Responsible Gambling & Support

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. If it is starting to feel stressful, compulsive, or hard to control, help is available and it can make a real difference.

This page explains safer gambling tools, practical steps you can take today, and where to get support. If you are in immediate danger or feel you may harm yourself, contact your local emergency services now.

Last updated: March 29, 2026By Moritz Popp

Key takeaways

If gambling feels out of control, getting support early is the safest move - you do not need to wait for a crisis.
Use practical tools: deposit limits, time limits, loss limits, reality checks, and cooling-off to reduce harm.
Self-exclusion is a stronger step that blocks access for a set period and helps break risky patterns.
If you are worried about someone else, focus on calm support, boundaries, and professional help options.
Underage gambling is not allowed - use device and account controls to prevent access.

Short version

If gambling is no longer fun, pause, set limits, add barriers, and get support - this page explains practical steps and where to start.

If you need help now

If you feel you cannot stop, or you are panicking about losses:

Stop gambling for today - close the site/app and step away from the device.
Tell someone you trust what is happening (a friend, partner, family member).
Put a barrier in place right now: start a cooling-off period or self-exclusion with the operator.
Remove quick access: log out everywhere, delete gambling apps, and remove saved payment methods.
Contact a professional support service (phone or chat) in your country.
If you feel unsafe or at risk of self-harm, contact local emergency services immediately.

We can point you to public support options, but we are not a crisis service.

Get support

If you are unsure which country applies to you, start with Gambling Therapy (global).

Malta

Responsible Gaming Foundation (National Helpline 1777)
Phone: 1777
Website: https://www.rgf.org.mt/

United Kingdom (Great Britain)

GamCare - National Gambling Helpline (24/7)
Phone: 0808 8020 133
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/

GAMSTOP (online self-exclusion for GB-licensed sites)
Website: https://www.gamstop.co.uk

Ireland

GamblingCare.ie (support and signposting in Ireland)
Website: https://gamblingcare.ie

Spain

FEJAR (Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados)
Phone: 900 200 225 (toll free)
Website: https://fejar.org

France

Joueurs Info Service (help, chat, and phone support)
Phone: 09 74 75 13 13
Website: https://www.joueurs-info-service.fr

Italy

Telefono Verde Nazionale Gioco d’Azzardo (ISS - TVNGA)
Phone: 800 558 822
Info page: https://www.issalute.it/index.php/numeri-verdi/gioco-d-azzardo

Usciredalgioco (ISS info on the helpline)
Website: https://usciredalgioco.iss.it/telefono-verde

Germany

BIÖG telephone counselling for gambling addiction (Glücksspielsucht)
Phone: 0800 1 37 27 00
Website: https://www.bioeg.de/service/infotelefone/gluecksspielsucht/

Netherlands

Loket Kansspel (Gambling Help Centre)
Website: https://www.loketkansspel.nl

Dutch government page on getting help
Website: https://www.government.nl/topics/games-of-chance/question-and-answer/help-with-gambling-problems

Denmark

StopSpillet (Danish Gambling Authority helpline)
Phone: 70 22 28 25
Website: https://www.spillemyndigheden.dk/en/stopspillet-stopgambling-helpline-about-responsible-gambling

ROFUS (Denmark self-exclusion register)
Website: https://www.rofus.nu/en/

Sweden

Stödlinjen (Swedish national gambling helpline)
Phone: 020-81 91 00
Website: https://stodlinjen.se/en

Spelpaus (Sweden self-exclusion system)
Website: https://www.spelpaus.se/en/faq/

Belgium

Belgian Gaming Commission - “Seek help in your area” (by region)
Website: https://www.gamingcommission.be/en/zoek-hulp-in-je-buurt-brussel

United States

National Council on Problem Gambling - National Helpline info
Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/

Canada

ConnexOntario (Ontario - problem gambling support and referrals)
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
Text: CONNEX to 247247
Website: https://connexontario.ca
Note: Services vary by province. If you are outside Ontario, search for your provincial problem gambling helpline or use Gambling Therapy (global).

Australia

National Gambling Helpline (24/7)
Phone: 1800 858 858
Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

New Zealand

Gambling Helpline (24/7)
Phone: 0800 654 655
Text: 8006
Website: https://gamblinghelpline.co.nz

International (any country)

Gambling Therapy (global, free support and guidance)
Website: https://gamblingtherapy.org

Other countries (directory lists)

If your country is not listed above, these directories can help you find the right local helpline or support service:

GamCare - International support contacts: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/links-to-other-support-agencies/international-support-contacts/
Gambling Therapy (global support): https://gamblingtherapy.org/
Find A Helpline (gambling topic directory): https://findahelpline.com/topics/gambling

Safer gambling tools you can use

Most licensed casinos offer some or all of these. Names vary, but the idea is the same.

Deposit limits

A deposit limit caps how much you can add to your account in a period. This is one of the most effective tools because it stops overspending at the entry point.

Loss limits

A loss limit caps how much you can lose in a period. It can help, but it only works if it is set realistically and you do not raise it when you feel tilted.

Time limits and reality checks

Time tools reduce “time blindness” and can interrupt long sessions. Look for session timers, forced breaks, and reality check pop-ups.

Cooling-off (short break)

Cooling-off is a temporary lock that stops you from gambling for a short period. Use it when you feel yourself chasing losses or gambling emotionally.

Self-exclusion (stronger lock)

Self-exclusion blocks access for a longer set period. It is designed for moments when you need a firm barrier, not just a reminder.

Marketing and bonus opt-outs

If promos trigger you, turn off marketing messages and bonus offers in your account settings (where available). Removing triggers can reduce urges.

Blocking tools and banking blocks (extra friction)

If you keep returning on “autopilot,” add barriers outside the casino.

Examples (optional, not endorsements)
Blocking and banking tools vary by country, device, and provider, but examples include:

Device / app blockers (to limit access to gambling sites and apps):
Gamban (blocks gambling sites/apps across devices)
BetBlocker (free gambling-blocking tool in many regions)

Availability and features vary by device and country.

Banking / payment blocks (to reduce gambling transactions):
Some banks and card issuers offer “gambling transaction blocks” you can enable in-app or via support (often under card controls or spending controls).
Some e-wallets also offer merchant-category controls or restrictions (availability varies).

Practical steps

Use a device/app blocking tool (or restrict app installs on your phone).
Ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks (availability varies).
Remove saved card details from browsers and payment apps.

Tip: Combine a deposit limit + a blocker + a bank block for a helpful “friction stack,” especially if you tend to gamble automatically. If you want a simple way to set a realistic boundary before you log in, the responsible gambling budget and reality-check tool can help.

Safer gambling tools at a glance

Tool	What it does	Best for
Deposit limit	Caps how much you can add in a set period	Preventing overspend at the source
Loss limit	Caps how much you can lose in a set period	Staying within a realistic budget boundary
Session timer / reality check	Prompts and reminders to reduce time blindness	Shortening long sessions and interrupting autopilot play
Cooling-off	Temporary lock for a short break	Stopping chasing and emotional gambling quickly
Self-exclusion	Longer lock that blocks access for a set period	Breaking patterns when you cannot stick to limits
Marketing opt-out	Reduces promo triggers (emails, SMS, push)	Lowering temptation and impulse deposits

Self-exclusion: what to expect

Self-exclusion is not a punishment. It is a safety tool.

Typically:

You cannot log in or place bets during the exclusion period.
You may not be able to reopen the account until the period ends.
Marketing may be restricted during exclusion (rules vary).
In some places, exclusion can cover multiple operators (for example via a central scheme).

Terms vary by operator and country. If you are unsure, ask support exactly what the exclusion covers and whether it applies across multiple brands or only one account.

Signs gambling may be becoming a problem

You do not need to hit “rock bottom” to take action. Common signs include:

Chasing losses or feeling you must win back money
Hiding gambling from people close to you
Gambling when stressed, low, or angry
Spending more time or money than you planned, repeatedly
Borrowing money, selling things, or missing bills because of gambling
Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop

If any of these feel familiar, consider taking a break and adding friction (limits, blocking tools, or self-exclusion).

Practical steps that work

Try these in order - they stack well:

Set a deposit limit you can comfortably afford to lose.
Add session time reminders and forced breaks.
Remove triggers: turn off promos and marketing messages.
Avoid gambling late at night or when emotional.
Use a cooling-off period if you feel the urge to chase losses.
Use self-exclusion if you cannot stick to limits.
Talk to a support service (chat or phone) even if you are unsure - early support is often the safest move.

If you want help building a simple budget boundary, the responsible gambling budget tool is a practical place to start.

Helping someone else

If you are worried about a friend or family member:

Start with concern, not criticism: “I have noticed you seem stressed after gambling.”
Ask what support they would accept (calling a helpline, setting limits, self-excluding).
Offer practical help (sit with them while they set limits or contact support).
Protect your boundaries: do not cover losses or lend money if it enables the behavior.
If there is immediate risk, contact professional services or emergency support.

Underage gambling

Underage gambling is not allowed. If you are a parent or guardian, consider:

Using device-level parental controls
Restricting app installs and payments
Keeping account credentials private
Talking openly about gambling risks and advertising tactics

Privacy note

If you contact us about responsible gambling, share only what you are comfortable sharing. For how we handle personal data, see: privacy policy

Contact

If you are unsure where to start or want us to point you to public support options, contact us: contact page

FAQ

What should I do if I feel gambling is getting out of control?

Stop for today, tell someone you trust, and add an immediate barrier (cooling-off or self-exclusion). Then contact a support service in your country (phone or chat). If you feel unsafe or at risk of self-harm, contact local emergency services immediately.

What is the difference between cooling-off and self-exclusion?

Cooling-off is a short, temporary break. Self-exclusion is a stronger, longer lock designed to block access for a set period when you cannot stick to limits. If you are repeatedly chasing losses, self-exclusion is often the safer step.

Which safer gambling tool is most effective?

Deposit limits are often the most effective because they cap spending at the entry point. Time reminders and marketing opt-outs can reduce triggers and long sessions. A helpful setup is usually a combination of limits plus a blocking tool.

How can I help someone else who might have a gambling problem?

Start with calm concern and avoid blame. Offer practical help like setting limits together or contacting support. Set boundaries and avoid lending money or covering losses if it keeps the cycle going.

Is underage gambling allowed?

No. Use device-level parental controls, restrict app installs and payments, and keep account credentials private. Talk openly about gambling risks and persuasive advertising.

Do I need to wait until things are “really bad” before getting help?

No. Getting support early is often the safest move and can prevent problems from escalating. Even one conversation with a support service can help you choose the right next step.