Responsible Gambling

Gambling as Entertainment

Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. It is intended for adults aged 18 and above. If you or someone you know is under 18, gaming should not be accessed. Gambling always carries a risk of loss, and it is important to approach it with realistic expectations and a clear budget.

Enjoy gaming responsibly by setting limits on time and money spent. Remember that the house edge means operators have a mathematical advantage—never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Regular self-assessment helps identify early signs of problematic gaming behaviour. Ask yourself:

Do I play longer or spend more money than I intended?
Do I feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts to get the same excitement?
Have I tried to cut down or stop but found it difficult?
Do I gamble to escape stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions?
Have I borrowed money or used funds meant for bills or essentials to gamble?
Have friends, family, or colleagues expressed concern about my gaming?
Do I feel anxious or irritable when not able to play?
Have my gaming activities affected my work, education, or relationships?

If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, it may be time to seek support or implement stricter controls.

Core Principles of Responsible Play

Understanding key principles helps maintain a healthy relationship with gaming:

Set Budget Limits: Decide in advance how much money you can afford to lose and stick to that amount. Treat it as entertainment expense, like going to the cinema or a sports event.

Avoid Chasing Losses: One of the most significant risks is the urge to continue playing to recover losses. Accept that losses are part of the activity and stop when your budget is exhausted.

Time Limits: Set a time limit for each gaming session. Use alarms or reminders to help you stick to it.

Never Borrow to Gamble: Never use credit, loans, or borrowed money for gaming. Do not use money intended for bills, rent, or other essential expenses.

Take Breaks: Regularly step away from gaming. Plan other activities and hobbies to maintain balance in your life.

Be Aware of Triggers: Identify situations, emotions, or times when you are more likely to overgamble and develop strategies to manage them.

Inbuilt Player Protection Tools

Most reputable platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once reached, you cannot deposit further until the period resets.

Loss Limits: Some platforms allow you to set a limit on how much you are willing to lose in a given timeframe.

Self-Exclusion: This tool allows you to voluntarily suspend your account for a specified period. During self-exclusion, you cannot log in or access the platform. This can range from 24 hours to several months or longer.

Session Time-Out: Set a timer that pauses your session after a set duration, reminding you to take a break.

Reality Checks: Regular pop-up notifications showing your session duration and money spent.

Account Cooling-Off Period: Request a temporary break from gaming without permanently closing your account.

Always familiarise yourself with the specific tools available on the platforms you use and activate the ones that suit your needs.

Early Warning Signs

Watch for these indicators that your gaming may be becoming problematic:

Spending more time gaming than initially planned
Thinking about gaming frequently when not playing
Needing to gamble with larger amounts to maintain interest
Restlessness or irritability when unable to play
Using gaming to cope with stress, sadness, or anger
Lying to family or friends about gaming activities or spending
Neglecting work, education, or social relationships due to gaming
Experiencing financial problems or debt related to gaming

Recognising these early signs allows you to take corrective action before behaviour escalates.

External Support and Resources

If you feel your gaming is becoming out of control, professional support is available:

Counselling and Therapy: Many organisations offer confidential counselling specifically for gaming-related concerns. These services are often free and available in multiple languages.

Support Groups: Community and peer-led support groups provide spaces to discuss experiences and strategies with others facing similar challenges.

National Helplines: Most jurisdictions have dedicated helplines staffed by trained counsellors. These services are typically confidential and available 24/7.

Financial Advice: If gaming has created financial difficulty, seek advice from financial counselling services or debt support organisations.

Family Support: Family members affected by someone's problematic gaming can also access support through dedicated organisations.

Seek help from established organisations in your country or region that specialise in gaming support and mental health services.

Protecting Younger People

Parents and guardians should:

Understand the risks and talk openly with younger people about gaming
Use parental control software to restrict access to gambling websites on shared devices
Monitor online activity and set clear boundaries
Know the age restrictions and adhere to them strictly
Report any underage access to gaming platforms to the operator and relevant authorities

Anyone under 18 should not access gaming platforms. If you are concerned about a young person's online activities, speak to them directly or seek advice from educational or health professionals.

Maintaining Control

Responsible gambling is about maintaining control and enjoying gaming as a form of entertainment within safe limits. Use the tools available, stay informed about risks, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If at any point gaming stops being fun or becomes a source of stress or financial strain, take action immediately.

Your wellbeing is important. Play responsibly.