Responsible Gambling
Gambling, like many exciting activities, can unfortunately become an addiction. Remember, gambling should always be a source of entertainment, not a negative influence on your life.
It's crucial to never risk more money than you can comfortably afford to lose, and don't chase your losses. Gambling is never a solution to financial or personal problems; in fact, problem gambling often creates more issues. If you feel your gambling is spiraling out of control and is no longer enjoyable, please consider seeking help.
Tools for Managing Your Play
Reputable online casinos offer features like deposit and/or bet limits. These can be incredibly helpful if you believe you can manage your gambling through setting boundaries. However, if you feel you can't control your gambling, it's always best to suspend or close all your online gambling accounts. Again, reputable casinos will gladly assist you with this. You might also want to look into gambling blocking software/enrolling in national self-exclusion schemes.
Taking a Complete Break
If you decide to step away from online gambling entirely, we recommend a few key actions:
- Unsubscribe from all casino newsletters and close every account you've opened. It's easy to forget some accounts if you've joined multiple casinos, and an unexpected newsletter could tempt you back.
- If you're concerned about this, consider changing your email address. Alternatively, you could ask a trusted friend or family member to monitor your inbox for any gambling-related emails.
- Many email providers also allow you to filter emails automatically. You can set up rules to delete or send to spam any emails containing keywords like "casino," "deposit bonus," "free spins," or "slots."
- Install gambling blocking software/register with self-exclusion schemes.
- Get support - see resources below.
Gambling Addition Resources
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem/addiction you can use the following resources to get help.
Canada Safety Council - Gambling AddictionGeneral gambling advice for Canadian citizens along with various province specific helplines, reachable 24/7. Canada Safety Council is a non-profit organisation which also provides support for other issues affecting Canada residents.
Gamblers Anonymous USAA very informative website that addresses the issues and questions around problem gambling, providing links and helplines for gamblers and their families within the US as well as info/contact details of US and international Gamblers Anonymous group meetings.
National Council On Problem GamblingThe US based NCPG works tirelessly on a national and state level to address the issues of problem gambling. The NCPG website provides many useful resources including links to treatment facilities and counsellors and access to regular webinars. The NCPG provides a helpline, text service and live chat facility which are all available 24/7 and 100% confidential.
Gambling Help Online AustraliaUseful and practical problem gambling advice for Australian residents with 24/7 support and an online forum and blog. Gamblers Help Online Australia can help you find state-specific recovery resources.
Gambling Helpline New ZealandProblem gaming help and support for New Zealand residents with a 24/7 telephone and text helpline, including Maori, Pasifika, youth and gambling debt specific lines. Downloadable resources and helpful links are also provided.
GamCareGamCare provides UK specific support and advice for problem gamblers with a helpline, live chat facility and forum all accessible 24/7 with a group chat facility available at specific times and groups (general, family & friends and peer). Many useful resources provided include self help workbooks and worksheets.
Gordon Moody AssociationThe Gordon Moody Association provides unique and intensive residential care for the most severely affected problem gamblers within the UK as well as gender specific retreats and counselling programs. At the Gordon Moody website you'll also find many other invaluable problem gambling resources around the UK.
GambleAware24/7 telephone and live chat support for problem gamblers and family members within the UK. BeGambleAware also provide a free app with resources to get help via text based support, self help exercises, a directory of organisations and access to the Gambling Therapy online forums, among other things.
Gamblers Anonymous UKFind Gamblers Anonymous meetings in your local area within the UK and access the the online chatroom and forum. The Gamblers Anonymous UK website provides lots of useful and practical PDFs, including self help worksheets/exercise books and access to the New Life magazine which is 'A Journal of Experience, Strength and Hope in Gamblers Anonymous'.