Responsible gambling
Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money — the operator always has a mathematical edge, and over time the odds are not in your favour. Only ever play with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. If it stops being fun, stop.
Stay in control
Every licensed operator is required to offer tools that help you set your own limits. Use them before you play, not after:
- Deposit, loss and wager limits — cap how much can go in per day, week or month.
- Time limits & reality checks — reminders that show how long you've been playing.
- Cool-off periods — lock yourself out for hours, days or weeks.
- Self-exclusion — block access for months or years. National schemes make this easy: for example GAMSTOP (UK) covers all licensed UK sites at once; many countries run similar national self-exclusion registers.
Set limits when you're calm and clear-headed — not in the middle of a session, and never right after a loss.
Warning signs
It may be time to pause and seek support if you:
- Spend more money or time than you planned, repeatedly.
- Chase losses — betting more to win back what you've lost.
- Gamble to escape stress, boredom or low mood.
- Hide your gambling, or lie about it to people close to you.
- Borrow money, sell things, or neglect bills or responsibilities to gamble.
- Feel anxious, irritable or guilty about it.
Two myths worth killing
"I'm due for a win." You're not. Games are independent events — past results don't change the next one, and the built-in house edge (RTP) and bookmaker margin mean the maths favours the house on every bet, no matter what came before.
"I can win it back." Chasing losses is the single most dangerous pattern in gambling. The odds don't improve because you're behind — they're the same, and you're now risking more.
Get free, confidential help
Support is free and confidential, and available in most countries. If you're not sure where to start, these global directories will point you to the right service for your country:
- Find a Helpline — a free global directory of verified support lines by country.
- GamCare International Support Contacts — national gambling-support services worldwide.
- Gamblers Anonymous — international meetings and support.
Some national services:
- United States: National Problem Gambling Helpline — call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, 24/7 (NCPG).
- United Kingdom: BeGambleAware and GamCare — free 24/7 National Gambling Helpline.
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — call 1800 858 858, 24/7 (gamblinghelponline.org.au).
- Other countries: use the directories above to find your national helpline — most run a free 24/7 line.
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. You are not alone, and asking for help is a strong first step.