Responsible Gambling
Gambling is entertainment. Here is how to keep it that way.
Gambling should be fun. When it stops being fun, or when it starts causing problems in other parts of your life, something has gone wrong. This page covers how to keep gambling as entertainment, warning signs that things might be heading in the wrong direction, and what to do if you need help.
The Reality of Gambling
The house always has an edge. Over time, most players lose more than they win. This is not pessimism, it is mathematics. Casinos and betting sites are businesses that make money from the difference between odds and probability.
This does not mean gambling is bad. It means gambling is entertainment with a cost, like going to a concert or buying a video game. The key is treating it that way: budget for it, enjoy it, and do not expect to profit.
Warning Signs
Problem gambling can sneak up on you. Watch for these warning signs:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you planned
- Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back what you lost
- Borrowing money or selling things to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, relationships, or responsibilities
- Lying to people about how much you gamble
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
- Repeated failed attempts to stop or reduce gambling
If several of these apply to you, it is worth taking seriously. Recognising a problem is the first step toward addressing it.
Tools to Stay in Control
Most gambling sites offer tools to help you manage your activity. These exist because they work. Use them.
Deposit Limits. Set caps on how much you can deposit per day, week, or month. When you hit your limit, you cannot add more until the period resets.
Loss Limits. Similar to deposit limits but based on actual losses rather than deposits.
Session Time Limits. Get reminders or automatic logouts after a set amount of playing time.
Reality Checks. Periodic pop-ups showing how long you have been playing and your win/loss status.
Cool-Off Periods. Short breaks (24 hours to 30 days) where you cannot access your account.
Self-Exclusion. Longer-term or permanent blocks that prevent you from gambling on a site or across multiple sites.
Tips for Healthy Gambling
- Set a budget before you play and stick to it
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set time limits for your sessions
- Do not chase losses
- Do not gamble when upset, stressed, or intoxicated
- Take regular breaks
- Keep gambling balanced with other activities
- Never borrow money to gamble
Getting Help
If gambling is causing problems, help is available. Many countries have free, confidential support services for problem gambling. Search for gambling help in your country to find local resources.
International resources include GamCare (UK), the National Council on Problem Gambling (US), and Gamblers Anonymous (worldwide). Many gambling sites also have links to support organisations in their responsible gambling sections.
There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is recognised as an addiction with effective treatments. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, so do not wait until things get worse.