Play Smart: Your Guide to Safe Gambling Practices

For many, a trip to the casino is a fun form of entertainment—a chance to dress up, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, and maybe even walk away with a little extra cash. The flashing lights, the sound of slot machines, and the excitement of the card tables create an experience unlike any other. However, the key to keeping it fun is to approach it with a clear head and a responsible mindset. Responsible gaming means treating gambling as a form of leisure, not as a way to make money. It involves being aware of the risks, setting limits for yourself, and knowing when it’s time to step away. With this in mind, here are our tips for maintaining healthy gambling habits, even in the middle of a game.

1. Set a Strict Budget

This is the golden rule of safe gambling practices. Before you even walk into the casino, decide exactly how much money you are willing to spend. This amount should be part of your entertainment budget, or money you can afford to lose without it affecting your ability to pay for essentials. Once you’ve set your budget, stick to it. If you’ve spent your budgeted amount, your gaming session is over for the day.

2. Manage Your Time

Just as you budget your money, you should also budget your time. It’s easy to lose track of hours when you’re immersed in the casino environment. Decide in advance how long you plan to play and set an alarm on your phone or watch to remind you when your time is up. Taking regular breaks is also important. Step away from the gaming floor to get some fresh air, have a meal, or simply stretch your legs. These breaks can help clear your head and give you a moment to re-evaluate if you’re still having fun and sticking to your limits.

3. Know the Games You Play

Understanding the rules and odds of the games you choose to play is part of responsible gaming at a casino. Don’t sit down at a table or machine without knowing how it works. Many casinos offer free lessons for games like blackjack or poker, and you can find countless resources online to learn the basics. What’s more, knowing the odds helps you make more informed decisions. For example, some games have a lower house edge than others, giving you a slightly better chance of winning. Playing smart doesn’t guarantee a win, but it does make the experience more fun and can help your budget last longer.

4. Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

It’s wise to limit your intake while you’re gambling. Alcohol impairs judgment, lowers inhibitions, and can lead to poor decision-making. It can make you more likely to ignore your budget, chase losses, or take risks you wouldn’t normally consider. To stay in control, moderate your drinking carefully. Your mind needs to be clear to make rational decisions and recognize when it’s time to walk away.

5. View Gambling as Entertainment

Instead of thinking of gambling as a way to make money, view it as a form of paid entertainment, just like going to a movie or a concert. If you happen to win, consider it a bonus, not an expectation. This safe gambling practice helps detach the activity from financial pressure. When you stop seeing gambling as a way to make money, you remove the stress and desperation that can lead to problem behaviors.

Recognizing the Signs of Problem Gambling

At 12 Tribes Colville Casinos, we’re committed to upholding ethical gambling practices. As such, our team of employees is trained to provide resources upon request. Common signs that gambling is getting out of hand include:

• Extensive and/or frequent playing sessions, whether rated or not
• Remaining in the gaming area without playing or after the bankroll has been exhausted
• Regular credit limit increase requests
• Excessive credit card and/or cash machine use
• Requests to borrow money from other guests and/or staff
• Significant changes in betting patterns
• Losing regard for health and/or hygiene

How 12 Tribes Colville Casinos Ensures Responsible Gaming

We do everything in our power to prevent the most pervasive gambling problems: compulsive gambling and underage gambling. In addition to recognizing the signs of problem gambling and providing resources, we also monitor alcohol consumption and provide alcohol sensitivity training to many of our employees and managers. To combat underage gambling, we have a strict policy against allowing minors to gamble or loiter in gaming areas. Minors under 18 are not permitted in gaming areas at all.

For those who struggle with safe gambling practices, we offer the option to bar yourself from our casino sites for a period of six months. You would authorize our team to require you to leave each time you visit one of our casinos. If you think this is an appropriate solution for you or if you have questions about this option, please see a member of our security team for assistance.

Where to Find Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Many organizations offer free, confidential support and resources to help you regain control. We recommend joining a support group or calling the national helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The National Council on Problem Gambling can help you connect with local resources.

A Casino Dedicated to Player Protection

Ethical gambling practices are all about balance. With the right mindset, you can enjoy the thrills of casino gaming while staying in control of your actions and finances. 12 Tribes Colville Casinos is committed to helping you along the way, too. Our team is here for you if you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, and we’ll help you seek assistance in Omak, Manson, and Coulee Dam, WA. Contact us today to learn more about our player protection policies.