Keep it fun
Responsible Gambling
Betting should be a paid form of entertainment, like a cinema ticket. These tools and habits help keep it that way, and here is where to turn if it stops being fun.
Simple Rules That Work
Budget first
Decide how much you can lose this month before you deposit. Never use money for rent, school fees or food.
Limit your time
Set an alarm. Long sessions, especially on virtuals and crash games, make it easy to lose track.
Never chase losses
A bigger bet to win back what you lost is how small losses become big ones.
Not when low
Do not bet when you are angry, sad, stressed or after drinking.
Warning Signs
Take a break and talk to someone if any of these sound familiar:
- you bet more than you planned, again and again;
- you borrow money or sell things to bet;
- you hide your betting from family or friends;
- you feel restless or irritable when you are not betting;
- you see betting as a way to fix money problems;
- you miss work, school or family time because of betting.
Tools in Your Betting Account
- Deposit limitsSet a daily, weekly or monthly maximum in your account settings. Lowering a limit is instant; raising it usually takes time.
- Time outPause your account for a day, a week or longer when you need a break.
- Self exclusionClose your account for months or years. SportyBet, for example, has a Deactivate option in its account menu.
- Bet historyCheck your history every month. The numbers do not lie.
If you cannot find a tool, ask the bookmaker's customer support to set a limit or close your account for you.
Where to Get Help
Talking is the first step. Speak with someone you trust, a doctor or a counsellor. These free resources also help:
- Gamblers Anonymous: meetings and support from people who have been there.
- BeGambleAware: a free self assessment and advice on cutting down.
- GamCare: online chat and information about problem gambling.
Betting is only for adults aged 18 and over. If you are a parent, use device controls to block betting apps on your children's phones.