Casino games are designed so that the operator wins over time. Every game has a house edge: over a large number of rounds, players as a whole lose part of what they stake. Wins do happen, but they are random and do not offset this edge over time. This guide offers practical pointers to help gambling remain a leisure activity whose rules you set.
Gambling is an expense, not an income
The healthiest way to approach gambling is to treat it like a night out or a subscription: an amount you accept spending on entertainment, without expecting to get it back. If you win, it is a favourable outcome of chance, not evidence that a method works.
A few principles follow from this:
- only gamble with money whose loss makes no difference to your everyday spending;
- never borrow to gamble, and do not gamble money meant for rent, bills or savings;
- do not rely on gambling to solve a financial problem;
- avoid gambling to cope with an emotion: stress, boredom, anger or sadness.
Set limits before you play
A limit set in advance, with a clear head, is easier to stick to than a decision made in the middle of a session.
Deposit limits
Most casinos let you set a deposit cap per day, per week or per month from your account area. Lowering a limit usually takes effect immediately, whereas raising it often only applies after a delay. Choose an amount that matches your leisure budget.
Time limits
Time passes quickly in front of a screen. Decide on a session length before you start, use the session reminders offered by the casino or a simple alarm, and take regular breaks.
Loss limits
A loss limit sets the amount beyond which you stop, however the session is going. Some casinos offer this tool; if yours does not, write down your limit and stick to it.
Never chase your losses
After a loss, the urge to play again to win back the money lost is common. It is one of the costliest patterns in gambling: increasing your stakes or extending the session to “win it back” exposes more money to the same house edge, without changing the odds.
A loss is money already spent. The only useful decision at that point is to stop until your next planned session.
Warning signs
Certain behaviours indicate that gambling is taking on a problematic role. Take them seriously if you recognise yourself in several of them:
- you repeatedly gamble for longer or with more money than planned;
- you increase your stakes to get the same buzz;
- you try to win back your losses;
- you hide the time or money you spend on gambling from the people close to you;
- you borrow, sell belongings or delay payments in order to gamble;
- gambling occupies your mind outside sessions;
- you feel irritable or anxious when you try to cut down;
- gambling affects your work, studies, sleep or relationships.
These signs are not a diagnosis, but an invitation to take stock, on your own or with a professional.
Protection tools
Breaks and self-exclusion
Casinos generally offer a temporary break, from a few hours to a few weeks, and longer-term self-exclusion. During the chosen period, the account is closed and the casino must no longer send you offers. Self-exclusion with one casino normally applies only to that casino; if you use several, request it from each one.
In some countries, national self-exclusion registers cover all licensed operators. Find out what is available where you live.
Blocking software
Software such as BetBlocker or Gamban blocks access to gambling sites on your devices. It reinforces a decision to stop by adding a concrete obstacle, especially at moments of temptation. Install it on all your devices, including your phone.
Banking tools
Some banks let you block payments to gambling sites from their app. Ask your bank whether it offers this.
Finding help
Talking about your gambling is not an admission of failure. Free, confidential listening and support services exist in many countries. Our responsible gambling page brings together support resources by country. You can also talk to your doctor.
If someone close to you gambles excessively, these same services can advise you on how to raise the subject and how to protect yourself.
Minors are not allowed to gamble
Gambling is prohibited for minors. If children or teenagers have access to your devices, protect your accounts with a password, do not save it in the browser, and turn on parental controls.
The other guides, on bonuses, withdrawals and security, are gathered in the guides section. They are never intended to encourage you to gamble, but to help you make informed decisions.