Gambling is an old and much-loved pastime, but it’s not without its risks. Industry experts and lobby groups regularly highlight the dangers inherent in gambling without due care, as well as the potential for it to become a harmful addiction. At GamblinGeek.co.uk, we are strong advocates for responsible gambling, and so our staff undergo keep up-to-date with the latest developments in legislation and licensing requirements. Here is a brief selection of tips for safe online gambling, as well as a list of organisations that can help if you, or someone you know, is struggling with problem gambling.Only Bet What You Can Afford to LoseFirst and foremost, only bet what you can afford to lose, or as Fred Done would say bet your pocket.Everyone loves to win a bet, a spin of the wheel, or a jackpot on the slots, but it’s important to remember that there is never a safe bet in online gambling.If you aren’t comfortable with losing the money you’re about to wager, don’t do it.Even generally low volatility games can have high volatility in a short space of time.For Example, table games such as Blackjack are advertised as a low volatility game, this is correct on a long term basis, but you could easily loose 10 hands in a row.Manage Your SpendingKeep track of your spending. Depending on your preferred payment method at online casinos, there are a number of ways to do this. With e-wallets, prepaid cards, and pay by phone options such as Boku, it’s easy to top up your account with the upper limit that you want to spend, ensuring you don’t go beyond a certain value in any one session.Online casinos normally allow you to se a deposit limit, you can reduce your deposit limit instantly, and if you want to increase your deposit limit it will take 24 hours to allow you additional time to think about it.If you prefer to use debit cards or bank transfers, keep a close eye on your transactions using your bank’s web portal or smartphone app.When not to gambleNever gamble whilst tired, feeling unwell, depressed, angry or intoxicated. If you aren’t able to exercise your best judgement, you’re more likely to place wagers without due care and attention, making it far easier to lose more money than you can afford to spend.Be wary of significant odds boosts.Sometimes sites will increase their odds on a given market, ie; was 2/1 now 4/1.There will normally be a reason for this increase, and why the market has shifted.Always do your own research to find out the reason why.Don’t Bet on Markets, Sports, or Fixtures You Aren’t Familiar WithBet on what you know. If you’re prone to a flutter, particularly with accumulators, you’ll know that your favourite sportsbook will have a deep and detailed selection of fixtures from across the sporting world to choose from. Don’t be tempted to bet on something you aren’t familiar with, whether that’s a sport of specific league, and always do your research on recent form, fixture history, injuries, and more before settling on a wager. You’ll be glad you did.Help is Always Available if you feel gambling may be an issueIf you’re concerned about your gambling, seek help straight away. There are plenty of charities and organisations out there that will offer free support and guidance to anyone struggling with gambling problems, and you’ll find a selection of those below.Gambling HelpGamcare is an independent charity committed to providing help and support for individuals and families affected by problem gambling. Its 24-hour helpline is free to use, and the website features a self-assessment tool that can help you to get a grasp of your habits and how they are impacting you.GAMSTOP is a centralised self-exclusion tool that all UKGC-licensed online casinos must now opt-in for. The service enables you to block yourself from gambling online for a set period of time, putting a stopper on your activities through one simple platform.BeGambleAware is another charity offering support for problem gamblers, as well as preventative services, treatment help, and more.