Keeping gambling in proportion

Knowing the maths of a game is useful, but it is not protection on its own. The house edge means the expected result of gambling is a loss over time. These habits help keep that loss affordable, and the services listed below offer free help if it stops being affordable.

Habits worth building

• Be 18 or over (or the higher local age), and make sure gambling is legal where you are.
• Work out roughly what a session is expected to cost before you start, and only go ahead if you are happy to pay it.
• Set a time limit as well as a money limit; fast games make time disappear.
• Never chase losses or increase stakes to "win it back".
• Keep gambling money separate from money for essentials and savings.
• Review your deposits and withdrawals every month.

When to be concerned

• Borrowing money or selling things to gamble.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape problems rather than for fun.
• Spending more money or time than you intended, again and again.
• Hiding gambling from people close to you.

If any of these sound familiar, talking to someone helps. The services below are free and confidential.

Free support

• GambleAware: advice, self-assessment tools and a directory of support in Great Britain.
• GamCare: runs the National Gambling Helpline for Great Britain on 0808 8020 133, plus online chat.
• Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings in many countries. UK and Ireland meetings are listed at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): information and the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
• Gambling Help Online (Australia): free online counselling and support.

Taking a break: blocking and self-exclusion

• BetBlocker: a free app that blocks access to gambling websites on your devices.
• GAMSTOP: free self-exclusion from online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain. It does not cover sites without a British licence, so pair it with a blocking app.
• Most gambling sites will close or lock an account on request. Ask their support team, and remember that one site's lock only covers that site.

If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services.