Responsible Gambling Guide
Your comprehensive resource for safe gambling practices, addiction prevention, and support resources. Learn how to enjoy gaming responsibly while protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Need Immediate Help?
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling activities as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your time and money. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and never gambling more than you can afford to lose.
The key principles of responsible gambling include treating gambling as entertainment rather than a way to make money, setting strict budgets and time limits, never chasing losses, and being aware of the warning signs of problem gambling.
- • Set a budget before you start
- • Never gamble with borrowed money
- • Take regular breaks
- • Don't gamble when upset or stressed
- • Keep gambling in perspective
- • Balance gambling with other activities
- • Gambling with money you can't afford to lose
- • Chasing losses with bigger bets
- • Lying about gambling activities
- • Neglecting responsibilities
- • Borrowing money to gamble
- • Feeling anxious when not gambling
Setting and Maintaining Limits
Daily Limits
Set a maximum amount you can afford to lose each day. Never exceed this limit, regardless of wins or losses.
Monthly Budget
Allocate a specific portion of your disposable income for gambling. This should never exceed 5-10% of your monthly income.
Session Limits
1-2 hours maximum per session
Daily Limits
No more than 3-4 hours per day
Weekly Breaks
Take at least 2 days off per week
Recognizing Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually and affect anyone. It's important to recognize the warning signs early and seek help when needed. Here are the key indicators to watch for:
- Spending more time and money gambling than intended
- Lying to family and friends about gambling activities
- Chasing losses with increasingly larger bets
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling behavior
- Experiencing mood swings related to wins and losses
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
If you answer "yes" to 3 or more of these questions, you may have a gambling problem and should consider seeking help:
Self-Exclusion and Control Tools
Self-exclusion tools are powerful resources that help you take control of your gambling habits. These tools can temporarily or permanently block your access to gambling sites and services.
Most reputable gambling sites offer built-in self-exclusion tools:
- • Temporary exclusion (24 hours to 6 months)
- • Permanent self-exclusion
- • Deposit limits and loss limits
- • Session time limits
- • Reality checks and pop-up reminders
External services that block gambling across multiple platforms:
- • GamBan: Blocks gambling apps and websites
- • Bet Blocker: Free blocking software
- • Cold Turkey: Website and app blocker
- • Net Nanny: Parental control software
- • Qustodio: Digital wellbeing platform
How to Use Self-Exclusion Effectively
- • Set exclusion periods during calm moments, not during urges
- • Use multiple tools for comprehensive protection
- • Inform trusted friends or family about your self-exclusion
- • Remove gambling apps from your devices
- • Block gambling-related content on social media
Support for Family and Friends
Problem gambling doesn't just affect the individual - it impacts entire families and social circles. If someone you care about has a gambling problem, here's how you can help:
- Listen without judgment and offer emotional support
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Help them find treatment resources and support groups
- Set boundaries around money and financial access
- Take care of your own mental health and wellbeing
- Don't lend money or pay off gambling debts
- Don't lecture, threaten, or give ultimatums
- Don't enable their gambling behavior
- Don't ignore the problem or hope it goes away
- Don't blame yourself for their gambling problem
24/7 Crisis Helpline
Call 1-800-522-4700Crisis Text Line
- Never gamble when emotional
- Set time and money limits before playing
- Take regular breaks every 30 minutes
- Never chase your losses
- Keep gambling fun and social
Remember: You're Not Alone
Gambling problems are treatable, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know needs help, don't hesitate to reach out. Support is available 24/7, and taking the first step is the hardest part.