Responsible gambling

Gambling is entertainment with a built-in loss: over time the house wins. Playing with a fixed budget and accepting that keeps you in control. This page covers limits, warning signs and where to find help. Gambling is for adults only.

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Budget before the cashier opens

Set a monthly amount you can lose without touching rent, bills or savings, and enter it as a deposit limit. Treat each deposit as spent. A win is a pleasant accident; withdrawing it instead of playing on is a conscious choice — see withdrawal.

Warning signs

Depositing more than planned or raising limits soon after setting them.
Playing to win back losses.
Reversing withdrawals to keep playing.
Borrowing to gamble.
Hiding gambling from people close to you.
Thoughts about gambling dominating the day.

Account tools

Limits, reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion are usually in the account area. What each does is explained on self-exclusion and limits.

Bonuses with distance

A bonus feels like free money but usually extends play because wagering must be met. If offers push you to deposit more, decline them. Background on wagering.

Help

Gambling Therapy — free, confidential online support from trained advisers, in many languages. Gamblers Anonymous — peer-support meetings. Local help lines where you live can add personal and face-to-face support.

For family and friends

If you are worried about someone: raise observations without blame, do not pay their debts and get support for yourself. Gambling Therapy also supports affected others.

Time as well as money

Budgets are usually thought of in money, but time is just as important. Long sessions blur judgement and make it easier to chase losses. Decide in advance how long you will play, use a session reminder if the account offers one, and take a break when it appears — even if you are winning. Ending a session on a win and withdrawing is one of the healthiest habits in gambling.

Self-test

Ask yourself honestly: Have I spent more than I planned this month? Have I felt restless or irritable when trying to stop? Have I lied about how much I play? If the answer to any of these is yes, consider a time-out and contact a support service.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get help?

Gambling Therapy offers free online support worldwide; Gamblers Anonymous runs peer meetings. Local services in your country are also worth contacting.

Does a deposit limit really help?

A limit set before playing is one of the most effective tools because it decides in advance.

Is there a safe way to win back losses?

No. Chasing losses increases the risk of losing more.