Responsible Gambling - Play Safely and Stay in Control
Responsible Gambling
Gambling is entertainment. Like going to a concert or watching a movie, it costs money and the primary value is enjoyment. Problems start when gambling shifts from entertainment to desperation. This page exists to help you stay on the right side of that line.
We take responsible gambling seriously. Every casino we recommend is required to offer player protection tools. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, support is available right now.
Need help immediately? Call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7, free and confidential) or visit BeGambleAware.org.
Signs That Gambling May Be a Problem
Most people gamble without issues. But for some, gambling can become compulsive. Recognizing the warning signs early makes a significant difference.
Behavioral warning signs
- Spending more money than you planned or can afford
- Gambling to recover previous losses (chasing losses)
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities due to gambling
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop
- Using gambling as an escape from stress or emotional problems
- Increasing bet sizes to maintain the same level of excitement
Financial warning signs
| Warning Sign | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Budget overruns | Regularly spending more than your session limit |
| Debt accumulation | Credit card debt from gambling deposits |
| Bill neglect | Missing payments because funds went to gambling |
| Emergency fund use | Dipping into savings meant for other purposes |
| Borrowing | Asking friends, family, or lenders for gambling money |
Emotional warning signs
- Feeling anxious or depressed after gambling sessions
- Mood swings tied to winning and losing
- Guilt about time or money spent gambling
- Isolation from friends and family
- Preoccupation with gambling when doing other activities
Self-Assessment Questions
Answer these questions honestly. If you answer “yes” to two or more, consider reaching out to a support service.
- Have you ever gambled with money you needed for bills or expenses?
- Have you increased your bets to keep the same level of excitement?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop gambling but could not?
- Do you feel restless when not gambling?
- Have you lied to family members about your gambling?
- Have you borrowed money to fund gambling?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships?
- Do you gamble to escape feelings of helplessness or anxiety?
- After losing, do you feel the need to gamble again to win it back?
- Have you risked or lost a job or educational opportunity because of gambling?
Scoring: 0-1 “yes” answers: Low risk. 2-3: Moderate risk, consider setting stricter limits. 4+: Higher risk, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Tools to Help You Stay in Control
Every casino we recommend provides responsible gambling tools. Here is what is available and how to use them.
Deposit limits
Set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.
How to set a deposit limit:
- Log into your casino account
- Go to account settings or responsible gambling section
- Choose your time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Enter your maximum deposit amount
- Confirm the limit
Loss limits
Similar to deposit limits but based on net losses. If your losses reach the set amount, the casino restricts further play.
Session time limits
Set a maximum time for each gambling session. The casino sends a notification when your time is up, and some casinos will automatically log you out.
Reality checks
Pop-up reminders that appear at set intervals (every 30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc.) showing how long you have been playing and your net position.
Self-exclusion
The most powerful tool available. Self-exclusion blocks you from accessing the casino for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years). During this period, you cannot log in, deposit, or play.
Self-exclusion options:
| Duration | Reversible? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours (cooling off) | Yes, automatically | Short break after a bad session |
| 1 week | Yes, after period ends | Stepping back to reassess |
| 1 month | Yes, after period ends | Breaking a developing habit |
| 6 months to 1 year | Contact support to reverse | Serious concern about behavior |
| Permanent | Typically irreversible | Deciding to stop gambling entirely |
Practical Responsible Gambling Tips
These are concrete actions you can take today.
Before you play
- Decide your budget and do not exceed it
- Set a time limit for your session
- Only gamble with money designated for entertainment
- Never gamble when drunk, stressed, or upset
- Consider your gambling a cost of entertainment, not an investment
During play
- Take regular breaks (at least 10 minutes every hour)
- Do not increase bets to chase losses
- Walk away when you hit your loss limit
- Celebrate wins by stopping, not by betting more
- Keep track of time with a phone alarm
After play
- Review your session honestly
- Note how much you won or lost
- Assess whether the session was enjoyable or stressful
- If you exceeded your limits, examine why
- Adjust limits for next time if needed
Support Organizations
If you need help, these organizations provide free, confidential support.
International resources
- BeGambleAware - begambleaware.org - Information, advice, and support
- GamCare - gamcare.org.uk - Free counseling and support
- GamStop - gamstop.co.uk - Self-exclusion from all UK-licensed casinos
- Gambling Therapy - gamblingtherapy.org - Global online support
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling - 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
- Gamblers Anonymous - gamblersanonymous.org
United Kingdom
- GamCare Helpline - 0808 8020 133
- NHS Gambling Treatment - nhs.uk
Canada
- ConnexOntario - 1-866-531-2600
- Responsible Gambling Council - responsiblegambling.org
Australia
- Gambling Help Online - gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Gambling Helpline - 1800 858 858
For Friends and Family
If someone you care about may have a gambling problem, here is how you can help.
Dos
- Express concern without judgment
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Learn about problem gambling so you understand what they are facing
- Set boundaries around lending money
- Take care of your own wellbeing
Do nots
- Do not enable gambling by providing money
- Do not make threats or ultimatums you will not follow through on
- Do not take over their finances without agreement
- Do not blame yourself for their behavior
- Do not expect instant change
Our Commitment
We are committed to promoting responsible gambling through our content and practices.
- We never encourage excessive gambling
- We always include responsible gambling reminders in relevant content
- We only recommend casinos that provide player protection tools
- We display responsible gambling organization links throughout the site
- We do not target vulnerable individuals or minors
If you have concerns about any content on our site, please contact us.
Gambling should feel like enjoying a good song. The moment it stops being fun, it is time to turn off the music and step away.