Responsible Gambling: Stay in Control

Casino games are meant to be entertainment. For most people they are, but gambling can become a problem, often gradually and without noticing. This page gives practical tips to stay in control and explains where to find help.

Set limits before you play

• Budget: decide how much you are willing to spend and treat it as the cost of entertainment.
• Deposit limits: set daily, weekly or monthly limits in your casino account.
• Time limits: decide how long you will play and stick to it.
• Reality checks: turn on reminders that show how long you have been playing.

Golden rules

• Never see gambling as a way to make money.
• Do not chase losses.
• Do not gamble with borrowed money or money meant for bills.
• Do not play when tired, stressed, upset or after drinking.
• Take regular breaks.

Warning signs

Be alert to these signs in yourself or someone close to you:

• spending more time or money than intended;
• needing bigger bets to feel the same excitement;
• lying about gambling;
• borrowing money or selling things to gamble;
• feeling restless or irritable when not gambling;
• gambling affecting work, studies, relationships or sleep.

Tools that help

Licensed casinos must offer tools such as limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. A time-out blocks your account for a short period. Self-exclusion blocks it for longer. Many countries also have a national self-exclusion register that covers all licensed operators at once. Learn more about licensed casinos in licensing and safety.

Where to get help

If you are worried about your gambling or that of someone else, contact a gambling support service in your country. Many offer free, confidential advice by phone or chat. Your doctor can also refer you to specialised treatment. Asking for help is a strong step.

Keep it fun

Understanding how games work helps you keep realistic expectations. Read RTP and house edge to see why the casino always wins in the long run, and treat any win as a bonus rather than a goal. Gambling is for adults (18+) only.