What does Responsible Gameplay look like?
Ask yourself if these statements are true for you:
- I think about the amount of money and the amount of time that I am willing to spend in a game.
- I only spend the amount of money in a game that I can afford.
- I only spend the amount of time in a game that I can spare.
- I am honest with family and friends about the amount of time and the amount of money I spend playing.
- I can walk away from gameplay at any time.
- I feel in control of my gameplay.
If you’re not sure if your gameplay is staying in control, check out how to be a Positive Player below.
How to be a Positive Player
Positive players focus on enjoying gameplay for leisure and entertainment. They make sure that gameplay is balanced with other important aspects of their life, like socialising, exercise and other screen-free activities. They prioritise their health and wellbeing above all else.
Here are some tips for being a Positive Player:
Set time limits
- Be aware of how much time you spend in gameplay. Establish your own time limits and use timers or alarms to help you stick to them.
Prioritize responsibilities
- Take care of your responsibilities (work, chores) before starting a new gaming session.
Avoid excessive spending
- Check how much money you spend on your games. Make sure it is affordable and that all other financial commitments are taken care of. Set a budget for in-game purchases. Check that you’re not impulse spending or chasing losses.
Determine if you have realistic beliefs
- Avoid some of the false beliefs related to social casino games like believing that ‘being close to a win’ suggests that a win is imminent, or believing you are ‘due for a win’.
Take regular breaks
- Take breaks during gaming sessions to stretch, exercise, and rest your eyes. Take time to get outdoors and do some form of physical activity each day. And when you are using any screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule = every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (6 meters) for at least 20 seconds.
Recognise signs of addiction
Be aware of symptoms of that may indicate that gameplay is becoming a problem, such as preoccupation with gaming, neglecting responsibilities, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or having difficulty controlling your gaming time. See the When Might Gameplay Be a Problem? support page for more information.