Gaming should be optional entertainment within a fixed, affordable budget. It should never be treated as employment, investment or a reliable way to make money.
Set a money limit first
Decide a maximum amount before opening a game. Use only disposable entertainment money after rent, food, bills, medicine, education, debt payments and savings.
Set a time limit
Choose a stopping time and use an alarm. Take regular breaks. Do not extend the session because of a win, loss or near miss.
Do not chase losses
Past outcomes do not guarantee a future result. Increasing deposits or bets to recover a loss can lead to rapid financial harm.
Warning signs
- Spending more time or money than planned.
- Borrowing, using credit or selling items to continue.
- Hiding activity or lying about losses.
- Missing sleep, work, school or family responsibilities.
- Feeling restless, distressed or unable to stop.
Steps to take
- Stop deposits and log out.
- Use any available cooling-off, deposit-limit or self-exclusion tool.
- Remove saved payment methods and marketing notifications.
- Tell a trusted person.
- Contact a qualified local healthcare or problem-gambling support service.
Immediate financial safety: Do not borrow money, take a loan, or pay a private “recovery” fee to chase losses or unlock a withdrawal.