Rules of the reading room
Play in moderation
Casino games are built so the house wins over time. Treat what you stake as the price of an evening's entertainment and set that price before you start.
Before you play
- Set a deposit limit in your account with the operator before the first deposit.
- Decide the most you are willing to lose tonight, and treat it as spent.
- Pick a time to stop and set an alarm for it.
While you play
- Take a break at least once an hour, away from the screen.
- Never chase a loss. The next bet has the same odds as the last one.
- Stop if you are upset or have been drinking.
Signs to watch
- Spending more than you planned, more often.
- Borrowing money to play, or to cover what you lost.
- Hiding play from people close to you.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
Tools the operators provide
Licensed operators offer deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. Look for the responsible gambling page in your account settings. A limit you set there applies before you have had a chance to talk yourself out of it.
Free, confidential help
- BeGambleAware ↗begambleaware.org, advice for readers in the UK
- GamCare ↗gamcare.org.uk, support for readers in the UK
- Gamblers Anonymous ↗gamblersanonymous.org, fellowship meetings
- NCPG ↗ncpgambling.org, the National Council on Problem Gambling, for readers in the US
- Gambling Therapy ↗gamblingtherapy.org, online support worldwide
This site is for readers aged 18 and over.