Safer Gambling

Everything on this site rests on one idea: gambling is a form of paid entertainment, and it should never cost more than you can comfortably spend. This page gathers the most important safeguards in one place.

Before you play

• check that gambling is legal where you are, and that you are over the legal age
• use only operators licensed by a recognised regulator
• set deposit, loss and time limits in your account settings
• decide on a budget for the week or month and treat it as already spent
• keep gambling money separate from money for bills, food and savings

While you play

• take regular breaks and keep an eye on the clock
• don't gamble when you're upset, tired, drinking or under pressure
• never chase losses or borrow to keep playing
• stop when your budget or time limit is reached, even after a win

Warning signs

Gambling may be causing harm if you find yourself spending more than you intended, hiding it from people close to you, borrowing money to play, feeling anxious or irritable when you can't gamble, or thinking about it much of the time. Our article on signs it's time to take a break goes into more detail.

Tools that help

• Cooling-off periods pause an account for days or weeks.
• Self-exclusion blocks access for months or years; some countries have schemes covering many operators at once.
• Blocking software stops gambling sites loading on your devices.
• Bank gambling blocks are offered by some banks and card providers.

Where to find support

Many countries have free, confidential gambling helplines, counselling services and peer-support groups. A doctor can also help and can point you to local services. If gambling is affecting someone close to you, support is available for families and friends too. Reaching out early, before debts or problems grow, makes a real difference.

We are an information site, not a treatment service, but if you're unsure where to start you're welcome to write to us and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.