Responsible Gambling Resources
If gambling is no longer fun, it's time to get help. Find support resources, warning signs, and tools to regain control of your gambling habits.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing the early warning signs of gambling addiction is crucial for getting help before the problem becomes severe.
Financial Warning Signs
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Selling possessions to fund gambling
- Unable to pay bills or meet financial obligations
- Lying about money spent on gambling
- Using credit cards or loans for gambling
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Unable to stop or cut back on gambling
- Lying about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
- Becoming restless or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Emotional Warning Signs
- Mood swings related to gambling wins/losses
- Anxiety, depression, or guilt about gambling
- Feeling the need to keep gambling activities secret
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Increased stress and worry
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Quick Self-Assessment
Answer these questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to several of these questions, you may need to seek help:
- Do you gamble to escape worry, trouble, boredom, or loneliness?
- Have you ever lied about how much money or time you spend gambling?
- Do you gamble until your last dollar is gone?
- Have you borrowed money to gamble or pay gambling debts?
- Has gambling made you careless about your family's welfare?
- Do you gamble longer than you planned?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
- Have you lost sleep over gambling?
If you answered "yes" to 3 or more questions, consider reaching out for professional help.
Gambling Addiction Help by Country
Professional help is available 24/7. These organizations provide free, confidential support for problem gambling.
Responsible Gambling Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to maintain control over your gambling activities and prevent addiction.
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you will gamble before you start, and stick to your time limit regardless of whether you're winning or losing. Use alarms or timers as reminders.
Set Money Limits
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set a budget for gambling and never exceed it. Consider this money as entertainment expense, not investment.
Never Chase Losses
Accept losses as part of gambling. Never try to win back money by betting more or playing longer. This often leads to bigger losses and more problems.
Don't Gamble Under Influence
Avoid gambling when you're under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or when you're emotionally upset. These states impair judgment and decision-making.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from gambling regularly. Take breaks to assess your situation objectively and avoid getting caught up in the excitement of the game.
Maintain Balance
Keep gambling as just one form of entertainment among many. Maintain your relationships, work, and other interests. Don't let gambling become your primary activity.
Know the Odds
Understand that the house always has an edge. Gambling is not a way to make money. The longer you play, the more likely you are to lose.
Use Self-Exclusion Tools
Most gambling sites offer self-exclusion features. Use these tools if you feel you're losing control. Set deposit limits and cooling-off periods.
Self-Exclusion & Blocking Tools
These tools can help you block access to gambling sites and apps to support your recovery.
GamBan
Blocks gambling apps and websites across all your devices. Available for computers, phones, and tablets. Offers free and premium versions with different blocking periods.
Betblocker
Free software that blocks access to gambling sites and apps. Works on multiple devices and can be set for various time periods from days to years.
Cold Turkey
Computer software that can block specific websites, applications, or even your entire computer for set periods. Highly customizable blocking options.
Casino Self-Exclusion
Most legitimate gambling sites offer built-in self-exclusion tools. Use these to ban yourself from specific platforms for set periods or permanently.