Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling for adults 18+

Gambling should always be treated as entertainment, not as income, investment or a way to recover losses. We want our players to keep play in the right place: enjoyable, time-limited and affordable. If gambling stops feeling like leisure, the safest choice is to step back and use the tools available to you.

Before using a platform, review its limits, time-outs, self-exclusion controls and support routes. This page provides practical steps for safer decisions and directs readers to independent help when needed.

What safer play looks like

A healthy approach to gambling starts with a clear budget, realistic expectations and a plan to stop. Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend and treat that amount as the full cost of entertainment. Do not increase your spend to chase losses, and do not view any return as guaranteed.

Useful habits include:

• setting a strict spend limit before you start
• choosing a short session length and sticking to it
• taking regular breaks instead of playing continuously
• avoiding gambling when tired, angry, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• keeping gambling separate from rent, bills, food and travel money

If you find yourself changing your rules on the fly, that is often a sign to stop and review your relationship with gambling.

Warning signs to watch for

Most people can enjoy gambling without harm, but it can become risky when it starts to affect mood, finances or relationships. Warning signs may include:

• spending more time or money than you planned
• hiding gambling from family or friends
• feeling anxious, restless or irritable when not playing
• chasing losses or trying to win back money quickly
• borrowing money, selling items or missing bills to fund play
• neglecting work, study, sleep or family responsibilities
• feeling unable to stop, even after deciding to

If any of these sound familiar, it is worth using a limit tool or taking a break straight away.

Set limits before play starts

Limit tools are one of the most effective ways to keep play controlled. We encourage players to use them early, before gambling feels difficult to manage.

Common limit types include:

• deposit limits, which cap how much money can be added over a set period
• loss limits, which cap how much can be lost over a set period
• wager limits, which cap the total amount staked
• session limits, which cap the amount of time spent playing

If your gambling platform offers these controls, set them to a level you can afford comfortably. Lower limits are usually easier to maintain than limits based on hope. If you are unsure, choose the most conservative setting available.

Reality checks and time-outs

Reality checks are reminders that appear while you are playing. They are useful because time can pass quickly during a session, especially on fast-paced games. If your platform provides reality checks, keep them switched on and treat them as a prompt to decide whether to continue or log out.

Time-outs are short breaks from gambling. They can help when you feel your play is becoming too frequent or too intense. A time-out can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the tools available on the operator site you are using. During a time-out, avoid logging back in to continue play.

Self-exclusion and account closure

If you need a stronger break, self-exclusion is a formal step that blocks access for a chosen period. It is designed for situations where a pause is not enough. You can use self-exclusion when gambling has become hard to control, when you need a longer reset or when you want a barrier against impulsive play.

Account closure is another option. In general terms, closing an account removes routine access, while self-exclusion is intended as a safer-gambling control with a fixed duration or longer restriction. The exact process depends on the operator’s terms, which you should check directly before taking action.

If you are comparing a third-party casino, verify the live account tools, their duration and any cooling-off rules in the operator terms before you sign up.

Blocking tools and payment blocks

Where available, blocking tools can help reduce access to gambling websites, apps or payments. Some banks and payment providers offer gambling merchant blocks. Device-level blocks and website filters can also reduce temptation, particularly when used alongside time-outs or self-exclusion.

These tools are most effective when combined rather than used alone. A payment block may help stop instant top-ups, while a device filter can make it harder to act on impulse. If you use more than one device, apply controls across all of them.

Parental and device controls

If you share a phone, tablet, laptop or console, set up parental or device controls to help prevent accidental or under-age access. These can include screen-time limits, restricted app installs, content filters and account-level restrictions.

Keep passwords secure and avoid leaving payment details saved on shared devices. If children or other vulnerable users have access to your home technology, review app permissions and browser settings regularly.

A simple step-by-step response if you are concerned

1. Stop play now and log out.
2. Remove easy access to funds by reducing card or payment shortcuts.
3. Set a deposit, loss, wager or session limit if you plan to return later.
4. Use a time-out or self-exclusion if you need a stronger barrier.
5. Tell someone you trust what is happening.
6. Seek support if gambling is affecting your mood, finances, sleep or relationships.

If gambling is already causing harm, the most important step is to create distance before you decide anything else.

Support in your location

If you are in Great Britain, support is available through GamCare on 0808 8020 133 and via BeGambleAware. These organisations can help with practical next steps and signpost further support. If you are elsewhere, contact the responsible gambling service, helpline or treatment provider in your area and follow the guidance published by local organisations.

If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in your location straight away.

Our approach

We want our readers to make informed choices with clear limits and realistic expectations. We do not present gambling as a way to make money, recover losses or solve financial problems. If you are unsure whether a platform’s safer-gambling tools are right for you, review the operator’s live terms, account controls and support information before you play.

For related information, see our FAQ and editorial policy.