Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial problems. This page provides information about responsible gambling practices and resources for those who need help.
Gambling Should Be Fun
When approached responsibly, gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment. However, it's essential to understand that:
- The house always has an edge — casino games are designed so the operator profits over time
- Losses are normal — expect to lose more often than you win
- No strategy guarantees profit — mathematical certainty favors the casino
- Gambling is not income — treat it as a cost of entertainment
Safe Gambling Guidelines
Set a Budget
Before you start, decide how much you can afford to lose. This should be money allocated for entertainment — never rent money, savings, or borrowed funds. When your budget is gone, stop.
Set Time Limits
Decide in advance how long you'll play. Use alarms or casino time-limit tools. Take regular breaks to maintain perspective and avoid fatigue-driven decisions.
Never Chase Losses
Trying to win back lost money almost always leads to bigger losses. Accept that losing sessions are normal and stick to your predetermined limits.
Don't Gamble When Emotional
Avoid gambling when stressed, depressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Emotional states impair judgment and decision-making.
Balance with Other Activities
Gambling shouldn't be your only hobby or social activity. Maintain relationships, exercise, work, and other interests. If gambling is crowding out other activities, reassess.
Use Casino Tools
Most reputable casinos offer responsible gambling tools: deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. Use them.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively affects your life. Ask yourself honestly:
- Do you spend more time or money gambling than intended?
- Do you gamble with money meant for bills or necessities?
- Do you borrow money or sell possessions to gamble?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve negative feelings?
- Do you lie to family or friends about your gambling?
- Have you tried to stop gambling but couldn't?
- Has gambling caused relationship, work, or financial problems?
- Do you feel the need to bet more to get the same excitement?
- Do you return another day to try to win back losses?
If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, you may have a gambling problem. Please seek help — it's available, confidential, and effective.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. These organizations offer free, confidential support:
GambleAware (UK)
Free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling.
Website: www.gambleaware.org
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
Gambling Therapy (International)
Free online support for anyone affected by gambling, available worldwide.
Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
Live Chat: Available on website
National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Confidential support, resources, and treatment referrals.
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of people who share their experience to help each other recover from gambling problems.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Meetings: Find local meetings on website
GamCare (UK)
Support, information, and advice for anyone affected by gambling.
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Self-Exclusion Programs
If you need to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can help. These services block you from gambling for a set period:
- GAMSTOP (UK): Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling sites — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Casino Self-Exclusion: Most casinos offer their own self-exclusion options in account settings
- Software Blockers: Programs like Gamban block access to gambling sites on all your devices
For Friends and Family
If someone you care about has a gambling problem, you can help:
- Learn about the issue: Understanding gambling addiction helps you respond effectively
- Express concern without judgment: Approach conversations with empathy, not anger
- Encourage professional help: Support them in seeking treatment
- Protect your finances: Don't lend money or pay gambling debts
- Seek support for yourself: Organizations like Gam-Anon help families of problem gamblers
Gam-Anon: www.gam-anon.org — support for family and friends of compulsive gamblers.