Responsible Gambling

At Shikaka, we are dedicated to providing a secure and enjoyable online gaming environment. We recognise that for most, gambling is a form of entertainment, a leisure activity to be enjoyed responsibly. However, we also understand that for a small minority, gambling can cease to be fun and may lead to problems. Our Responsible Gaming policy outlines the measures we have implemented to help prevent problem gambling and to support those who may be affected. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of player protection, ensuring that your experience with Shikaka remains positive and controlled. We regularly review our policies and procedures to ensure they align with best practices and regulatory requirements.

It is crucial to be able to identify when gambling might be becoming problematic. Problem gambling is not always evident, but there are common indicators. These signs can include spending more money or time gambling than intended, neglecting responsibilities at work or home due to gambling, borrowing money to gamble or to pay off gambling debts, feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling, and chasing losses. If you find yourself preoccupied with gambling, using it as an escape from problems, or lying to family and friends about your gambling activities, these could be signs that you need to seek support. Recognising these patterns early can make a significant difference.

Maintaining control over your gambling habits is key to ensuring it remains an enjoyable activity. We encourage all players at Shikaka to approach gambling as a form of entertainment, not a source of income or a solution to financial problems. Set clear boundaries for yourself before you start playing. Decide on a budget you are comfortable losing and stick to it. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, such as funds allocated for rent, bills, or other essential expenses. Avoid chasing losses, as this can quickly lead to increased spending. Take frequent breaks from playing and balance your gambling with other activities and hobbies. Remember, gambling should complement your life, not dominate it.

Shikaka provides tools to help you manage your spending and playing habits proactively. You can set personal limits on your account, which will restrict the amount of money you can deposit, lose, or wager within a specified timeframe. These limits can be set daily, weekly, or monthly. Once a limit is reached, you will be prevented from further deposits, wagers, or playing until the next period begins. For example, a deposit limit will restrict the total funds you can add to your account, while a loss limit will stop you from playing once your net losses exceed a predetermined amount. A wager limit restricts the total amount you can stake. You can adjust these limits at any time. Increasing a limit typically takes 24 hours to become effective, allowing for a cooling-off period, while decreasing a limit is usually instant.

If you feel you need a short break from gambling, Shikaka offers Time-Out and Cool-Off period options. A Time-Out allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a defined period, typically ranging from 24 hours to six weeks. During this period, you will not be able to log in, deposit, or play any games on Shikaka. This feature is designed for players who wish to take a short, temporary break to regain perspective or manage their playing habits more effectively. Once the Time-Out period expires, your account will automatically reactivate, and you will be able to log in and play again. This provides a structured way to step away without committing to a longer-term exclusion.

For those who feel their gambling is becoming a significant problem, Shikaka offers comprehensive Self-Exclusion options. Self-Exclusion allows you to block yourself from accessing your account for a longer, more substantial period, typically ranging from six months to five years, or even permanently. During a self-exclusion period, your account will be closed, and you will be prevented from logging in, depositing, or playing any games. We will also take reasonable steps to ensure you do not receive any marketing materials from us. Once a self-exclusion is set, it cannot be reversed until the chosen period has fully elapsed. To initiate a self-exclusion, please contact our customer support team, who can guide you through the process. We also advise considering self-exclusion from other gambling operators if you hold accounts with them.

Shikaka is strictly committed to preventing underage gambling. Our services are not intended for, and we do not permit, individuals under the age of 18 to register an account or participate in any gambling activities. We implement robust age verification procedures during the registration process, which may include requesting proof of age documentation. Any account found to belong to a minor will be immediately closed, and any winnings will be forfeited. We urge parents and guardians to take responsibility for protecting their children from accessing gambling sites. This includes using parental control software, monitoring internet usage, and keeping login details secure.

To help you maintain awareness of your playing time, Shikaka offers Reality Checks and session reminders. A Reality Check is a pop-up notification that appears at predetermined intervals, informing you of the duration of your current gaming session. It will typically display how long you have been playing, your current winnings or losses, and give you the option to continue playing, view your transaction history, or log out. These reminders are designed to prompt you to take a break, reflect on your activity, and ensure you remain mindful of the time and money you are spending. You can usually customise the frequency of these Reality Checks within your account settings.

If you are concerned about your gambling habits, taking a self-assessment can be a helpful first step. Many organisations provide questionnaires designed to help you evaluate your relationship with gambling. These assessments typically ask a series of questions about your gambling behaviour, your feelings about gambling, and how it impacts your life. Answering these questions honestly can provide valuable insight into whether your gambling is problematic. While a self-assessment is not a definitive diagnosis, it can serve as an indicator and encourage you to seek further advice or support if needed. Many resources are available to help you understand your gambling patterns better.