Safer Play and Personal Limits

Games should remain a form of entertainment rather than a source of financial pressure. Our approach is based on helping players understand the risks, set reasonable boundaries and recognize when gambling is no longer enjoyable.

Every player should make decisions calmly, use only money that is not needed for essential expenses and stop playing whenever the activity begins to affect personal wellbeing, relationships or finances.

How to Keep Gambling Under Control

Clear limits can reduce the risk of impulsive decisions. Before starting a session, decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend and do not increase those limits after a loss.

Treat gambling as paid entertainment, not as employment or an investment.
Never use rent, food, debt payments or other essential funds to play.
Do not chase losses or try to recover money immediately.
Set a spending limit before playing and keep to it.
Monitor how long each gaming session lasts.
Avoid gambling when upset, tired, intoxicated or under pressure.
Take regular breaks and step away when the experience stops being enjoyable.
Use available account restrictions or self-exclusion tools when a longer pause is needed.

When Gambling May Be Becoming Harmful

The questions below may help you review your current habits. One positive answer does not automatically indicate a serious problem, but several positive answers may be a reason to seek independent advice.

Does gambling interfere with work, education or daily responsibilities?
Do you play mainly to escape boredom, stress or personal difficulties?
Do you often gamble alone for longer than planned?
Have relatives or friends expressed concern about your behaviour?
Have you lost interest in hobbies, social activities or relationships?
Have you hidden the amount of time or money spent on gambling?
Have you borrowed, taken or redirected money in order to continue playing?
Do you avoid spending money on normal needs because you want to keep it for gambling?
Do you continue until your available balance is exhausted?
Do you feel a strong need to win back losses immediately?
Do you become anxious, desperate or angry when you cannot continue playing?
Do arguments, disappointment or frustration trigger an urge to gamble?
Has gambling contributed to persistent sadness, hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm?

If several of these situations are familiar, consider stopping play and speaking with a qualified support organization. Immediate professional help should be sought if gambling is connected with severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm.

Independent Support Services

Confidential advice is available through organizations that specialize in gambling-related harm. These services can provide information, practical guidance and support for players as well as their families.

GamCare offers guidance and support related to gambling behaviour and its social or financial consequences.
Gamblers Anonymous is an international peer-support community for people who want to stop gambling. More information is available at gamblersanonymous.org.
Gambling Therapy provides online information and support for people affected by gambling. Visit gamblingtherapy.org.

Taking a Break or Excluding Yourself

Players who feel that gambling is becoming difficult to control should consider using a temporary break, deposit limits or self-exclusion. These measures are designed to restrict access and create time away from gambling.

A person who requests self-exclusion should also disclose any other accounts they control and avoid creating new ones. Account restrictions are most effective when combined with blocking software, payment limits and support from trusted people or professional services.

Protection of Minors

People under the age of 18 are not permitted to register, deposit funds or participate in gambling. Age and identity checks may be carried out before access to services or withdrawals are approved.

Accounts found to belong to minors may be closed, and transactions or winnings may be cancelled in accordance with the applicable rules.

Parental Controls and Website Blocking

Adults who share a computer, phone or tablet with children should prevent saved login details from being accessed. Devices should be locked when unattended, and account credentials should never be shared.

Parental-control and filtering software can help restrict access to gambling websites. One available option is Net Nanny. Similar tools may also be provided by internet service providers, mobile operating systems and security software.

Final Reminder

Gambling should never create debt, conflict or emotional distress. Set firm limits, take breaks and ask for help early. Stopping is always the right decision when play is no longer safe, affordable or enjoyable.