Responsible Gambling

What Is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling is a set of practices and behaviours that help players maintain control over how much time and money they spend on gambling activities. It means treating gambling strictly as entertainment — not as a source of income or a way to solve financial problems.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1–3% of the global adult population experiences some form of gambling-related harm. Recognizing the risks early and using available tools can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing problematic habits.

This page explains how to gamble responsibly, what warning signs to look for, what tools are available on this platform, and where to get help if gambling stops being enjoyable.

How to Gamble Responsibly

Responsible gambling starts with a few practical habits that any player can adopt before placing a bet.

Set a budget before you start. Decide how much you can afford to lose — not win — and treat that amount as the cost of entertainment. Never gamble with money allocated for rent, bills, groceries, or debt repayment.

Set a time limit. Decide in advance how long your session will last. Extended sessions reduce decision-making quality and increase the risk of impulsive behaviour.

Accept that losses are part of the game. Every form of gambling is designed with a house edge. No strategy, system, or pattern guarantees a profit. If you find yourself trying to "win back" what you lost, stop playing.

Never gamble under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or emotional stress. These states impair judgment and make it harder to stick to your limits.

Read the terms and conditions. Before accepting bonuses or participating in promotions, understand the wagering requirements and withdrawal restrictions.

Responsible Gambling Tools

Most licensed gambling operators provide tools to help players stay in control of their activity. The following features are commonly available in account settings:

Deposit Limits — set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Once the limit is reached, no further deposits are accepted until the next period.

Loss Limits — define the maximum amount you are willing to lose within a specific timeframe.

Session Time Limits — set a maximum duration for your gambling sessions. You will receive a notification when your limit is reached.

Reality Check Notifications — receive periodic reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent during the current session.

Cool-Off Period — temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. During this period, you will not be able to log in, deposit, or place bets.

Self-Exclusion — permanently or temporarily block your account for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Self-exclusion cannot be reversed until the chosen period has ended.

How to Activate Self-Exclusion

  1. Log in to your account and navigate to Settings → Responsible Gambling.
  2. Select Self-Exclusion and choose your preferred exclusion period.
  3. Confirm your decision. Your account will be closed immediately.
  4. During the exclusion period, you will not receive any marketing communications from the operator.

If you need assistance with self-exclusion, contact the operator's support team directly.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling becomes problematic when it starts to affect your finances, relationships, work, or mental health. The following signs, aligned with the criteria used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), may indicate that gambling is no longer under control:

  • You spend more money or time on gambling than you originally planned.
  • You feel a need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same level of excitement.
  • You have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gambling.
  • You feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down.
  • You gamble to escape problems or relieve negative emotions.
  • After losing money, you return to try to recover your losses (known as "chasing losses").
  • You lie to family members, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling.
  • You have jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity because of gambling.
  • You rely on others to provide money to relieve a financial situation caused by gambling.

If you recognize two or more of these signs in your own behaviour, consider reaching out to a professional support service listed below.

Protecting Minors and Vulnerable Individuals

Gambling on licensed platforms is restricted to individuals who meet the minimum legal age requirement in their jurisdiction. Reputable operators enforce age verification procedures during registration and reserve the right to request additional documentation at any time.

Parents and guardians should take steps to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites. Recommended tools include:

  • Net Nanny (netnanny.com) — parental control software for web filtering.
  • Qustodio (qustodio.com) — content monitoring and screen time management.
  • Built-in parental controls available in iOS (Screen Time) and Android (Family Link).

If you suspect that a minor has accessed a gambling account, contact the operator's support team immediately.

Support and Help Resources

If gambling is affecting your wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone you know, the following organizations provide free, confidential support:

OrganisationWebsiteContact
GamCaregamcare.org.uk0808 8020 133 (UK)
BeGambleAwarebegambleaware.orgLive chat available on website
Gambling Therapygamblingtherapy.orgOnline support & live chat (international)
Gamblers Anonymousgamblersanonymous.orgLocal meeting directories available
National Council on Problem Gamblingncpgambling.org1-800-522-4700 (US, 24/7)

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a practical step toward regaining control.