It’s good to think about your gambling, talk about your gambling and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to take control and gamble more safely.
Safer gambling
Remember...
It's good to set yourself limits.
Decide how long you want to play for and stick to it. Do the same for your spending limit.
400,000 deposit limits are set every month. Have you set yours yet?
Gambling is not a way to make money.
Gambling is never a way to make money. You may get lucky now and again but don’t be tempted to gamble with money that you need for things like rent and bills. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose.
It’s good to take a break.
Step away, tap out and pause before you play. Take time to think.
Friends and family are more important than gambling.
Spend time with your friends and family doing other things you enjoy. Don’t let gambling interfere with your personal relationships. And, if you are ever tempted to hide or lie about your gambling, consider talking it through with one of the gambling helplines.
Check before you bet – can you set a deposit limit?
Before you sign up, check that you can set a limit on how much you deposit. Licensed operators give you tools to manage your spending. If you can’t find them, that’s a warning sign.
Does the website display a Gambling Commission licence number?
Licensed operators show their Gambling Commission licence number on their website, usually at the bottom of the page. If you can’t see one, don’t play. You can check any licence on the Gambling Commission’s public register.
Don’t be drawn into danger – use a licensed operator.
Unlicensed websites aren’t held to the same standards as licensed operators. There’s no guarantee your money is safe, that the games are fair, or that you’ll be paid if you win. Stick with operators you can trust.
Are the offers too good to be true?
Huge bonuses, no checks and no limits can be tempting, but they’re often a sign that a site is operating illegally. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Choose an operator that puts you in control of your time and spend.
Licensed operators give you tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and reality checks to help you stay in control. Use them, and choose a site that offers them.
Criminals are targeting you – no licence means no protection.
Illegal operators are out to make money from you, not to look after you. If something goes wrong, you’ll have nowhere to turn. If it isn’t licensed, it isn’t safe.
Know the gambling warning signs
Gambling may be becoming riskier for you if you are ...
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
- Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling
- Having arguments with family and/or friends about your gambling
- Losing interest in other activities that you usually enjoy
- Always thinking or talking about gambling
- Lying about your gambling or hiding it from your friends and family
- Chasing your losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble
- Gambling until all your money is gone
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or not paying bills to fund your gambling
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same 'buzz' or excitement
- Neglecting work, study, family, friends, personal needs or household responsibilities because of your gambling
- Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable
If any of these apply to you, free, confidential help and support is available to help you take back control.
GamCare offer an online forum and chatrooms for you to connect with others in similar situations to share your experience, find help and support others.
GamCare online forums and live chat
GamCare also offer self guided resources to help you change your relationship with gambling.
GamCare self guided resources
If you are in Ireland, Gambling Care can signpost you to dedicated support services across the country ranging from residential programmes, in-person counselling, online counselling, and support groups to self-help tools and resources that can help you overcome the impact of Problem Gambling.