Gambling is entertainment
Games of chance are designed so that the house keeps a margin over time. Playing is a form of paid entertainment, not a way to earn money or to recover a loss. Anyone who plays with money they need for something else is already past the point where it is entertainment.
Signs to take seriously
Betting more than planned. Chasing losses with bigger stakes. Borrowing to play. Playing to escape stress or low mood. Hiding how much time or money is going into it. Neglecting work, sleep or people because of it. Any one of these is worth acting on, and they rarely appear alone.
Tools in your account
Deposit limits, loss limits, wager limits, session time reminders, a short cooling-off period and permanent self-exclusion are all available in the account settings. Tightening a limit takes effect immediately; loosening it takes a waiting period on purpose.
Practical rules that work
Decide the amount before you start and treat it as spent. Set a deposit limit rather than relying on willpower. Never deposit again after a loss in the same session. Keep gambling out of your credit cards. Take a real break at least once a week.
Protecting minors
Gambling is for adults of 18 and over. If a device is shared, use filtering software such as GamBlock, Net Nanny or Qustodio, and never leave a logged-in session open.
Where to get help
Support is free, confidential and available in every country listed below. Talking to someone early is far easier than doing it after a crisis.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion blocks the account for a fixed period or permanently and cannot be undone by asking support. Many countries also run a national register that blocks every licensed operator at once, which is the stronger option if the problem goes beyond a single site.