Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. Always gamble within your means and see any losses as the cost of the entertainment — never chase what you have lost. If you feel that gambling is no longer just for fun, please use the resources below to get support.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years or older (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher) to gamble. Underage gambling is illegal and can cause long-term harm. We strongly encourage parents to use parental control software to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Check the following signs. If several apply to you or someone you know, please seek help.
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you have lost.
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using essential funds to gamble.
- Neglecting work, studies, or personal relationships due to gambling.
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about your gambling.
- Lying about how often or how much you gamble.
- Feeling unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite trying.
- Using gambling as a way to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems.
Self-Help Tools
Many gambling sites and platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. We encourage you to use the following where available:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month.
- Loss Limits: Cap the total amount you are willing to lose over a period.
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and your spending.
- Time-Outs: Take a short break from gambling (24 hours to several weeks).
- Self-Exclusion: Block yourself from gambling sites for a longer period — including via national schemes like GamStop in the UK.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you care about is affected by problem gambling, confidential help is available from these national organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — National provider of free information, advice, and support for anyone harmed by gambling.
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133 - GamStop — Free UK self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain.
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au | Helpline: 1800 858 858
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — Independent non-profit dedicated to problem gambling prevention.
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — Resource for problem gambling help and treatment in the US.
Website: www.ncpgambling.org | Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal Centre for Health Education; provides information and support on gambling addiction.
Website: www.bzga.de | Gambling help portal: www.spielen-mit-verantwortung.de
Other Countries
If your country is not listed above, please search for your national gambling support hotline or visit Gambling Therapy — a global online service offering free practical advice and emotional support.
Call to Action
If you recognise any of the warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, please do not wait. Speak to a trusted friend or family member, and contact one of the organisations above. Help is free, confidential, and available right now. Remember: you are not alone, and recovery is possible.