Keeping Gambling in Balance

A break starts with support

If you need time away from gambling or want to self-exclude, e-mail [email protected]. Once we receive it, we shut the account down as quickly as we practically can.

Tell us about any other accounts you hold and do not open new ones. We will make reasonable efforts to prevent additional accounts from being created, but making sure no further account is opened remains your responsibility. We are not responsible for losses on other accounts.

Changes can reveal a problem

Consider how gambling affects your routines, money, and relationships. These questions can help you take an honest look.

• Does gambling keep you from work, school, family, friends, or hobbies?
• Do you spend long periods gambling alone or use it to escape boredom?
• Have you hidden how much time or money you spend?
• Have you borrowed, stolen, or lied to obtain gambling money or pay related debts?
• After a loss, do you feel driven to win the money back straight away?
• Do arguments, disappointment, low funds, or distress increase your urge to gamble?

If most answers are yes, gambling may be causing a problem. An independent support organisation can discuss what is happening and help you consider the next step.

Pay attention when people close to you criticise your gambling, or when money once reserved for other needs begins to feel available only for play. Gambling that continues until all available money is gone, or leaves you feeling lost and desperate, is another reason to stop and seek support. The same applies if you borrow to gamble or to cover gambling debts.

Leisure needs firm boundaries

Treat gambling as leisure, never as a source of income. Use only spare money that you can afford to lose, and keep track of both time and spending.

A loss does not need to be recovered immediately. Do not chase it. Step away when play stops feeling like recreation or begins affecting other parts of your life.

Watching both money and time matters because either can show that play is no longer staying within your intended limits. A pause gives you room to look at the effect on work, study, relationships, and ordinary spending before deciding what to do next.

Independent help is available

GamCare provides information, advice, and practical help for people dealing with the social effects of gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship whose members share experience to address their own gambling problems and help other compulsive gamblers.

Gambling Therapy offers support and counselling to people affected by gambling.

Minors must not play

Registration by anyone under 18 is prohibited. Winnings obtained by an underage player will be cancelled.

Parents and guardians can use filtering and parental-control software, such as Net Nanny, to restrict children's access to gambling content. These controls are especially relevant on devices shared with family members or friends who are not allowed to register or bet.