Responsible gambling
Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Set limits before you need them, and reach out for help if it stops being fun. 18+.
Responsible gambling: stay in control
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over and should always remain a form of entertainment. This page explains the tools that help you stay in control, the warning signs to watch for, and where to find free, confidential help.
Most reputable online casinos provide tools that let you manage your play. Use them proactively rather than waiting until you feel you have a problem. Setting boundaries in advance is far easier than trying to claw back control after losses have mounted.
Tools that help you stay in control
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month.
- Loss limits — cap how much you can lose over a chosen period.
- Reality checks — periodic reminders of how long you have been playing.
- Time-outs — take a short break of a few days or weeks.
- Self-exclusion — block access for a longer, fixed period when you need a real stop.
Warning signs to watch for
Consider pausing if you recognise any of these: spending more time or money than you intended; chasing losses in the hope of winning them back; borrowing money or neglecting responsibilities to gamble; or feeling anxious, irritable or low when you cannot play. None of these mean you are a bad person — they are signals that it is time to step back and seek support.
Where to get help
Free, confidential help is available in most countries. In the UK you can contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit BeGambleAware. Wherever you are, your national health or gambling-support services can point you to local resources. Reaching out early makes a difference, and talking to someone is often the first useful step.
Protecting minors
Gambling is strictly for those aged 18 and over. If others share your device, use the operator's account-protection features, keep your login details private, and consider parental-control or content-filtering software to prevent under-age access. Never let anyone under 18 gamble using your account.