Responsible Gambling: Play for Fun, Not for Profit

Responsible gambling means understanding that gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Setting limits, managing risks, and knowing when to stop are key principles to ensure a healthy relationship with gambling.

How to Manage Your Gambling Budget

Set Betting Limits

Set clear limits on how much you can bet, and never exceed these limits. Ensure that the money you use for gambling is separate from your daily living expenses.

Never Use Essential Funds

Make sure the money you spend on gambling is your disposable income, not the money you need for essentials like rent, bills, and groceries.

Tools for Budget Control

Deposit Limits

Many online casinos offer tools to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to help control your spending.

Time Limits

Set limits on how much time you spend gambling. Use timers or reminders to avoid spending too long on gambling activities.

Betting Limits

You can also set maximum betting limits on individual games, ensuring you don't lose more than you're comfortable with in one session.

How to Avoid Gambling Addiction

Signs of Addiction

Increasing Bets

Playing for increasingly large sums and feeling the need to gamble with higher stakes to achieve the same excitement.

Inability to Stop

Feeling unable to stop gambling, even when you know it's causing problems in your personal life, work, or finances.

Negative Impact on Life

Gambling negatively affects your relationships, mental health, or financial stability, but you continue despite these consequences.

Prevention Strategies

Take Regular Breaks

Set a timer to take regular breaks while gambling. This helps you stay in control and avoid excessive play.

Set Time Limits

Use built-in tools to limit how long you can play in a single session. This will prevent extended gaming sessions that can lead to addiction.

Avoid Chasing Losses

Never try to win back money you’ve lost by gambling more. This can quickly spiral into even larger losses.

Support Resources for Gambling Addiction

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, NCPG provides confidential support and assistance.

Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Website: ncpgambling.org

Live Chat

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware offers free and confidential help for those struggling with gambling addiction, providing support 24/7.

Hotline: 0808 8020 133

Website: begambleaware.org

Visit Website

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous offers a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling addiction.

Website: gamblersanonymous.org

Find Meetings

GamCare

GamCare provides free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.