Gambling can be an exciting way for Iceland players to pass the time. Despite the absence of local online casinos in the country, there are so many international casinos with exciting perks and bonuses for players from Iceland.

However, it's important to gamble responsibly to keep the experience fun and safe. Whether you're playing the lottery, your favorite casino games, or betting on sports, responsible gambling helps you stay in control of your money and emotions.

If you are worried you are starting to have problems gambling, then this guide is for you. We explained the laws surrounding gambling in Iceland and provided practical tips on how to gamble responsibly. We have also included resources that can further help you with your gambling addiction. Our goal is that gambling never stops being fun for you!

Understanding Gambling Laws in Iceland

Before understanding how to gamble responsibly in Iceland, knowing its online gambling laws is important.

Gambling is restricted in Iceland, with strict laws guiding it. There are, therefore, no online casinos based in the country. The good news is Icelanders can freely access international online casinos and will not be prosecuted. This is because of the protection from gambling legislation applicable in the European Economic Area.

While Icelanders are allowed to gamble online on offshore gambling platforms, choosing reputable and licensed casinos is important to ensure fairness and security.

Read our detailed guide on the online gambling laws in Iceland to fully understand the regulations guiding gambling in the country.

That being said, some forms of gambling are considered legal in Iceland, and they include:

  • The National Lottery (Lotto): This is the most common form of gambling in Iceland, operated by the national lottery authority. The three lotteries available in the country are Íslensk Lottó, Íslensk Viking Lotto, and Íslensk Jackpot Euro.
  • Sports Betting: Sports betting is allowed in Iceland, and a wide range of options are available to bettors. You can bet on your preferred sports on online sports betting websites from the comfort of your home or physically at sports shops in the country. 
  • Scratch Cards and Bingo: These are available through licensed organizations for charity and non-profit causes.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying gaming without letting it take over your time and money. It means being constantly conscious that gambling is meant for fun and should never become your source of livelihood. 

Responsible gambling ensures that gambling remains a form of entertainment and does not turn into an addiction or financial problem.

Signs of Responsible Gambling:

The following are signs that you are gambling responsibly

  • You see gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • You set limits on how much time and money you spend. 
  • You don’t chase losses by continuing to gamble. 
  • You take breaks and have other hobbies. 
  • You are honest with yourself and others about your gambling habits.

Signs of Problem Gambling:

On the flip side, these are signs that you may have problems with gambling:

  • You gamble with money meant for essentials (rent, food, bills). 
  • You feel stressed, anxious, or depressed because of gambling. 
  •  You hide your gambling from friends or family. 
  • You borrow money to continue gambling. 
  • You gamble to escape from personal problems.

If you have noticed any of these signs, don’t fret. Many resources and organizations can help you develop a healthy relationship with gambling. We’ll discuss this in the next section.

Tips for Gambling Responsibly in Iceland

Whether you are new to gambling or are a veteran and have noticed you might have some problems gambling in Iceland, these tips should help you gamble responsibly:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Setting a budget is the first step before you start gambling. You might include it in your monthly budget and write it down or just mentally decide. It is essential to first decide how much money you can afford to lose. This should be an amount that will not affect your daily life or financial responsibilities.

Pro tip: Use a separate bank account or e-wallet for gambling funds. You can also use a prepaid card and load how much you can afford to bet with within a period. Doing this will help you track spending and avoid going over budget.

2. Set a Time Limit

It’s easy to lose track of time when you are having fun. This can especially happen with gambling. We recommend setting a timer or alarm to remind yourself when to stop. Also, take period breaks during a gambling session to rest your eyes or stretch. It will help you avoid becoming too absorbed in the game.

Pro tip: Set time limits for your online casino websites or apps. For websites, use extensions like StayFocusd or Limit in your browser. You can set time limits on apps in your phone settings. Even if you forget to stop, these preset time limits will help you to.

3. Never Chase Losses

One of the biggest mistakes many Icelandic gamblers make is trying to win back lost money by betting more. However, trying to recover losses can make you lose even more money and possibly run into debt. Accept losses as part of the game and walk away when you reach your limit.

Pro tip: Set a stop loss based on how much you can afford to lose. If you ever lose this much, take a break from gambling and continue at another time.

4. Avoid Gambling When Emotional

Gambling when you are sad, stressed, or angry can lead to poor decisions. Only gamble when you feel calm and in control. We understand that it is sometimes easy to turn to your comfort hobby, like gaming, when feeling stressed but lean toward other hobbies.

Pro tip: Try calming activities like walking, exercising, or talking to friends. You can return to gambling when you feel calmer. 

5. Choose Safe and Licensed Platforms

When choosing an offshore casino site for your gambling needs, make sure the casino is licensed and regulated by respected authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. Also, read through the casino’s terms and conditions and test the responsiveness of their customer support before signing up.

Pro tip: Many reputable online casinos in Iceland have responsible gambling tools, so opt for these casinos. The information can usually be found on their website, or you can contact their support. 

Responsible Gambling Tools

Some of the tools offered by reputable online casinos in Iceland include:

  1. Deposit Limits: This tool allows you to set the maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month. Setting a deposit limit prevents you from overspending and helps you stick to your preset budget.
  2. Loss Limits: This is also referred to as stop loss. Loss limits let you control how much money you can lose within a certain period. Once you lose this set amount, you won’t be able to place new bets until the limit resets.
  3. Wagering Limits: Setting wagering limits helps you cap how much you can spend in a session. It helps with impulse control and prevents you from betting how much you originally planned to bet. 
  4. Time Limits: Some Iceland online casinos have a time limit feature, so you may not need the browser extension. It lets you set how long you want to play for. And once you reach the time limit, you will be logged out or receive a reminder to take a break.
  5. Reality Checks: They work similarly to time limits. They are usually pop-up reminders or notifications that remind you how long you’ve been playing. They also show you how much you’ve spent. These reminders “check you back to reality” and encourage you to step back and reassess your gambling session.
  6. Self-Exclusion and Cool-Off Periods: This tool allows you to block yourself from accessing a gambling site for a specific period. It could be a day, week, month or permanently. It is helpful if you are particularly struggling to stay away from gambling.

Where to Get Help for Gambling Problems in Iceland

In addition to tools available on casino websites, some organizations have been established to provide support. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, here are some of these resources:

GamTalk (Online Community)

GamTalk is a supportive online community where people can share their gambling experiences. It provides a safe space to connect with others who may be facing similar challenges.

Icelandic Interest Group of Gambling Addiction (IIGGA)

The Icelandic Interest Group of Gambling Addiction (IIGGA) is dedicated to raising awareness about gambling addiction in Iceland. The group was founded by people who have all experienced gambling addiction before. They advocate for restricting access to gambling and reducing its presence in society, particularly among young people.

Gamblers Anonymous Iceland

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) offers group support meetings for those struggling with gambling addiction. These meetings help you know you’re not alone in your struggles and help you develop strategies to stop gambling and rebuild your life. You can find the closest one to you by googling “Gamblers Anonymous near me.”

The National Helpline

This helpline offers confidential support and guidance for Icelanders dealing with mental health or addiction issues. Professional counselors provide advice and referrals to specialized services.

Find a helpline.

Final Thoughts

Gambling can be fun and exciting, but it’s important to do it responsibly. By setting limits, playing for entertainment, and recognizing the signs of problem gambling, you can keep your experience positive and enjoyable.

Remember, the key to responsible gambling is control. If you ever feel like gambling is taking over your life, seek support from friends, family, or professionals.

Enjoy the thrill, but always play safe!

FAQs About Responsible Gambling in Iceland

1. Is online gambling legal in Iceland?

Online gambling in Iceland exists in a grey area. Despite this, Icelanders can freely gamble online on foreign websites. However, these sites are not locally regulated. Therefore, choosing licensed and reputable platforms is vital for a safe experience.

2. What are some warning signs of gambling addiction?

Some signs of problem gambling include chasing losses, gambling with money meant for essentials, hiding gambling activities, feeling anxious about gambling, and borrowing money to continue playing.

3. How can I set limits on my gambling?

Most online casinos offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, and time restrictions to help you stay in control of your gambling habits.

4. What should I do if I feel like I’m gambling too much?

If you’re worried about your gambling, consider using self-exclusion tools, taking a break, or seeking professional help from addiction support services like IIGGA, Gamblers Anonymous, or the National Helpline.

5. Can I gamble for fun without risking addiction?

Yes! Responsible gambling means playing for entertainment and never relying on gambling as a source of livelihood.