Because more of our entertainment is now done online, and because people who provide such entertainment want to be paid for it, we must concede that microtransactions are now normal. And that’s okay.
The days of buying a one-off AAA video game and that being the end of it are now fading. More games are aimed at smartphones and tablets, often using web browsers, and these are not buy-once apps. The model is now pay-to-play, or, as was always the case with casinos, make your stake.
But it does require some monitoring to stay on top of. These constant spendings from different angles can mask our monthly spend. If we play slots at three different casinos, use two sportsbooks, and play video games that also have microtransactions, it can get messy. We also want to make payments mindfully, which can sometimes erode as the friction of payment is reduced.
Setting boundaries for online entertainment
The most effective way to keep a healthy relationship with online spending is to treat digital entertainment as a fixed, non-essential line item in your monthly budget. In other words, don’t decide how much you want to spend on slots mid-session (this is when you’re at your most excited). Do so beforehand. Even better, give yourself a weekly budget.
To further reinforce this, you can choose to play a slot with responsible platforms that have features baked in, like custom weekly deposit limits. It’s becoming a regulatory demand, meaning it’s in most apps now.
Separating play money from essential funds
Another method is to isolate the funds that are designated for online entertainment, like betting. You can do this in a few ways. Firstly, you want to have a virtual card specifically for this type of spending – this makes it super easy to audit and look back on, but it also means if you deposit with an illegitimate site, your main card is safe. They just have your virtual card details, which you can terminate. You can then set limits to this virtual card too, as another layer of protection.
Alternatively, you can literally use a second bank account for these activities. Then set up a direct debit from your main bank, sending your weekly budget for online entertainment into it. Ultimately, you just want to make sure that the money isn’t mixed in with your rent money.
Tracking the leaks
Digital spending is very frictionless, so these things can add up, especially because they’re little and often. Look back once a month or so to make sure you are spending what you intend to. Again, having a dedicated card or account for this makes it all the more easy to filter through and add up. Online casinos accept a broad range of payment methods.
The beauty of setting pre-agreed limits and arranging barriers is a little bit like the psychology of an all-you-can-eat buffet. You “pay” once, put the money aside, and now you needn’t worry again. From here on, it’s purely discretionary spending without concern.
