Responsible gambling

We want you to enjoy playing in a way that feels safe, fun and under your control. Responsible gambling is about making clear choices, recognising when play stops being enjoyable, and knowing the practical steps you can take to protect yourself and others. The following guidance is here to help — in simple, non-judgmental language — with real tools and actions you can use right away.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling means treating play as entertainment, not as a way to solve financial or personal problems. It’s about setting limits, staying aware of how gambling affects your life, and choosing healthy habits that help keep play balanced.

Key ideas to keep in mind:

Set a budget for gambling that you can afford to lose and never chase losses.
Decide in advance how much time and money you will spend and stick to it.
See gambling as an occasional activity, not as a source of income or escape.
Be honest with yourself about changes in mood, priorities or behaviour linked to play.

Spotting the Warning Signs

Noticing changes early makes it much easier to regain control. The following behaviours can be red flags:

Spending more time or money than intended.
Chasing losses by increasing bets after losing.
Neglecting work, family, or social commitments because of gambling.
Borrowing money, selling possessions, or hiding gambling activity.
Feeling anxious, restless, or preoccupied with gambling between sessions.
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop.

If any of these sound familiar, consider taking immediate steps to limit play and reach out for support.

Tools to Help You Play Mindfully

There are practical tools you can use to manage spending and time. Combining several of these makes them more effective:

Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can add to your account daily, weekly or monthly.
Loss and stake limits: Cap the amount you can lose or wager over a defined period.
Session limits and reality checks: Limit how long you play and receive reminders during play sessions.
Time-outs (temporary breaks): Short-term pauses that let you step away and reassess.
Self-exclusion: Longer-term blocking of access for a chosen period if you need an extended break.
Account activity and statements: Regularly review your history so you can spot patterns and make informed choices.

Practical tips for using tools effectively:

Set limits when you first open an account rather than waiting until you need them.
Use separate bank or payment methods for essentials and leisure to protect essential funds.
Combine time limits with reality checks to interrupt automatic play.
Ask a trusted person to help you if you find it difficult to set or enforce limits alone.

Self-Exclusion and Time-Outs

Sometimes a stronger step is needed. Time-outs and self-exclusion are safe, practical ways to stop access for a set period.

Time-out: A short break (hours to weeks) that allows you to cool off and reflect without permanently closing your account.
Self-exclusion: A longer commitment (months to years) that blocks access and can include removal from marketing and reminders about returning.

Deciding which to use:

Choose a time-out if you want a quick, reversible pause to regain perspective.
Choose self-exclusion if you need a sustained break or cannot control your play despite other measures.

What to expect when you take these steps: your account access will be restricted for the chosen period, and you will have time to focus on other priorities. Prepare practical steps beforehand: set up withdrawals for remaining balances and arrange support from friends, family or professionals.

Getting Professional Help

If gambling is causing distress, there are trained professionals and services that can help. Seeking help is a strong, positive step — you don’t have to manage this alone.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional or a counsellor experienced in gambling-related issues.
Financial advisors can help if gambling has affected your finances or created debt.
Support groups and peer networks provide shared experience and practical coping strategies.
If you feel at immediate risk of harm, reach out to local emergency or crisis services right away.

When contacting professionals, it can help to bring recent account statements and a summary of gambling patterns to make appointments more productive.

Support for Friends and Family

Supporting someone you care about can be challenging. Your wellbeing matters too — it’s okay to seek help for yourself while helping others.

Approach conversations from concern and curiosity, not blame.
Set clear boundaries about money and shared responsibilities.
Encourage practical steps like using blocking tools, setting limits, or seeking professional support.
Look after your own emotional and financial wellbeing; consider joining support groups for families.
Offer to help with day-to-day tasks or with finding professional resources when the person is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set limits or take a break?
You can use deposit limits, loss and stake limits, session timers, time-outs and self-exclusion. These are designed to be easy to activate and to help you step back.

Can limits be changed later?
Many limits can be reduced instantly. Increasing some limits often involves a cooling-off period to help avoid impulsive changes.

What happens during self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion blocks your access for the agreed period, and may disable marketing contact. It gives you a protected window to focus on wellbeing and recovery.

Where can I turn for immediate support?
If you or someone else is in danger or feels at risk of self-harm, contact emergency services immediately. For non-urgent support, consider talking to a healthcare professional, counsellor or local support services specialising in gambling issues.

If you’d like help choosing tools or taking the next step, consider using the options above or speaking to a trusted professional. Taking action early makes a big difference — you’re not alone, and support is available.