Responsible Gambling

At Shikaka, we are dedicated to providing a secure and enjoyable online gaming environment. We understand that for most, gambling is a form of entertainment, but we also recognise that for a small number of individuals, it can lead to serious problems. Our Responsible Gaming policy outlines the measures we implement to prevent problem gambling and to support those who may be experiencing difficulties. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of player protection, working in conjunction with our licensing authority to ensure fair play and responsible conduct across all our operations. Your well-being is paramount, and we strive to empower you with the tools and information needed to manage your play responsibly.

Identifying problem gambling early is crucial. It is not always obvious, and sometimes individuals may not even be aware they have developed an issue. Look out for changes in behaviour or patterns related to gambling. Common signs can include spending more money or time gambling than you can afford, neglecting responsibilities at work or home due to gambling, borrowing money to gamble, or feeling irritable or anxious when not gambling. Chasing losses, trying to win back money that has been lost, is another key indicator. If gambling is no longer fun, or if it is causing stress in your life or the lives of those around you, it may be time to seek help. We encourage all players to be mindful of their habits and to reach out if they notice any of these signs in themselves or someone they know.

Maintaining control over your gambling activities ensures it remains a source of entertainment. Several simple strategies can help you keep gambling fun and prevent it from becoming a problem. Treat gambling as a leisure activity, not a way to make money. Set strict limits on the amount of money and time you spend, and stick to them. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses. Balance gambling with other activities and interests in your life. It is also important to never gamble when you are feeling stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this can impair your judgment. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your time at Shikaka responsibly.

Shikaka provides you with various tools to manage your gambling expenditure proactively. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money you deposit into your account. Similarly, you can establish loss limits, which will prevent you from continuing to play once you have lost a predefined amount within a chosen timeframe. Wager limits allow you to control the total amount you can bet over a specific period. These limits are designed to help you stay within your budget and prevent you from spending more than you intend. Once a limit is set, it cannot be increased immediately, any request to raise a limit will typically involve a cooling-off period before the change takes effect, giving you time to reconsider. Decreasing a limit, however, usually takes effect instantly.

If you feel you need a short break from gambling, Shikaka offers time-out options. A time-out allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a defined period, typically ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this period, you will be unable to log in, deposit funds, or place bets. This feature is ideal for taking a short break to re-evaluate your gambling habits or simply to step away for a while. Once the time-out period expires, your account will automatically reactivate, allowing you to resume play. This tool provides a flexible way to manage your gambling without committing to a full self-exclusion.

For those who feel they need a more substantial break from gambling, Shikaka offers self-exclusion. This allows you to close your account for a longer, predetermined period, typically from six months up to five years, or even permanently. During a self-exclusion, you will be prevented from accessing your account, depositing funds, or placing bets. We will also take reasonable steps to ensure you do not receive any marketing materials from us. Once a self-exclusion is activated, it cannot be reversed until the chosen period has fully elapsed. To initiate a self-exclusion, please contact our customer support team, who will guide you through the process and explain all the implications. This is a serious step designed to provide significant support for those needing to stop gambling entirely.

Shikaka strictly prohibits individuals under the legal gambling age from participating in any of our games. We employ robust age verification procedures during the registration process to prevent underage access. This includes requesting identification documents and utilising third-party age verification services. We urge parents and guardians to take an active role in supervising their children's online activity. Tools such as filtering software can help prevent minors from accessing gambling websites. It is also important to keep your login details secure and to log out of your Shikaka account after each session, especially if your device is accessible to minors. Our commitment to protecting minors is unwavering, and we continuously review our processes to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

To help you keep track of your playing time, Shikaka offers "reality checks" or session reminders. These are pop-up notifications that appear at pre-set intervals, reminding you how long you have been playing. The reminder will also display information such as your net winnings or losses during that session. This feature encourages you to pause, reflect on your activity, and decide whether to continue playing or to take a break. You can customise the frequency of these reminders to suit your preferences. This simple yet effective tool helps promote conscious decision-making and prevents you from losing track of time while enjoying our games.

If you are concerned about your gambling habits, taking a self-assessment can provide valuable insight. Many organisations offer confidential questionnaires designed to help you evaluate your relationship with gambling. These assessments typically ask a series of questions about your gambling behaviour, your feelings before, during, and after gambling, and the impact it has on your life and relationships. Answering these questions honestly can help you determine if your gambling is becoming problematic. While these assessments are not a substitute for professional advice, they can be a helpful first step in recognising an issue and deciding to seek further support.