Responsible gambling: control starts before the first spin
Gambling is entertainment you pay for, not a way to make money. The maths of every game — an RTP below one hundred per cent — means that over the long run the player loses. Responsible gambling is the skill of keeping that entertainment within a budget and a time frame.
For adults 18+ only (or the higher minimum age where you live).
Limits that work
- Deposit limit — how much you can pay in per day, week or month.
- Loss limit — how much you can lose in a period.
- Session limit — how long you can play in one go.
- Time-out — the account is blocked for a period you choose.
Set limits in the account settings before your first deposit. Lowering a limit usually takes effect immediately.
Volatility and your budget
In high-volatility games long losing runs are normal. If your budget is not built for that rhythm, the urge to “win it back” with bigger stakes is strong. Size the stake from the budget, not from the win you hope for — more on the slots page.
Features that keep you playing
Some game features are designed to keep a session going: near misses, wins smaller than the stake celebrated with animation, autoplay and turbo mode. None of them is unfair, but they all blur your sense of time and money. Switch off autoplay, set a timer on your phone, and watch the balance rather than the effects.
Warning signs
- Playing longer or for more money than you planned.
- Trying to win back losses.
- Hiding gambling from people close to you.
- Borrowing to gamble or spending money meant for other things.
Where to get help
Free, confidential help is available from Gambling Therapy, a free international service that offers support in many languages, including for family and friends. Many countries also have national help lines and self-exclusion registers — check what exists where you live.
Operators provide time-outs and self-exclusion; see self-exclusion.
Helping someone close to you
Talk without blame, offer to contact a support service together, and do not give money to cover debts. Support services such as Gambling Therapy also help family and friends.
A simple monthly check
Once a month, add up your deposits and withdrawals. The difference is what gambling actually cost you. If the number surprises you, or if you would not be comfortable showing it to someone close, that is a reason to lower your limits.