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Responsible Gambling & Self-Exclusion Policy for Sunbeam Bingo

 

Sunbeam Bingo Ltd, Company Number 526513, registered in Ireland, is committed to promoting responsible gambling for both in-club bingo in Cork and online bingo played via Zoom. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring players enjoy bingo as a safe, controlled form of entertainment, in compliance with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (as amended).

 

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means maintaining control over the time and money spent on bingo, whether played in-club or online via Zoom. It involves treating bingo as a fun leisure activity within a balanced lifestyle, similar to other forms of entertainment like watching a movie. Responsible gambling ensures you only spend what you can afford, keeping your financial and personal responsibilities in mind.

 

Facts About Gambling in Ireland

• Approximately 44% of Irish adults regularly play the National Lottery, spending €772 million in 2010.

• Around 12% of Irish adults place weekly bets with bookmakers.

• About 2% of Irish adults gamble online regularly.

• Less than 1% of those needing treatment for problem gambling receive it.

• Studies estimate 1% of adults (approximately 28,000–40,000 in Ireland) may have a gambling disorder.

• Irish gambling expenditure is estimated at over €5 billion annually, or €10,000 per minute.

• Adolescent gambling rates may be 2–3 times higher than adult rates, per the Institute of Public Health.

• Ireland has around 1,100 betting shops, 19 private casinos, 122 gaming arcades, over 10,000 gaming machines, and issues approximately 6,500 lottery licences annually, including for bingo halls.

 

Staying in Control

Most players enjoy bingo for fun, but some may risk spending beyond their means or using it to escape problems. Follow these tips to keep bingo safe and enjoyable:

1.  Don’t View Bingo as a Money-Making Opportunity:

     Bingo is an entertainment expense, not a source of income. Over time, you’re likely to spend more than you win, similar to buying a concert ticket.

2.  Only Use Disposable Income:

      Play within your entertainment budget, not with funds for essentials like rent or bills.

3.  Set a Spending Limit:

      Decide in advance how much you can afford to lose. Once it’s gone, stop playing. Wins are a bonus, not an expectation.

4.  Set a Time Limit:

     It’s easy to lose track of time during bingo, especially online. Set an alarm and stop when time’s up to avoid overspending.

5.  Avoid Chasing Losses:

       Trying to recover losses often leads to bigger losses. Stick to your set budget.

6.   Don’t Play When Upset:

Emotional distress can impair decision-making. Only play when you’re calm and focused.

7.   Balance Bingo with Other Activities:

       Ensure bingo isn’t your only hobby. Engage in other leisure activities to maintain balance.

8.   Leave Bank Cards at Home:

       For in-club play, bring only your budgeted cash to avoid overspending.

9.  Take Regular Breaks:

       Step away periodically to maintain perspective, whether in-club or on Zoom.

10.  Avoid Alcohol or Drugs While Playing:

       Substances impair judgment, increasing the risk of losing control.

 

Recognizing a Problem

If bingo is causing issues for you or others, it may indicate a gambling problem. Consider these signs:

•  Spending more time or money on bingo than you can afford.

•  Struggling to stop or control your bingo play.

•  Having arguments with family or friends about bingo or money.

•  Constantly thinking or talking about bingo.

•  Hiding or lying about your bingo activity.

•  Playing to recover losses or solve financial issues.

•  Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities due to bingo.

•  Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed because of bingo.

•  Borrowing money or selling items to fund bingo.

•  Needing to play longer or with higher stakes for the same excitement.

•  Using bingo to escape stress, boredom, or loneliness.

•  Experiencing sleep issues due to bingo.

 

Answering “yes” to any of these doesn’t confirm a problem but suggests a need for reflection. Contact info@sunbeambingo.ie for support or to discuss self-exclusion.

 

Self-Exclusion Policy

Sunbeam Bingo Ltd offers self-exclusion to help players manage their gambling:

•  In-Club: Request self-exclusion at the Cork club by speaking to the Duty Manager or emailing info@sunbeambingo.ie. You’ll be barred from entering the club for a chosen period (minimum 6 months).

•  Online: Request self-exclusion via www.sunbeambingo.ie or info@sunbeambingo.ie, blocking access to your online account and Zoom sessions for the specified period.

•  Process:

     •  Submit a written request (in-person or email) specifying the exclusion duration.

     •  Sunbeam Bingo will confirm within 5 working days and update records to prevent participation.

     •  Excluded players cannot purchase tickets or join games during the period.

•  Support: Self-excluded players are provided with information on gambling support services, such as GamblingCare.ie.

 

Support Resources

Sunbeam Bingo supports GamblingCare.ie, an independent charity funding research, education, and treatment to reduce gambling-related harm in Ireland. If you or someone you know is affected by problem gambling:

•  Contact: Dunlewey National Helpline at 1800 936 725.

•  Visit: www.gamblingcare.ie for resources and support.

•  Email: info@sunbeambingo.ie for confidential assistance or self-exclusion requests.