Most people play for the entertainment, which means gaming to a responsible extent and within their financial means. But, for a small percentage, games of chance are not a form of entertainment – they are a problem which must be taken seriously.
What is a gambling disorder?
Gambling disorders have been listed as recognized psychological disorders in the international classification systems DSM-IV and ICD-10 since 1980. It used to be known as pathological gambling and can also be used interchangeably with a gambling addiction or compulsive gambling. A gambling disorder is defined as persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the following in a 12-month period:
- Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
- Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
- Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
- Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g. having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
- Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g. helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
- After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses).
- Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
- Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
When should behavior be considered problematic?
We would like to stress that diagnoses relating to clinical disorders can only be made by trained specialists. This page offers material which will allow you to quickly assess and consider your own behavior. If you can identify with four or more of the following characteristics, we recommend that you speak to a professional:
- Are you highly involved in gaming?
- Do your thoughts constantly turn to gaming?
- Are you are constantly increasing your stakes?
- Even beyond your financial means?
- Have you unsuccessfully attempted to quit or cut down your gaming?
- Do you become irritated and frustrated after attempting to reduce the extent of your gaming?
- Does gaming serve as a means of getting away from problems or unpleasant feelings?
- Have you ever tried to win back losses by taking risks you usually would not take?
- Have ever you lied about the extent or success of your gaming?
- Has your gaming ever led to a negative impact on your relationships or your job?
- Have you ever been forced to rely on others to finance your gaming?
Self-control and self-protection
Wheel of Fortune Casino has created tools to support Responsible Gaming and actively encourages its players to use them. All requests for Responsible Gaming measures are taken very seriously by us and are always valid for the agreed period of time.
Personal limits
Wheel of Fortune Casino offers all of its customers the opportunity to set individual daily, weekly or monthly limits on deposits and losses. See the details below for how the deposit and loss limits work:
- Deposit Limit: limits the amount you can deposit
- Spending Limit: limits the amount a player can lose (this is the net value of your winnings and losses)
All requests for limit decreases will be implemented immediately; requests for limit increases only become valid after a delay and an additional confirmation of the request. The waiting periods work as follows:
- Daily: 24 hours from the time of the request
- Weekly: If the request is placed on the last day of the week (i.e. Sunday), you must wait until midnight the following Sunday. Otherwise, requests placed any other day of the week will take effect the next week, Sunday at midnight.
- Monthly: Much like weekly limits, the waiting period depends on the day of the month when the increase is requested. Requests on the last day of the month will be delayed until the following month. Requests placed on any other day will take effect the next month.
Furthermore, customers can opt into a time management system that allows you to limit your daily time on our site. After exceeding this period of time, you will be prevented from further play. All requests for time limit decreases (i.e. going from playing 10 hours a day to 1 hour a day) will be implemented immediately; requests for time limit increases (i.e. going from playing 1 hour a day to unlimited play) only become valid after a 24-hour waiting period.
Self-exclusion and Time-Out
Wheel of Fortune Casino customers are able to temporarily suspend their account or self-exclude from further gaming for if they have developed gambling-related problems or feel at risk of developing gambling-related problems. You can temporarily suspend your account for any period from 3 to 183 days. Self-exclusion will ban you from any New Jersey licensed Internet gaming for a duration of 1 or 5 years and cannot be revoked. . Any person requesting temporary suspension or placement on the Internet self-exclusion list shall submit his or her request through their Internet gaming account. Once your account is created, go to the Accounts section and select the “Responsible Gaming” option. A permanent self-exclusion can only be filed in person at the offices of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. You can find detailed legal information about self-exclusion here.
If you want to take a break or stop playing at one or more products for any other reasons than the prevention of gambling-related problems we also offer a service closure option available from your online gaming account.