Our Commitment to Safer Gambling
At Spinko, we are deeply committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. We understand that for most of our players, gambling is a form of entertainment, a fun and occasional pastime. However, we also recognise that for a small percentage of individuals, gambling can transition from an enjoyable activity into a serious problem with significant personal and financial consequences. Our policy is designed to prevent problem gambling and to provide effective support for those who may be affected. We adhere strictly to the guidelines and regulations set forth by our licensing authority, ensuring a safe and fair environment for all our users. Spinko continuously reviews and updates its responsible gaming tools and policies to reflect best practices in the industry.
We believe that responsible gaming is a shared responsibility. While we provide the tools and resources, we also encourage our players to take an active role in managing their own gaming habits. This page outlines the measures we have implemented and the resources available to help you maintain control and enjoy your experience at Spinko responsibly.
Recognising the Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is often referred to as a "hidden addiction" because it does not always present obvious physical signs. It can affect anyone, regardless of their background or financial status. Being aware of the signs, both in yourself and in others, is the first step towards seeking help. Some common indicators that gambling may be becoming a problem include:
- Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford or intend to.
- Feeling a need to be secretive about your gambling activities.
- Having difficulty controlling, stopping, or cutting back on gambling.
- Gambling to escape from problems, anxiety, or depression.
- Chasing losses, attempting to win back money you have lost.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due due to gambling.
- Experiencing strained relationships with family and friends because of gambling.
- Lying about the extent of your gambling.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, we urge you to consider taking action and utilising the support resources available.
Keeping Gambling Fun and Under Control
We want your experience at Spinko to be enjoyable and entertaining. To help ensure gambling remains a fun activity and does not become a problem, consider these practical tips:
- Set a budget: Decide how much money you can afford to lose before you start playing and stick to it. Never gamble with money intended for essential expenses.
- Set a time limit: Determine how much time you will spend gambling and adhere to that limit. Take regular breaks.
- Do not chase losses: Accept that losses are part of gambling. Trying to win back lost money can lead to larger losses.
- Balance gambling with other activities: Ensure gambling does not become your only form of entertainment. Maintain a variety of hobbies and social activities.
- Avoid gambling when stressed or upset: Gambling should not be used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
- Understand the odds: Know that the house always has an edge, and gambling outcomes are based on chance.
- Never gamble under the influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and lead to poor decisions.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your gambling remains a controlled and enjoyable pastime.
Setting Deposit, Loss and Wager Limits
Spinko provides tools to help you manage your spending effectively. You can set personal limits on your account, which will automatically restrict your activity once reached. These limits include:
- Deposit Limits: Control the maximum amount of money you can deposit into your Spinko account over a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Loss Limits: Define the maximum amount of money you are willing to lose over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once this limit is reached, you will be prevented from placing further bets until the period resets.
- Wager Limits: Set a maximum amount you can wager over a defined period (daily, weekly, or monthly). This helps manage the total volume of your betting activity.
You can set or adjust these limits at any time through your account settings. Any request to decrease a limit will take effect immediately. Any request to increase a limit will be subject to a cooling-off period before it takes effect, allowing you time to reconsider your decision. This measure is in place to prevent impulsive changes that could lead to increased risk.
Time-Outs and Cool-Off Periods
If you feel you need a short break from gambling, Spinko offers "Time-Out" or "Cool-Off" options. These allow you to temporarily restrict access to your account for a defined period. During a Time-Out, you will not be able to deposit funds or place bets, though you may still be able to log in to withdraw any remaining balance.
You can choose a Time-Out period ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. Once the selected period expires, your account will automatically reactivate, and you will regain full access. This tool is ideal for taking a short, structured break to reassess your gambling habits without committing to a longer self-exclusion.
Self-Exclusion Options
For players who feel they need a more extended break or are experiencing significant difficulties controlling their gambling, Spinko provides comprehensive self-exclusion options. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily close your account for a minimum period of six months, or longer if you choose.
During a self-exclusion period, you will not be able to log in to your Spinko account, deposit funds, or place any bets. We will also take reasonable steps to prevent you from opening new accounts with us. Once a self-exclusion period is set, it cannot be reversed until the chosen period has fully elapsed. At the end of the self-exclusion period, you will need to contact our customer support team to request reactivation of your account. A further cool-off period may apply before reactivation to ensure your decision is well-considered. We recommend considering self-exclusion seriously if you are struggling to manage your gambling.
Protecting Minors
Spinko is strictly for individuals aged 18 and over. We employ robust age verification procedures to ensure that no one under the legal gambling age can access our services. During registration, all players must confirm they are of legal age, and we conduct electronic age verification checks. In cases where age cannot be definitively verified, we may request additional documentation. Accounts found to belong to minors will be immediately closed, and any winnings confiscated.
We urge parents and guardians to take responsibility for preventing underage access to gambling websites. Consider using internet filtering software to block access to gambling sites. Keep your Spinko login details confidential and do not leave children unsupervised around devices where you are logged into your account.
Reality Checks and Session Reminders
To help you monitor the time you spend gambling, Spinko offers "Reality Check" reminders. This feature allows you to set a frequency at which you will receive a pop-up notification during your gaming session. The notification will inform you of the elapsed time since your session began and may also display your session's profit or loss.
Upon receiving a Reality Check, you will have the option to continue playing, review your account history, or log out. This interruption provides a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect on your activity, and decide whether you wish to continue or take a break. You can set or adjust your Reality Check frequency in your account settings.
Taking a Self-Assessment
If you are concerned about your gambling habits, or those of someone you know, taking a self-assessment can be a helpful first step. This involves honestly answering a series of questions designed to highlight potential problem gambling behaviours. While not a definitive diagnosis, it can provide valuable insight and indicate whether you should seek professional help.
Consider the following questions:
- Do you spend more money on gambling than you can afford?
- Do you spend more time gambling than you intended?
- Do you often think about gambling, even when you are not playing?
- Have you ever tried to stop or cut down on gambling but failed?
- Do you gamble to escape from problems or feelings of sadness?
- Have you lied to family or friends about the extent of your gambling?
- Has gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
- Has gambling negatively impacted your relationships, work, or studies?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you cannot gamble?
- Do you chase losses, trying to win back money you have lost?
If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, we strongly recommend you seek further advice and support. Please remember that help is available, and taking action is a sign of strength.
Hvar á að leita hjálpar
Ef spilamennskan er hætt að vera skemmtileg er ókeypis og trúnaðaraðstoð í boði. Þessi samtök eru óháð þessari síðu og öllum rekstraraðilum:
Innlend aðstoð: Ísland
- SÁS (Samtök áhugafólks um spilafíkn)
- Red Cross Helpline 1717 · Hjálparsími: 1717
- Sjálfsútilokun: Operator self-exclusion (no national register)
Alþjóðleg aðstoð (öll lönd)
- Gambling Therapy (free global online support in 30+ languages)
- GamCare, National Gambling Helpline · Hjálparsími: 0808 8020 133
- Gamblers Anonymous (international 12-step fellowship, find local meetings)