Responsible play

Last updated: 2026-11-03T12:56:46+00:00

With time, gambling ends up costing money. Rather than a warning label, the house edge is the arithmetic funding the entire operation, and no strategy, bonus or filter can alter it. This is the basis for everything below.

Decide before you start

Determine your loss threshold ahead of the first deposit rather than mid-way through a losing streak. Unlike one picked while chasing losses, a calmly picked limit actually holds. It helps to regard the money you spend as an entertainment cost, rather than an investment you expect returns from.

The tools in your account

• Deposit limit — a daily, weekly or monthly ceiling on what you can pay in.
• Loss limit — the most you can lose, net, in a given period.
• Session reminder — alerts you to the length of time you have spent playing.
• Time-out — a chosen-length lock placed on the account.
• Self-exclusion — an extended-term block on the account.

A limit set lower begins to apply without delay. Raising a limit is built to be slow, so it cannot vanish just when it is needed most.

Warning signs

Sooner is better than later for spotting three patterns: spending money earmarked for other things, chasing back losses, and minimising the real time or money involved when talking to others. A single pattern by itself does not carry much weight. Combined, these three tell you something.

Where to get help

No tie links us to any of these organisations.

• BeGambleAware — a free, confidential helpline on 0808 8020 133, open round the clock.
• GamCare — no-cost treatment and support, delivered through that identical national helpline.
• Gamban — works across your devices to block access to gambling sites.

Under-age gambling

An account here requires being an adult of 18 or above. Put parental controls on any device other people also use, and make sure login details are not left lying around. Any account opened by a minor is shut down, with winnings voided.