Responsible gambling
Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not income, not an investment, and not a way out of financial trouble. If it has stopped being fun, everything on this page is free.
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Signs it may be becoming a problem
Problem gambling is not defined by how much you stake — it is defined by the effect it has on the rest of your life. Any of these is worth taking seriously:
- Betting more than you planned, or more than you can comfortably lose.
- Chasing losses — increasing stakes to win back what has gone.
- Borrowing money, selling things, or using money meant for bills to gamble.
- Hiding how much you gamble, or lying about it to people close to you.
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood, boredom or loneliness.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
If several of those sound familiar, the services listed below are free, confidential, and used to having this conversation. You do not need to be in crisis to contact them.
Tools that actually help
Deposit and loss limits
Every licensed operator must let you cap what you deposit or lose over a day, week or month. Set them when you open the account, while it is an abstract decision rather than an emotional one. Increases are deliberately slow to take effect; decreases are usually immediate.
Reality checks and time-outs
A reality check interrupts play at an interval you choose and tells you how long you have been going and what you are up or down. A time-out locks the account for a short fixed period — usually a day up to six weeks.
Self-exclusion
A longer, harder block: typically six months minimum, and it cannot be undone early. National schemes go further and block you across every licensed operator at once rather than one at a time.
Blocking software and bank blocks
Tools like Gamban and BetBlocker block gambling sites at the device level. Many banks now let you switch on a gambling block that declines those transactions outright, often with a cooling-off delay before it can be lifted.
Where to get help
These organisations are independent of us and of any casino. We earn nothing from these links.
International
18+ onlyGambling is entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only stake what you can afford to lose.
- Gambling TherapyFree online support in multiple languages, available worldwide.
- Gamblers AnonymousPeer support meetings, international directory.
Brazil
18+ onlyApostas podem causar dependência. Apostar não é investimento. Jogue com responsabilidade e aposte apenas o que puder perder.
- Jogadores Anônimos BrasilGrupos de apoio presenciais e online no Brasil.
- Gambling Therapy (português)Suporte online gratuito, disponível em português.
United Kingdom
18+ onlyGambling is entertainment, not income. Take regular breaks and never chase losses. When the fun stops, stop.
- GamStopFree national self-exclusion from all GB-licensed online operators.
- GamCare0808 8020 133Runs the National Gambling Helpline, free and confidential, 24/7.
- BeGambleAwareAdvice, self-assessment tools and treatment referral.
If someone else’s gambling is affecting you
The services above support family members and partners too, not only the person gambling. You do not need their permission or their involvement to call.