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Whether a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the bright lights of Las Vegas or a cheeky flutter on the Grand National, taking a gamble is a popular pastime for many people. However, it used to be the case that if you wanted to play, you would have to physically enter a casino or betting shop to do so.

These days though, with easy access to the Internet via our smartphones and an ever-growing number of online gambling sites, it’s possible to gamble any time of the day or night, all from the comfort of your own armchair.

But with the NHS and anti-gambling campaigners reporting an ‘explosion’ in the number of people developing gambling addictions, the issue of responsible mobile gambling has never been more relevant.

Here at Gadget Cover we want you to enjoy using your smartphone safely and responsibly. That’s why we’ve put together these top tips for responsible mobile gambling on your iPhone. Protecting your gadget from all manner of risks is vital and having the best iPhone insurance in place is the first step to doing exactly that.

Tip 1: Set yourself some time limits

From poker and roulette to slot machines and sports betting, it doesn’t matter which game you enjoy, this tip is important. Time flies when the wheel is spinning and the cards are flipping so it’s wise you keep an eye on the clock. With their fun characters, flashy graphics and catchy tunes slot machines in particular can be hypnotic.

Most reputable online gambling sites will offer you a special feature where you can determine how much time you want to spend playing. Once your time is up, you’ll be blocked from accessing any games on that site. Even if you don’t want to use this option, you can easily set a timer on your mobile phone to keep you aware of time spent playing.

Tip 2: Only gamble what you can afford to lose

Staying in control of your household finances – from utility bills and iPhone insurance to shopping expenses and eating out – is an important part of modern life. Gambling should be a source of entertainment, just like going to the pub or a music gig. So, try to treat it as an expense that needs to be budgeted for.

If you can afford to spend £30 playing the games, win or lose, then make that your budget, and finish when it’s gone. Remember, if you can’t pay your bills already then turning to Lady Luck and gambling the night away is not going to help.

Tip 3: Don’t chase losses

It’s a fact of life that no one likes losing. And unfortunately, this can lead to bad habits when it comes to mobile gambling. If you’re on a losing streak and you’ve spent your budget, take a break. Trying to even out your losses is a fast way to get into difficulties.

Tip 4: When the fun stops, stop

While the sentiment behind this famous marketing slogan is admirable, it has attracted some criticism for its lack of effectiveness. It assumes that people only find gambling fun when they win, which isn’t always the case. The thrill and hope of the next big windfall after a loss is what sometimes keeps gamblers betting beyond their means. However, the ad’s intention was to help players pause and reflect after a loss instead of just carrying on, and we think that’s a good rule to follow.

Tip 6: Keep a gambling diary

If you’re a regular gambler then it can be all too easy to lose track of how much time and money you’re spending on your habit. A good idea is to simply track everything in a memo app on your phone.

Recording how much you deposited, how long you played and how much money you spent will help you spot any worrying habits like overspending or chasing the losses. Writing down how you felt that day can also help you figure out whether your emotions are connected to your gambling.

Tip 7: Avoid high-risk situations

Everyone has different triggers that affect their levels of self control. We can all be more likely to take unreasonable risks if we’re bored, or we’ve just been paid, or perhaps we’ve had a couple of drinks. Try to avoid gambling in these situations so you stay in control.

Being aware of your relationship with gambling is an important part of staying responsible. The NHS has a useful series of questions to ask yourself if you think you might have a gambling problem.

Free advice, support and counselling is available from UK charity GamCare to help in the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Contact their helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit their website.

How to block gambling sites on your iPhone

If you decide to restrict gambling sites on your iPhone then consider downloading a gambling app blocker tool. Once you have one installed on your iPhone, you’ll be prevented from accessing anything gambling related on that device.

The Gamban app is one good example. Other blocking apps include Gamblock, and BetBlocker.

Registering with GamStop will also block you from accessing online gambling sites and gambling apps. It’s a free service and enables you to self-exclude from every gambling site or app operating in the UK if you want to. However, it won’t block you from gambling websites licensed elsewhere in the world.

Get iPhone insurance from Gadget Cover

From business to pleasure and everything in between, whatever you rely on your iPhone for, the dedicated team of insurance specialists at Gadget Cover can help. We’ll find you an iPhone insurance policy that suits your needs.

Our can include protection from accidental damage, liquid damage, theft, breakdown and unauthorised usage. For an extra premium your iPhone can also be covered against loss.

As well as worldwide cover and e-wallet cover, policies can also cover use of your gadgets by other family members and any accessories (up to £150) if they are lost, stolen or damaged at the same time as your iPhone.

Get a quick quote from Gadget Cover today and protect your cherished device.