Responsible Gambling

Shikaka is dedicated to providing an entertaining and responsible online gaming environment. We understand that for most players, gambling is a recreational activity, a source of enjoyment and excitement. However, we also recognise that for a small percentage of individuals, gambling can cease to be a harmless pastime and may lead to problematic behaviour. Our commitment to safer gambling is fundamental to our operations and extends beyond mere compliance with regulatory requirements.

We actively promote responsible gaming practices, educate our players on the risks associated with gambling, and provide a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to help maintain control. Shikaka strives to create a safe space where players can enjoy their favourite games knowing that their well-being is a top priority.

Problem gambling can manifest in various ways, and it is important to be aware of the potential indicators. Gambling should always be a source of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship. If you or someone you know is exhibiting several of the following behaviours, it may be a sign of a developing problem:

• Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford or intend to.
• Feeling a need to be secretive about gambling activities.
• Chasing losses, attempting to win back money that has been lost.
• Gambling affecting your work, relationships, or other responsibilities.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed due to gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling.
• Using gambling as an escape from personal problems or feelings.

If these signs resonate with your experience, we encourage you to seek assistance. Remember, recognising the problem is the first step towards addressing it.

Maintaining control over your gambling habits ensures it remains a fun and positive experience. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your play enjoyable and within sensible limits:

• Gamble for entertainment, not as a source of income. View winnings as a bonus, not a necessity.
• Set clear financial limits before you start playing. Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it.
• Set time limits for your sessions. Avoid prolonged periods of continuous play.
• Never gamble when you are feeling stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your judgment may be impaired.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Ensure it does not become your sole form of entertainment.
• Do not chase losses. Accept that losing is part of gambling and do not try to win back lost money by increasing stakes.

Shikaka provides you with the ability to set various personal limits on your account to help manage your gambling activity proactively. These tools are designed to give you greater control over your spending and playing habits:

• Deposit Limits: You can set a maximum amount of money you are able to deposit into your account over a specified period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss Limits: This allows you to define the maximum amount of money you are prepared to lose within a chosen timeframe. Once this limit is reached, you will be prevented from placing further bets until the period resets.
• Wager Limits: You can set a maximum total amount you wish to wager over a specified period.

You can adjust these limits at any time through your account settings. Any request to decrease a limit will take effect immediately. Any request to increase a limit will only take effect after a cooling-off period, typically 24 hours, to allow for reflection.

If you feel you need a short break from gambling, Shikaka offers Time-Out facilities. A Time-Out allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a defined period, typically ranging from 24 hours up to six weeks. During this period, you will not be able to log in or access any gambling services on Shikaka. This tool is ideal for taking a short break to re-evaluate your habits without committing to a longer self-exclusion.

Cool-off periods work similarly, preventing you from playing for a set duration. These options are readily available in your account management section and are implemented immediately upon selection.

For those who feel they need a more substantial break from gambling, Shikaka provides a comprehensive self-exclusion program. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily close your account for an extended period, typically six months, one year, three years, or five years. During a self-exclusion period, your account will be blocked, and you will be unable to log in, deposit funds, or gamble on Shikaka.

We will also take reasonable steps to prevent you from opening new accounts during this time. Any funds remaining in your account will be returned to you in accordance with our terms and conditions. If you choose to self-exclude, we strongly recommend that you consider self-excluding from all other gambling operators you may use and seek professional support.

Preventing underage gambling is a critical aspect of our responsible gaming policy. Shikaka strictly prohibits individuals under the legal gambling age in their jurisdiction from opening accounts or participating in any gambling activities. We implement robust age verification procedures to confirm the age of all our players. This includes requesting identification documents when necessary.

We urge parents and guardians to take an active role in supervising their children's online activities. We recommend installing internet filtering software to block access to gambling sites and keeping your login details confidential. If you suspect a minor has accessed your account, please contact our support team immediately.

To help you monitor the duration of your gaming sessions, Shikaka offers Reality Checks. This feature provides periodic on-screen notifications during your play, reminding you how long you have been gambling. The notification will typically display the elapsed time and may also show your total wins and losses during that session.

You can set the frequency of these reminders to suit your preferences, for example, every 30 minutes or every hour. The Reality Check allows you to pause, reflect on your activity, and decide whether to continue playing or take a break. This simple but effective tool helps maintain awareness and control over your time spent gambling.

Understanding your gambling habits is a crucial step towards responsible play. We encourage you to regularly take a self-assessment to evaluate your relationship with gambling. This can help you identify if your play is becoming problematic before it escalates.

Consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Do you often think about gambling, even when you are not playing?
• Do you feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement?
• Have you tried to control, cut back, or stop gambling without success?
• Do you become restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
• Do you gamble to escape from problems or to relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?
• Have you lied to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with gambling?
• Have you jeopardised or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling?
• Have you relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?

Answering honestly can provide valuable insight. If you find yourself answering "yes" to several of these questions, it may indicate a need for support. Remember, help is available, and taking action is a sign of strength.

If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available. These organisations are independent of this site and of any operator:

National support: United Kingdom

• GamCare, National Gambling Helpline · Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• GambleAware
• Gamblers Anonymous Great Britain · Helpline: 0330 094 0322
• Self-exclusion: GAMSTOP

International support (any country)

• Gambling Therapy (free global online support in 30+ languages)
• GamCare, National Gambling Helpline · Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• Gamblers Anonymous (international 12-step fellowship, find local meetings)