Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income or a way to escape problems. This guide will help you keep gambling fun and under control.

Core Principles of Responsible Gambling

Six fundamental rules every gambler should follow

Set a Budget

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never use rent, bills, or savings for gambling.

Set Time Limits

Decide how long you'll play before you start. Use timers and take regular breaks.

Stay Clear-Headed

Never gamble when drunk, high, tired, stressed, or emotionally upset.

Accept Losses

Losses are part of gambling. Never chase losses — walk away when you hit your limit.

Balance Your Life

Gambling should be one of many activities, not your main source of entertainment.

Know When to Stop

If gambling stops being fun or starts causing problems, it's time to take a break.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gambling Habits

Know the difference to stay on the right track

Healthy Gambling

  • Gambling with money set aside for entertainment
  • Setting time and money limits before playing
  • Stopping when limits are reached
  • Viewing losses as the cost of entertainment
  • Gambling infrequently and for fun
  • Being open about gambling with family
  • Having many hobbies and activities
  • Walking away when winning

Warning Signs

  • Gambling with money needed for bills or food
  • Playing without any limits set
  • Chasing losses to "win it back"
  • Feeling devastated or desperate after losses
  • Gambling daily or as main activity
  • Hiding gambling from loved ones
  • Gambling is only source of excitement
  • Unable to stop even when winning

Responsible Gambling Tools

Use these features to stay in control — available at all reputable casinos

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit into your casino account.

How to use: Available in account settings at all regulated casinos. Choose a realistic amount based on your entertainment budget.

Loss Limits

Set a maximum amount you can lose in a given period. Once reached, you cannot play until the period resets.

How to use: Found in responsible gambling settings. Set this to an amount that won't impact your financial wellbeing.

Session Time Limits

Set how long you can play in a single session. Receive alerts or automatic logouts.

How to use: Enable in account settings. Start with 1-2 hour limits and take breaks between sessions.

Reality Checks

Periodic pop-ups showing how long you've been playing and your net win/loss.

How to use: Set to appear every 30-60 minutes. Use these moments to evaluate if you want to continue.

Cool-Off Periods

Short breaks from gambling (24 hours to 6 weeks) where you cannot access your account.

How to use: Use when you need a break but don't want permanent exclusion. Good for resetting habits.

Self-Exclusion

Block yourself from gambling for extended periods (6 months to 5+ years or permanently).

How to use: Available at individual casinos or through national schemes (GamStop UK, etc.). Cannot be reversed during the exclusion period.

Managing Your Gambling Budget

Practical strategies for keeping gambling affordable

1

The Entertainment Budget Method

Treat gambling like any entertainment expense. If you'd spend $100 on a concert, that's a reasonable monthly gambling budget.

2

The 1% Rule

Never gamble more than 1% of your monthly income. This ensures gambling remains a small part of your financial picture.

3

Separate Accounts

Keep gambling funds in a separate account or e-wallet. When it's empty, you're done for the month.

4

No Credit Cards

Only use debit cards or e-wallets funded with money you already have. Never gamble on credit.

5

Track Everything

Keep a log of all gambling sessions: date, time played, money in, money out. Review weekly.

Sample Monthly Budget Calculator

Monthly Income

$4,000

1% Rule Budget

$40

Entertainment Budget (5%)

$200

Gambling Portion (25% of ent.)

$50

This is an example only. Your budget should be based on your personal financial situation. Never gamble with money needed for essential expenses.

Managing Your Time

Time limits are just as important as money limits

Time Management Tips

  • Set a phone timer before you start playing
  • Take a 10-minute break every hour
  • Don't gamble late at night when tired
  • Never skip meals or sleep to gamble
  • Plan other activities after gambling sessions
  • Use reality check features at casinos

Recommended Session Limits

Casual Player

1-2 hours per session, 2-3 sessions per week max

Regular Player

Set strict daily limits, take at least 2 gambling-free days per week

At-Risk Player

Consider a cool-off period. If struggling, seek help.

Responsible Gambling by Region

Regulations and resources in your country

🇺🇸United States

Responsible gambling regulations vary by state. States with legal online gambling (NJ, PA, MI, etc.) require casinos to offer self-exclusion and deposit limits. The American Gaming Association promotes responsible gambling standards nationwide.

🇨🇦Canada

Provincial gaming corporations regulate gambling and mandate responsible gambling tools. All licensed casinos must offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks. Each province has its own self-exclusion registry.

🇬🇧United Kingdom

The UK Gambling Commission requires all operators to provide comprehensive responsible gambling tools. GamStop allows self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling sites with one registration. Strict advertising rules protect vulnerable players.

🇦🇺Australia

The National Consumer Protection Framework mandates responsible gambling features. BetStop is the national self-exclusion register for online wagering. States regulate land-based venues with their own exclusion programs.

Quick Tips for Staying in Control

Print these out or save them to your phone

1

Set limits BEFORE you play, not during

2

Only gamble with money already earned

3

Take your ATM card out of your wallet

4

Tell someone how much you plan to spend

5

Schedule non-gambling activities regularly

6

View gambling as paying for entertainment

7

Celebrate small wins by cashing out

8

Never borrow money to gamble

9

Don't gamble when emotional

10

Take regular breaks every hour

11

Know the odds — the house always has an edge

12

If it's not fun anymore, stop

Gambling Should Be Fun

When you gamble responsibly, it remains an enjoyable form of entertainment. Use the tools available, stick to your limits, and never hesitate to take a break if gambling stops being fun. Help is available if you need it.