Please gamble responsibly!

We encourage you to play responsibly. You can find guidelines on our page. Need help? Visit GambleAware.org or Gamcare or call 0808 8020 133.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be a fun and entertaining activity, never something that causes stress, financial hardship, or emotional distress. Responsible gambling is about staying in control, understanding the risks, and making informed decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means maintaining control over your gambling habits by setting limits, knowing when to stop, and never seeing gambling as a way to make money. It involves playing for entertainment rather than chasing losses or trying to recover money that has already been lost. Safe gambling practices include setting a budget, taking breaks, and recognizing when emotions may be influencing decisions.

Recognizing Problem Gambling

While gambling can be a fun pastime, for some, it can become compulsive and lead to serious consequences. Warning signs of problem gambling include:

  • Spending more money or time on gambling than originally planned.
  • Chasing losses and continuing to gamble to recover lost funds.
  • Feeling anxious, guilty, or stressed about gambling habits.
  • Borrowing money or selling belongings to finance gambling.
  • Neglecting responsibilities, work, or personal relationships due to gambling.
  • Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, it may be time to take a step back and assess gambling behavior.

Tips for Staying in Control

Practicing responsible gambling starts with awareness and self-discipline. Here are some tips to keep gambling fun and under control:

  • Set a Budget: Decide in advance how much money to spend and stick to it, regardless of whether you win or lose.
  • Set a Time Limit: Avoid spending excessive time gambling by setting a strict limit on how long to play.
  • Take Regular Breaks: Stepping away helps maintain perspective and prevents impulsive decisions.
  • Only Gamble What You Can Afford to Lose: Never gamble with money meant for essentials such as rent, bills, or savings.
  • Avoid Gambling Under the Influence: Alcohol or stress can impair judgment, leading to riskier decisions.
  • Don’t Use Gambling as an Escape: Gambling should never be used as a way to cope with stress, depression, or other personal issues.

Self-Assessment: Is Gambling Becoming a Problem?

If unsure whether gambling is affecting life negatively, ask yourself:

  • Do I spend more money on gambling than I can afford to lose?
  • Do I feel the urge to gamble even when I don’t have the money?
  • Have I lied to friends or family about my gambling habits?
  • Does gambling interfere with my work, relationships, or daily responsibilities?
  • Do I feel anxious, guilty, or depressed because of my gambling?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to evaluate gambling habits and consider taking steps to regain control.

Taking Action & Finding Balance

Being aware of gambling habits is the first step in ensuring that it remains a positive activity. Taking proactive measures such as setting personal limits, being mindful of warning signs, and knowing when to stop can make a significant difference. Gambling should always be an enjoyable experience, not something that leads to financial or emotional distress.

If gambling is beginning to have a negative impact, taking a break or seeking advice can be an important step toward regaining control. Responsible gambling is about making informed choices, staying within limits, and ensuring that gambling remains just a form of entertainment.

Support & Helplines for Responsible Gambling

GamStop

GamStop is a free self-exclusion service in the UK that allows individuals to restrict their online gambling activities by preventing access to participating gambling websites and apps.

GamCare

GamCare is a UK-based charity offering support and information to individuals affected by gambling harm. They provide free counseling, a helpline, and online resources.

GambleAware

GambleAware provides information to help people make informed decisions about gambling. They offer support services and resources for those experiencing gambling-related issues.

  • Website: www.gambleaware.org
  • Email: info@gambleaware.org
  • Phone: 0808 8020 133

Spelpaus

Spelpaus is Sweden’s national self-exclusion register, enabling individuals to block themselves from all licensed gambling operators in the country.

  • Website: www.spelpaus.se
  • Email: spelpaus@spelinspektionen.se
  • Phone: +46 15 22 95 300

Spelinspektionen

Spelinspektionen is the Swedish Gambling Authority responsible for regulating and supervising gambling and lottery activities in Sweden.

Stödlinjen

Stödlinjen is a Swedish national helpline offering free and confidential support to individuals struggling with gambling-related issues. The service is available for players, their families, and anyone concerned about gambling behavior. Stödlinjen provides professional counseling, self-help tools, and guidance on self-exclusion options to help individuals regain control over their gambling habits.

The helpline is staffed by experienced advisors who offer non-judgmental support and practical strategies to manage gambling responsibly. Assistance is available via phone, chat, and email, ensuring accessibility for those in need.

  • Website: www.stodlinjen.se
  • Email: info@stodlinjen.se
  • Phone: 020-81 91 00 (Available anonymously)
  • Live Chat: Available on the website during operating hours

Spillemyndigheden

Spillemyndigheden is the Danish Gambling Authority overseeing the gambling market in Denmark, ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.

ROFUS

ROFUS (Register of Voluntarily Excluded Players) is Denmark’s self-exclusion system, allowing individuals to exclude themselves from online and land-based gambling.

  • Website: www.rofus.nu
  • Email: mail@spillemyndigheden.dk
  • Phone: +45 72 38 60 20

StopSpillet

StopSpillet is Denmark’s national gambling helpline, offering free, confidential support to individuals experiencing gambling-related issues. The service is available for players, relatives, and professionals who need guidance on responsible gambling, self-exclusion, and strategies to regain control over gambling behavior.

Trained advisors provide non-judgmental support and practical advice tailored to individual needs. Whether you need help setting limits, recognizing problem gambling signs, or understanding available treatment options, StopSpillet is there to assist.

  • Website: www.stopspillet.dk
  • Email: stopspillet@spillemyndigheden.dk
  • Phone: 70 22 28 25 (Confidential and free to call)
  • Live Chat: Available on the website during opening hours

Check Dein Spiel

Check Dein Spiel is a German initiative offering self-assessment tools and resources to promote responsible gambling and help individuals monitor their gambling behavior.

Glücksspielbehörde

The Glücksspielbehörde (Gambling Authority) is Germany’s national regulatory body overseeing gambling activities to ensure compliance with legal standards.

ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux)

ANJ is France’s National Gambling Authority responsible for regulating online and offline gambling, ensuring player protection, and preventing problem gambling.

  • Website: www.anj.fr
  • Email: contact@anj.fr
  • Phone: +33 1 57 13 13 00

Gambling Care

Gambling Care provides support services for individuals affected by gambling in Ireland, offering counseling and resources to promote responsible gambling.

Jugar Bien

Jugar Bien is an initiative by Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, offering information and resources to encourage responsible gambling.

  • Website: www.jugarbien.es
  • Email: dgoj.informacion@hacienda.gob.es
  • Phone: +34 91 571 40 80

Juego Seguro

Juego Seguro is Spain’s official online gambling portal, providing information on licensed operators and promoting safe gambling practices.

  • Website: www.juegoseguro.es
  • Email: dgoj.informacion@hacienda.gob.es
  • Phone: +34 91 571 40 80

SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos)

TheServiço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) is the Portuguese Gambling Regulatory Authority responsible for overseeing and regulating all gambling activities in Portugal, both online and land-based. Operating under Turismo de Portugal, the SRIJ ensures that gaming operations comply with national laws, promotes responsible gambling, and provides resources for player protection. They also manage the licensing process for gambling operators and monitor compliance with established regulations.

Jogos Responsável

Jogos Responsável is a Portuguese initiative promoting responsible gambling practices. It provides resources and support for individuals seeking help with gambling-related issues.

IAJ (Instituto de Apoio ao Jogador)

The Instituto de Apoio ao Jogador is a Portuguese organization offering support to individuals affected by problem gambling. They provide counseling services and resources to promote responsible gambling.

  • Website: www.iaj.pt
  • Email: geral@iaj.pt
  • Phone: +351 222 080 478

iGaming Ontario

iGaming Ontario is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), responsible for conducting and managing internet gaming in Ontario, Canada. They ensure that games are provided by regulated operators who meet high standards of game integrity and player protections.

ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with gambling, alcohol, drugs, or mental health. They offer 24/7 support and can connect individuals to local treatment services in Ontario.

Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

The Responsible Gambling Council is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention in Canada. They offer resources, research, and standards to promote safer gambling practices.

Gambling Help Online

Gambling Help Online is an Australian service providing 24/7 support and information to individuals affected by problem gambling. They offer online counseling, self-help tools, and resources to assist in managing gambling behavior.

BetStop

BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register, allowing individuals to exclude themselves from all licensed interactive wagering services in the country. This helps individuals manage their gambling activities by restricting access to online and phone betting services.

Cruks Register

Cruks (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) is the Netherlands’ central self-exclusion register. It allows individuals to exclude themselves from participating in both online and land-based gambling activities within the country.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a global fellowship of individuals who have come together to share their experiences and support each other in recovering from problem gambling. They offer meetings and resources to assist individuals in overcoming gambling addiction.

Loket Kansspel

Loket Kansspel is a Dutch organization providing support and information to individuals affected by gambling-related issues. They offer resources, counseling, and assistance in finding appropriate help services.

IBIA (International Betting Integrity Association)

The International Betting Integrity Association is a global organization focused on combating corruption in sports betting. They monitor betting activities and work with stakeholders to uphold the integrity of sports and betting markets.

Phone: +32 2 256 7523

Website: www.ibia.bet

Email: info@ibia.bet