Gambling should be entertainment, not a problem. Learn how to play safely, recognize warning signs, and get help if you need it. Your wellbeing matters.
Guidelines for safe and enjoyable gambling
Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose. Gambling should never be seen as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with disposable income - money left after all bills, savings, and essentials are covered.
Use these tools to stay in control of your gambling
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.
Set maximum losses per session, day, week, or month. Protects you from losing more than you can afford.
Set maximum playing time. The casino will log you out automatically when time is up.
Cap your maximum bet size to prevent impulsive large bets during emotional moments.
Temporarily or permanently block access to your casino account. Cannot be reversed immediately.
Cool-off period of 24 hours to 6 weeks. Your account is suspended but can be reactivated after.
Recognize these signs in yourself or others
Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, food, or other essentials. Borrowing money or using credit cards to gamble.
Neglecting work, family, friends, or hobbies to gamble. Thinking about gambling constantly, even when not playing.
Continuing to gamble to try to win back money you've lost. Increasing bet sizes after losses.
Hiding the extent of your gambling from family, friends, or loved ones. Lying about losses or time spent gambling.
Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling. Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress.
Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling. Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop.
Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement (tolerance).
Gambling has caused problems with family, friends, or work. Relationships are strained due to gambling behavior.
You may have a gambling problem. Please take our self-assessment below and consider reaching out for professional help. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Answer honestly to evaluate your gambling behavior
This brief assessment can help you understand if your gambling may be problematic. Answer each question honestly.
Follow these guidelines to keep gambling fun
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Stick to this amount no matter what.
Decide in advance how long you'll play. Use alarms or reminders to help you stick to it.
Avoid gambling when drinking alcohol or using substances that impair judgment.
Accept losses as the cost of entertainment. Never try to win back money you've lost.
Step away every 30-60 minutes. Get fresh air, stretch, or do something else.
Keep gambling as one of many hobbies. Maintain other interests and social activities.
Remember the house always has an edge. You're more likely to lose than win in the long run.
Only gamble with money you already have. Never use credit cards or loans for gambling.
Casinos often have no clocks. Use your phone or watch to monitor how long you've been playing.
Be open with friends and family about your gambling. Don't hide wins or losses.
Professional, confidential help is available
Free, confidential help 24/7 for problem gamblers and their families. Trained counselors can provide support, information, and referrals to local treatment.
Fellowship of men and women who share experiences and support each other in recovery from gambling addiction. Based on the 12-step program.
Leading UK provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Free and confidential services.
Software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps across all your devices. Cannot be easily bypassed or removed.
Gambling problems can affect anyone. Recovery is possible with the right support.