • Deposit Limits: Set maximum amounts you can deposit
  • Time Limits: Restrict the time you can spend on gambling sites

Tips for Family and Friends

If someone you care about has a gambling problem:

  • Don't judge or criticize them
  • Offer support and encouragement
  • Help them find professional resources
  • Consider attending support groups for family members
  • Take care of your own mental health

Underage Gambling Prevention

Gambling is strictly for adults aged 21 and over. We take underage gambling seriously and:

  • Promote age verification on all platforms we review
  • Encourage parents to monitor their children's internet usage
  • Support education about gambling risks for young people

Our Role

As a review site, we are committed to:

  • Providing accurate, unbiased information about gambling platforms
  • Promoting only licensed and regulated operators
  • Highlighting responsible gaming features and tools
  • Providing resources and support for problem gambling
  • Never targeting vulnerable populations

Additional Resources

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Remember

Gambling should be entertaining and fun. If it stops being enjoyable or starts causing problems in your life, it's time to seek help. There is no shame in asking for support, and recovery is possible with the right resources and commitment.

If you need immediate help, please contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 or visit their website at ncpgambling.org.