What is a responsible game and how to follow it
1) What is Responsible Play (RG) - Short
Responsible play is a set of rules and habits that keep risk in check: you only play with free money, limit time and amount, keep a "cold head," respect the laws of your jurisdiction and know how to stop. The purpose of RG is not to "deceive mathematics," but to prevent harm: financial, psychological, social.
2) Five RG fundamentals
1. Money: you play only with funds that you can lose entirely. No loans, loans, "borrow to paycheck."
2. Limits: you fix the budget for the session/day/week in advance and do not move it "along the way."
3. Time: The game has a schedule and deadline; night marathons and alcohol are taboo.
4. Betting discipline: bet size is tied to the bank and volatility, not emotion; "dogon" is prohibited.
5. Transparency: respect the rules of the operator (bonuses, KYC/AML), keep screenshots of the conditions at the time of the game.
3) Limits and formulas without matanalysis
Bankroll (BK): "free" money.
Session budget (SB): 10-20% of BK.
Bet per round:- low volatility - 1-2% BK, medium - 0.5-1% BK, high - 0.2-0.5% BK.
- Stop loss (SL): = SB; stop wine (SW): 30-50% of SB.
- Rate recalculation - only if 10% change in BK is ±. No "once increase."
4) Operator RG tools (enable in advance)
Deposit/bet/lose/time limits. Set up daily and weekly.
Timeouts and self-exclusion. 24-72 h break or block up to 6-12 months.
Reality check/reminders. Pop-ups every 30-60 minutes.
Transaction and session history. View once a week.
KYC/AML beforehand. Prepare a folder: ID, address, source of funds; do a test output of a small amount.
5) If-then scenarios (pre-record and keep visible)
If you reach SL or SW, then I immediately close the lobby and pause for 15 minutes.
If you catch the thought "you need to recoup" - then a time-out of 24 hours.
If the hand reaches to raise the bet "for the last time" - then the end of the session.
If two stress markers (sweat, pulse, rush) - then a break of 5-10 minutes and a glass of water.
If there was an idea to borrow money, then stop for a day and return to the plan tomorrow.
6) Red flags (stop immediately)
Violated their own rule (SL/SW, max bet, time).
Play tired/annoyed, late at night or under alcohol.
There were impulse deposits, cancellation of test-output "later."
You hide the game from loved ones, you lie about the amounts.
We thought about a loan/loan for the sake of continuing the game.
Two flags from the list are a break. Three - the end of the session and a pause for a day.
7) Checklists: Before during after
Before the session
- BK, SB, bet, SL, SW recorded.
- Timer 45-60 min; water/snack; "Do not disturb".
- Playing without a bonus deadline or with an understandable vager and max bet.
- KYC folder is ready; test conclusion made earlier.
Pro tempore
- Two micro pauses (s) of 5 minutes per hour.
- Play only 1-3 pre-selected games.
- No "sense of the moment" rate hikes.
- Reality check pops up - I pause.
Later
- Log entry: duration, total +/ −, achieved SL/SW, emotions 1-5, lesson.
- Profit> SB - partially output (for example, 50%).
- There were 2 + triggers - next day in "Sprint" mode or off-day.
8) Player log (3 minutes)
Record: date, duration, games/volatility, base rate, total +/ −, whether SL/SW achieved, emotions (1-5), remarks. Once a week: ROI,% compliance, top mistakes → one decision for the next week (for example, − 20% to the rate share).
9) Bonuses in an adult way
Take only understandable bonuses: cashback without a wager, freespins with a transparent ceiling.
Check: vager, max bet, games contribution, timing, withdrawal ceiling.
If the bonus drives you to violations, refuse. Saved money is more valuable than a "gift."
10) Cyber hygiene
Unique passwords + password manager; 2FA is enabled.
HTTPS only; no public Wi-Fi; no "remote access" to the device.
Remove autocomplete cards/wallets - add "friction" to the deposit.
11) RG Self Test (10 Yes/No questions)
1. Playing only for free money?
2. Have a recorded BK, SB, Bet, SL, SW?
3. Have there been breaches of the rules over the past week?
4. Do I pause every 45-60 minutes?
5. No night marathons/alcohol?
6. Passed KYC and made a test conclusion in advance?
7. Do not take loans/loans for the game?
8. Do not hide the amount from loved ones?
9. Do not use "dogon"?
10. Do you have a session log?
8-10 yes: you are in the green zone. 5-7 "yes": lower rates/frequency, rebuild limits. ≤4 "yes": urgent pause and a complete review of behavior.
12) 30 day RG implementation plan
Week 1: Lock in BK/SB/SL/SW, base rate; turn on the operator's limits; set timers.
Week 2: run a log; play only "Standard" sessions (45-50 min + 10 min break), no bonuses.
Week 3: Add test leads, 2FA, pre-kick-off checklist; exclude night sessions.
Week 4: statistics review, 20% rate share reduction with frequent triggers; one off-day.
13) Frequent myths - short answers
"Breaks ruin luck." Breaks extinguish impulses and retain profit.
"You can raise the rate once." This is the beginning of the "dogon."
"The time of day affects RTP." No, it isn't; more important is your discipline and selected table rules.
"Bonuses are always plus EV." No: Often the vager, max bet and deadlines "eat up" the odds.
14) When outside help is needed
If you cannot stop, violate financial obligations, borrow money or hide the game, this is a reason to pause and turn to relatives and specialized consultants of your country. RG - about taking care of yourself; sometimes the best move is to get out of the game completely for a while.
Responsible play is a system of predetermined decisions: fixed limits, a simple bet, timers, breaks, cyber hygiene and honest self-test. Write down the rules before the start, keep the if-then scenarios in front of your eyes, keep a log and start with a test output. Play only with free money and respect the laws of your jurisdiction - this is how you maintain control, health and budget.