Safer Gambling

Set limits, enjoy the game!

Bookieco Betting Stores Ltd declares that it is committed to Safer Gambling.

Our main goal is to follow the Safer Gambling policy.

In order to keep your engagement in gambling activities as a fun activity, you should be able to control how much time and money you spend for this activity.

A player who gambles safely, perceives gambling as a form of entertainment, does not bet more than he can lose and fully understands how gambling works. Here you can find certain strategies and tips for safer gambling.

• Do not perceive gambling as a way to "make money". Think of gambling simply as a form of entertainment.
• Don't bet more than you can spend from your monthly budget. Manage the money you spend well.
• Do not try to cover the losses, you will not be able to win back the amounts you lost. When you keep playing, the odds are against you and you won't be able to win back the amounts you "played".
• Do not gamble if you are not in a good psychological state as it can affect your way of gambling.
• Don't gamble if you're under the influence of alcohol as it can affect your ability to perceive and judge.

When a gambler loses the sense of fun that occasionally gambling aims to create, it means he is in trouble. They may start looking at gambling as a way to make money, or worse, try to win back money lost in the past. He often believes that he has special luck or abilities or that his luck can change. A player who bets to cover losses and/or continues to bet more, results in increased losses and increased betting in order to recover losses.

Warning: Gambling is risky and potentially harmful!

Enjoy the game, play safely

If you think that gambling has negatively affected you or someone else in your environment, then the following questions can help you find out:

• Does gambling prevent you from being consistent in your work or studies?
• Do you gamble to pass the time or because you are bored?
• Do you gamble to pay debts or solve financial problems?
• Do you gamble until you lose all your money?
• Have you lied, at some point, to hide the amount and time you spent gambling?
• Do you gamble alone and for long periods of time?
• Has anyone criticized you for your gambling?
• Have you lost interest in family, friends and other leisure activities?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to maintain your betting habits?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to try to catch up?
• Are you reluctant to spend gambling money on something else?
• Do you gamble until you lose all your money?

The more of the above questions answered YES, the greater the likelihood that you have a gambling problem.

You can also use the following self-assessment tool which will help you understand if your gambling is problematic.

Get help

If there is a need to contact someone about your potential gambling concerns, please contact the organisations listed below:

• safergambling.gov.cy
• www.gamcare.org.uk
• www.gamblingtherapy.org
• www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

In the first stage, you can talk about the problem with the bet you are facing to a person you trust and who will not judge you. This will make you feel relieved and reduce possible stress and pressure. Having someone close to you to support you in this effort will greatly increase the chances that your effort will be successful. Also, externalizing your problem helps you stop lying about your gambling activity and admit that there is a problem.

When you admit that you have an addiction problem, it is much easier to find help and change your life for the better.

Your family and social environment can support you psychologically, but you may also need professional support and advice.

Do not hesitate to ask for help from specialized Consultants!

The relevant website of the National Betting Authority safergambling.gov.cy provide a safe environment where you can refer to find information.

You can discuss your problem with a qualified addiction counsellor in a safe and confidential environment on 1454 for people over 22 years old or 1456 for people up to 22 years old.

The services are provided free of charge to all.

The hotline 1456 of the Adolescent and Family Counseling Center "PERSEAS" also provides counseling support to people in the family, friends and social environment of the person facing the problem.

For more information and opening hours visit the website: https://safergambling.gov.cy/antimetopisi/tropi-gia-na-lavete-voithiaypiresies

The Safer Gambling website is operated and operated by the National Betting Authority. Visit the website for information on gambling addiction, important information and useful tips https://safergambling.gov.cy

BOOKIECO team is available to listen, support and advise you on maintaining control.

Ways to control your betting

• Set the limit you can lose and stick to it
• Never borrow money to play
• Take frequent breaks
• Balance gambling with other activities
• Bet only money intended for entertainment, never money intended for daily expenses

Special Software for Blocking and Protection

Blocking software is a computer program that restricts access to websites available on the Internet.

There are two types of blocking and protection software:

• A. General blocking software, which is designed to block access to websites selected by individuals and to set parental controls.
• B. Special software for blocking betting sites. Below are some examples of website blocking software, which are offered either for free or for a fee, but encourages interested parties to do their research and decide for themselves, based on their own criteria.

The Company can under no circumstances be held responsible for the software that the player chooses to install.

It is strictly forbidden to provide betting services to persons under the age of 18!

Protection Measures and Prevention of Minors

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18, even accompanied by an adult, to participate in a bet or enter a betting establishment.

Whoever invites, incites or allows a minor to participate in a bet or enter a licensed premises is guilty of a criminal offence;

The person in charge of the premises is obliged to verify the identity if a person appears to be a minor or under 25 years of age.

There are prohibitive signs at the premises prohibiting entry to persons under the age of 18 and a warning announcement informing customers about a possible age check on persons under 25 years old.

Bookieco Betting Stores Ltd assumes its responsibility to protect minors with all seriousness in this field, which is why there is immediate removal of a person who refuses or does not have in his possession an identification document of his age.

In conclusion, we make every effort to avoid advertisements that could attract minors to gambling.