Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be entertainment you pay for, like a cinema ticket. If it stops being that — you chase losses, hide it, or borrow to play — take a break and get help. Licensed casinos must offer limits and self-exclusion, several countries run national exclusion registers, and help lines are free and confidential.
Warning signs
If you recognise two or more of these, it is time to pause and talk to someone: playing to win back losses, spending more than you can afford, gambling to escape problems, hiding it from family, borrowing for it, or failing to stop when you planned to.
- You raise bets to win back what you lost.
- You think about gambling when you are not playing.
- You play with money meant for bills or food.
- You feel irritated when you try to cut down.
- You hide how much or how often you play.
Tools that work
Set a deposit limit before your first deposit, a time limit or reality check, and a loss limit. Take short breaks with a cool-off, or longer ones with self-exclusion. Block gambling payments in your bank app if it offers that option.
- Deposit limit: daily, weekly or monthly, in your casino account.
- Reality check: a reminder every 30 or 60 minutes showing time and net result.
- Cool-off: a break from 24 hours to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion: months or years, at one casino or nationwide.
- Bank blocks and blocking software: stop payments to gambling sites and block access on your devices.
Session budget calculator
National self-exclusion and help
| Country | Self-exclusion | Help |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | RUA (Registro Unico degli Autoesclusi, ADM) | Telefono Verde Nazionale per le problematiche legate al Gioco d’Azzardo |
| Germany | OASIS | Federal help line for gambling problems (BIÖG) |
| Austria | Through the licence holder (win2day) | Spielsuchthilfe Wien |
| Netherlands | CRUKS (at least 6 months) | Loket Kansspel |
| Romania | Self-exclusion at licensed operators (ONJN rules) | Joc Responsabil |
| Serbia | Self-exclusion at licensed operators | National health services |
| USA | State self-exclusion lists | 1-800-GAMBLER |
If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
For family and friends
Talk calmly, without accusations; offer help with finding support rather than paying debts. Many help lines also advise relatives. Protect your own finances — separate accounts if needed.
Problems and what to do
If it is licensed in your country, report it to the regulator. If it is not licensed, use blocking software and bank blocks.
National exclusions usually cannot be lifted early — that is their purpose. Talk to a counsellor about why you want to return.
Contact a free debt advice service and stop all gambling payments. Do not borrow to repay gambling debts.
Questions
How do I know if I have a gambling problem?
Warning signs include playing longer or with more money than planned, chasing losses, lying about gambling, borrowing money to play, or feeling restless when you try to stop.
What is self-exclusion?
A block that prevents you from playing for a period you choose. National registers such as OASIS (Germany), CRUKS (Netherlands) and RUA (Italy) cover all licensed operators in that country.
Can I set limits myself?
Yes. Licensed casinos let you set deposit, loss and time limits in your account. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately; raising it is usually delayed.
Is help free?
Yes. National help lines and counselling services are free and confidential.