Responsible Gambling Guide

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as entertainment while maintaining control over your time and money. It's about making informed decisions, understanding the risks, and knowing when to stop.

Gambling should never interfere with your finances, relationships, work, or mental health. When it does, it's time to reassess your gambling habits and seek support.

Key Principles of Responsible Gambling

1. Gamble for Entertainment, Not Income

Treat gambling as a form of entertainment with a cost, like going to the movies or dining out. Never gamble to make money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge—you will lose money over time.

2. Set Limits Before You Start

Decide in advance:

• How much money you can afford to lose
• How much time you'll spend gambling
• When you'll stop (win or lose)

Stick to these limits no matter what. Use casino tools like deposit limits and session timers to enforce them.

3. Never Chase Losses

Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more is one of the most dangerous behaviors. Losses are part of gambling—accept them and walk away. Chasing losses typically leads to bigger losses and emotional distress.

4. Don't Gamble Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and lower inhibitions, making it easier to exceed limits and make poor decisions. Only gamble when you're sober and clear-headed.

5. Take Regular Breaks

Continuous gambling can lead to poor decision-making and loss of perspective. Take frequent breaks to reassess your play and maintain control.

6. Balance Gambling with Other Activities

Gambling shouldn't be your only hobby or source of entertainment. Maintain a healthy balance with work, family, friends, and other interests.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or loved ones:

Financial Warning Signs

• Gambling with money needed for bills or essentials
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Selling possessions to fund gambling
• Hiding gambling losses from family
• Unexplained financial problems or debt

Behavioral Warning Signs

• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
• Lying about gambling activities or losses
• Becoming irritable or restless when not gambling
• Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back
• Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions

Emotional Warning Signs

• Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
• Mood swings related to wins and losses
• Anxiety or depression
• Relationship problems due to gambling
• Preoccupation with gambling even when not playing

Tools to Stay in Control

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.

Loss Limits

Cap how much you can lose in a specific timeframe. When reached, you're prevented from playing further.

Session Time Limits

Set maximum session lengths. The casino will log you out automatically when time expires.

Reality Checks

Periodic reminders showing how long you've been playing and your wins/losses. These help maintain awareness of time and spending.

Self-Exclusion

Temporarily or permanently block yourself from gambling at a casino or across multiple operators:

• Casino self-exclusion: Block access to specific casinos
• GAMSTOP (UK): National self-exclusion scheme covering all UKGC-licensed operators
• Spelpaus (Sweden): National self-exclusion for Swedish-licensed operators
• CRUKS (Netherlands): Central register for self-exclusion

Getting Help

If you're concerned about your gambling or someone else's, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:

International Resources

• Gamblers Anonymous: Worldwide peer support groups
• GamCare (UK): Helpline, live chat, and counseling
• BeGambleAware (UK): Information and support services
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US): 1-800-522-4700
• Gambling Therapy: Global online support

What to Expect from Support Services

• Confidential, non-judgmental support
• Help understanding your gambling behavior
• Strategies to regain control
• Financial advice and debt management
• Family support services
• Referrals to counseling or treatment programs

Supporting Someone with a Gambling Problem

If you're concerned about someone's gambling:

• Choose a calm, private moment to talk
• Express concern without judgment or blame
• Listen without trying to "fix" the problem immediately
• Offer to help them find support resources
• Set boundaries to protect yourself financially and emotionally
• Seek support for yourself—problem gambling affects families too