Responsible gambling

We want you to enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment and stay in control. This page offers practical, compassionate guidance to help you play responsibly, recognise when gambling may be becoming harmful, and find real steps and support if you need it. The suggestions below are easy to follow and designed to protect your time, money and wellbeing.

What Responsible Gambling Means

Responsible gambling means making choices that keep play fun and within your control. It focuses on planning ahead, knowing your limits, and taking clear actions if gambling stops being enjoyable or starts to cause stress in other areas of life.

Key ideas to keep in mind:

Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.
Decide your limits before you start and stick to them.
Be honest with yourself about how gambling affects your mood, finances and relationships.

Setting Safe Limits

Limits are the simplest and most effective way to control gambling. Set them in advance, and make them non-negotiable.

Types of limits to consider:

Financial limits: maximum deposit, loss or bet amounts per day, week or month.
Time limits: maximum time spent per session or per day. Use alarms or session timers.
Frequency limits: how often you allow yourself to play each week.

Practical steps:

Decide exact amounts and durations, write them down, and save them where you will see them before playing.
Use account tools where available to enforce limits. If tools aren’t offered, use your bank’s card controls or pre-funded payment methods to limit access to funds.
Remove saved payment methods from devices and avoid automatic top-ups.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

It can be hard to notice change when gambling is part of your routine. These common signs can indicate that gambling may be becoming a problem:

Playing longer or spending more than you planned.
Chasing losses or feeling compelled to “win back” money.
Neglecting work, family or social commitments because of gambling.
Feeling anxious, depressed, guilty, restless, or defensive about gambling.
Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using essential funds to gamble.
Lying to others about how much you gamble.

If several of these apply, it’s a good idea to act early rather than waiting for a crisis.

Tools to Help You Play Safely

There are many practical tools and strategies you can use to reduce risk and regain control.

Account limits: set deposit, loss, stake and time limits through your account settings when available.
Reality checks: use on-screen reminders or alarms to prompt breaks during sessions.
Cooling-off periods: take short breaks of days or weeks if you feel urges increasing.
Self-exclusion: choose a longer-term break that blocks access to gambling services for months or years.
Payment controls: use pre-paid cards, e-wallet limits, bank cards with lower balances, or ask your bank to block gambling payments.
Blocking software: install apps that block gambling websites and apps on your devices.
Remove marketing: opt out of promotional messages so you receive fewer triggers and offers.

Practical Steps to Self-Exclude or Pause Play

If you decide you need a break, here are clear steps to help make it effective and lasting:

Decide the length of the break you need (days, weeks, months or permanently).
Contact the service’s customer support and request a self-exclusion or account suspension. Ask for written confirmation of the exclusion period.
Remove payment methods from your account and device, and consider asking your bank to block gambling transactions.
Uninstall gambling apps and clear saved passwords so it is harder to return impulsively.
Tell someone you trust about your decision so you have practical and emotional support.
Set up alternative routines to replace gambling time—exercise, hobbies, social activities or learning new skills.

Getting Support and Treatment

If gambling is causing harm, reaching out for help is a strong and effective step. Support can be brief or longer-term depending on your needs.

Options to consider:

Speak with a healthcare professional or counsellor about gambling-related stress or mood changes.
Use confidential helplines or counselling services that specialise in gambling issues for immediate guidance and coping strategies.
Explore cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or other therapies that address gambling urges and financial behaviours.
Join a peer support group to connect with people who understand the experience and can share practical recovery tips.
In urgent situations where safety is at risk, contact emergency services or local crisis support.

Advice for Friends and Family

Supporting someone who is struggling with gambling can be difficult. Small, steady actions can make a big difference.

Approach the person calmly and without blame. Focus on specific, observable behaviours and express concern.
Encourage practical steps like setting limits, using blocking tools or seeking professional help.
Offer to help with financial safeguards such as jointly managing household bills or speaking to their bank about controls.
Set your own boundaries to protect your emotional and financial wellbeing.
Seek support for yourself when needed—friends, family networks or counselling can help you cope and plan next steps.

Keeping Gambling Fun: Practical Tips

Small routines and habits help keep play enjoyable and safe:

Decide a budget and stick to it—if you lose the budget, stop playing for the day.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never use rent or essential funds.
Set a strict time limit per session and end play when the alarm sounds.
Avoid gambling when stressed, upset, very tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep other activities and social plans during the week so gambling doesn’t become the main pastime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set limits if I can’t find the options in my account?
Contact customer support and request limits or self-exclusion in writing. If limits are not available, use bank or third-party controls and blocking tools.

Will self-exclusion close my account permanently?
Self-exclusion can be temporary or permanent depending on your choice. Permanent exclusion usually requires a formal request; ask for written confirmation of the outcome.

Are support services confidential and free?
Many helplines and counselling services are confidential and offer free initial support. Professional therapy may have a cost—ask about low-cost or sliding-scale options if needed.

What should I do if I’ve built up gambling debt?
Seek financial counselling urgently. Be open with creditors about your situation and create a realistic repayment plan. Consider removing access to funds to prevent further harm.

What if I relapse after a period of control?
A setback doesn’t erase progress. Review what triggered the relapse, adjust your safeguards, and reach out for support right away.

If you are worried about your gambling or someone you care about, please take action today. Simple steps now can prevent larger problems later and help restore balance to your life.