What does responsible gaming mean?
Responsible gaming means that you maintain control over your gaming behavior and ensure that playing remains a fun leisure activity. At Bohileminod, it is important to us that you play safely and responsibly.
Important to know: Bohileminod is a free game with no real money stakes. Nevertheless, it is important to develop a healthy relationship with gaming and recognize when it's time to take a break.
Basic Principles of Responsible Gaming
- Play for entertainment – not to earn money or solve problems
- Set time limits – and stick to them
- Do not play under the influence – of alcohol or drugs
- Do not play when you are emotional – angry, depressed, or stressed
- Balance is important – do not neglect family, friends, or work
- Seek help if necessary – there are many support services available
⚠️ Recognizing Warning Signs
It is important to recognize the signs of problematic gaming behavior early on. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Loss of Time
You play longer than planned and lose track of time while playing.
Constant Thinking
You think about gaming constantly, even when you are not playing.
Restlessness and Irritability
You feel restless or irritable when you cannot play.
Chasing Losses
You play to "win back" previous losses (in real-money gambling).
Hiding
You hide or lie about the amount of time you spend playing.
Neglect
You neglect family, friends, work, or other responsibilities.
📋 Self-Assessment Test
Answer the following questions honestly to assess your gaming behavior:
💡 Tips for Healthy Gaming Behavior
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you want to play before you start, and stick to it. Use timers or alarms.
Plan Breaks
Take regular breaks. Stand up, move around, and give your eyes a rest.
Have Other Hobbies
Balance is important. Make sure you also have other activities and interests.
Stay Social
Spend time with family and friends. Do not isolate yourself through excessive gaming.
Play Relaxed
Do not play when you are stressed, angry, or emotionally upset.
Know Your Limits
If you notice that gaming is becoming a problem, stop and seek help.
🛠️ Self-Control Tools
Time Limit Calculator
Calculate how much time per week you can spend on gaming without neglecting other important areas of life.
Session Timer
Set a timer for your gaming session. You will receive a reminder when the time is up.
🆘 Help and Support
📞 BZgA Counseling Hotline
Free and anonymous gambling addiction counseling
Tel: 0800 1 37 27 00
Mon-Thu: 10 AM-10 PM | Fri-Sun: 10 AM-6 PM
www.bzga.de →🌐 Check Dein Spiel
Online counseling and self-help tools
Anonymous counseling via chat and email
www.check-dein-spiel.de →🤝 Gamblers Anonymous
Self-help groups following the 12-step program
Meetings throughout Germany
www.anonyme-spieler.de →💬 Crisis Helpline
24-hour counseling and support
Tel: 0800 111 0 111
Tel: 0800 111 0 222
www.telefonseelsorge.de →🏥 Specialist Advice Centers
Personal counseling in your area
Addiction counseling centers and specialized therapists
Find advice centers →👨👩👧👦 Information for Parents and Relatives
How to recognize problematic gaming behavior
As a parent or relative, it is important to recognize the signs of problematic gaming behavior:
- Your relative is spending increasingly more time gaming
- Other interests and activities are being neglected
- Social isolation and withdrawal from family and friends
- Deterioration in school or work performance
- Irritability or restlessness when they cannot play
- Secrecy or lying about gaming habits
- Changes in sleep patterns or fatigue
What you can do
- Speak openly and without accusations – Choose a quiet moment for a conversation
- Show understanding – Try to understand why the person is playing
- Set clear boundaries – Agree on rules and consequences together
- Promote other activities – Suggest alternative leisure pursuits
- Seek professional help – Do not hesitate to use counseling services
- Take care of yourself – Relatives also need support
Prevention in Children and Adolescents
- Take an interest in the games your child plays
- Set age-appropriate time limits for gaming
- Promote diverse interests and hobbies
- Be a good role model in the use of media
- Enable regular social contacts
- Talk about the risks of excessive gaming
🔍 Myths vs. Facts
❌ Myth: "I can stop anytime I want"
✅ Fact: Many people with problematic gaming behavior believe this. In reality, they have often lost control and need help to stop.
❌ Myth: "Gaming addiction is not a real disease"
✅ Fact: Gaming addiction (pathological gambling) is recognized as a mental illness and requires professional treatment.
❌ Myth: "It only affects people who play for money"
✅ Fact: Even free gaming can lead to problematic behavior if it gets out of control and affects other areas of life.
❌ Myth: "Seeking help is a sign of weakness"
✅ Fact: Seeking help shows strength and a sense of responsibility. It is the first step toward improvement.