Responsible Gaming
What Is Responsible Gaming?
Responsible gaming means making informed choices about your gambling activities and maintaining control. It involves:
- Treating gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money
- Setting limits on time and money spent
- Never chasing losses
- Balancing gambling with other life activities
- Knowing when to stop
- Understanding that gambling outcomes are random and cannot be predicted
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a gambling problem:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than intended
- Thinking constantly about gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve excitement
- Restlessness or irritability when trying to stop
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative feelings
- Chasing losses by trying to win back money
- Lying about gambling activities
- Risking significant relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling
- Relying on others to provide money for gambling debts
Tips for Safe Gambling
Set a Budget
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set a limit before you start and stick to it.
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you'll gamble beforehand. Take regular breaks to stay in control.
Never Chase Losses
Accept losses as part of gambling. Trying to win back money often leads to bigger problems.
Keep it Balanced
Maintain other hobbies and activities. Gambling should not dominate your life.
Where to Get Help
If gambling has become a problem, you're not alone. Professional help is available, and recovery is possible. Here are trusted organizations that provide free, confidential support:
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Gamblers Anonymous International
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org
12-step fellowship, meetings worldwide, chat support -
International Gambling Council
https://www.igc.org
Research and resources on problem gambling
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BeGamblingAware / NHS
https://www.begambleaware.org
Free, confidential support, 24/7 chat -
National Problem Gambling Clinic
https://www.npgclinic.org.uk
NHS-funded clinical treatment in London and online -
GamCare
https://www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential)
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National Council on Problem Gambling
https://www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7), live chat available -
Problem Gambling Helpline
https://www.problemgamblinghelpline.org
State-specific resources and treatment locator
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ConnexOntario
https://www.connexontario.ca
Helpline: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, Ontario) -
BC Responsible Gaming
https://www.bcrge.ca
British Columbia resources and support
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Germany – Sucht-Hilfe
https://www.sucht-hilfe.de
Helpline: 01806 313030 -
France – Jouer en confiance
https://www.jouer-en-confiance.fr
Helpline: 09 74 75 48 00 (free) -
Spain – Juego Consciente
https://www.juegoconsciente.es
Helpline: 717 009 517 -
Italy – Centro Nazionale di Documentazione
https://www.cpd.it
Resources and treatment centers
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Gambling Help Online
https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Helpline: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free) -
Bet Help
https://www.bethelp.org.au
Free online chat and phone support
Self-Exclusion Tools
Many jurisdictions and casinos offer self-exclusion programs that allow you to block access to gambling sites:
- GamStop (UK): https://www.gamstop.co.uk – Free self-exclusion from UK gambling sites
- ROFUS (France): https://www.rofus.fr – Self-exclusion registry
- OASIS (Italy): https://www.adl.gov.it – Italian self-exclusion program
- Exclusion Programs – Most online casinos offer account-level self-exclusion in your account settings
Tools to Help You Stay in Control
- Deposit Limits – Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits at casino sites
- Reality Checks – Enable pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing
- Time-Out – Take a short break (days or weeks) from gambling
- Self-Exclusion – Block access to gambling sites for longer periods (6 months to 5 years)
- Blocking Software – Install programs like Gamban or BetFilter to block gambling websites
If this is an emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.