Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
At Race Stirrups, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. We believe that horse racing betting should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a source of financial or personal problems. This page provides information and resources to help you bet responsibly.
What is Responsible Gaming?
Responsible gaming means betting in a way that is fun, safe, and within your means. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and knowing when to stop. Responsible gaming also means being aware of the signs of problem gambling and seeking help when needed.
Setting Limits
One of the most important aspects of responsible gaming is setting limits before you start betting. Consider the following:
- Time Limits: Set a specific amount of time you will spend betting and stick to it.
- Money Limits: Decide how much money you can afford to lose and never bet more than this amount.
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a single session.
- Win Limits: Set a target for winnings and stop when you reach it.
Signs of Problem Gambling
It's important to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling. These may include:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you can afford
- Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back money
- Lying to family and friends about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities to gamble
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit cards to fund gambling
- Thinking about gambling all the time
- Feeling the need to bet more money to get the same excitement
Tips for Responsible Gambling
Follow these guidelines to ensure your gambling remains enjoyable and safe:
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set time and money limits before you start
- Don't gamble when you're upset, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Take regular breaks from gambling
- Don't chase losses - accept that losing is part of gambling
- Keep track of how much time and money you spend gambling
- Balance gambling with other activities and hobbies
- Don't gamble to solve financial problems
- Be aware of the odds and understand that the house always has an edge
Getting Help
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Don't hesitate to reach out to these organizations:
National Council on Problem Gambling
24-hour confidential helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Website: ncpgambling.org
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from gambling addiction.
Website: gamblersanonymous.org
GamCare
Provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.
Website: gamcare.org.uk
GambleAware
The leading charity in the UK committed to minimizing gambling-related harm.
Website: gambleaware.org
Self-Exclusion
If you feel you need to take a break from gambling, most reputable gambling sites offer self-exclusion options. These tools allow you to:
- Set deposit limits
- Set time limits for gambling sessions
- Take a "cooling off" period
- Exclude yourself from gambling sites for a set period
Age Restrictions
Horse racing betting is only for adults. You must be 21 or older to participate in horse racing betting in the United States. We do not provide services to minors and take age verification seriously.
Educational Resources
Understanding the risks and realities of gambling is crucial for responsible gaming. We recommend:
- Learning about odds and probability
- Understanding that gambling is entertainment, not an investment
- Recognizing that there are no guaranteed winning systems
- Knowing that gambling should never be used to solve financial problems
For Friends and Family
If you're concerned about a friend or family member's gambling, you can:
- Talk to them about your concerns in a non-judgmental way
- Encourage them to seek help from professional organizations
- Avoid lending them money or bailing them out of financial trouble
- Seek support for yourself from organizations like Gam-Anon
Our Role
Race Stirrups is committed to promoting responsible gaming by:
- Providing accurate information about gambling risks
- Promoting only licensed and regulated gambling operators
- Including responsible gaming messages in our content
- Providing links to help and support organizations
- Never encouraging excessive or irresponsible gambling
Remember
Gambling should be fun and entertaining. When it stops being fun, it's time to stop. If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, please seek help immediately.
Last Updated: January 15, 2025