Decide your limits before the first game or bet
Set a spending amount and a stopping time before opening a game or match. Use only money you can afford to lose, and stop when either limit is reached. A near miss, a run of losses or a win does not change the limit you chose earlier. If the money is needed for rent, food, bills or debt, it is not a gambling budget.
Gambling sites are for adults who meet the legal age requirement in their location. If you are under that age, do not use them. If children can access your devices, sign out of accounts and keep payment details out of reach.
- Decide the maximum amount and end time before play begins.
- Set a site limit where one is available, rather than relying only on memory.
- Close the site when a limit is reached, whether you are ahead or behind.
Notice when the pattern changes
Spending more time or money than planned, hiding gambling, borrowing to play, returning to recover losses or feeling unable to stop are reasons to step away and talk to someone. It is enough that the pattern worries you; you do not need to wait for a crisis.
If an offer, match or winning streak makes you want to ignore your limit, close the page and put some distance between yourself and the next bet. Avoid opening another account just to get around a limit. You can ask the gambling operator about a time-out or self-exclusion and speak to a support service about a longer plan.
Make a break easier to keep
Use the tools on the gambling site to restrict access for the period you need. You can also turn off gambling notifications, remove saved payment details and ask your bank what gambling-payment controls it offers. These steps work best when they address the way you normally return to play, such as a phone alert after a match or a late-night casino session.
Tell someone you trust what boundary you have chosen. If gambling is affecting bills or debt, speak to an independent money adviser as well as a gambling support service. One conversation can help you make a plan while the urge to play is lower.
Support where you live
These services offer information or direct support for people affected by gambling, including family and friends. Choose the service for your location and use its website for current contact methods and hours. If someone is in immediate danger, contact the local emergency service.
Gambling support in the markets covered here
| Market | Support service | What you can find |
|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | GambleAware | Support finder, practical tools and help for family and friends |
| Sweden | Stödlinjen | Free advice by web, chat or phone for players and relatives |
| Finland | Peluuri | Helpline, chat, information and peer support |
| Germany | Check dein Spiel | Self-tests, online advice and local help options |
Scroll to see the full table
If you are worried about someone close to you
Choose a calm moment to explain what you have noticed: missed commitments, money pressure or a change in mood after gambling. Focus on the effect rather than blame, and listen to what the other person says. You can suggest a support service without trying to become their counsellor.
Set boundaries for your own money and time as well. Supporting someone does not require covering their gambling losses. The services above can help family and friends think through their next steps and their own wellbeing.