Online gambling is a form of entertainment. It carries a real risk of financial loss and can, for some people, become a source of difficulty. This page sets out the principles of responsible gambling, the tools available to stay in control and the support resources accessible across Europe.
Gambling Is Not a Source of Income
Casino games — slots, live casino, sports betting — are designed with a statistical advantage in favour of the platform. Over the long term, losses are more likely than gains. Playing should remain a leisure activity with a dedicated budget, separate from essential expenses (rent, food, bills).
Signs of Problematic Play
Certain behaviours may indicate that gambling is taking up an excessive amount of space:
- Gambling with money set aside for other expenses.
- Increasing wagers in an attempt to recover losses.
- Thinking about gambling repeatedly outside of playing sessions.
- Lying to those around you about the time or money spent on gambling.
- Feeling anxiety, irritability or guilt related to gambling.
- Neglecting professional, family or social obligations.
If you recognise several of these signs, it is recommended to take a break and consult one of the resources listed below.
Control Tools on Gaming Platforms
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to manage play:
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly capping of deposits.
- Wager limits: restrictions on the amount wagered per session or per day.
- Loss limits: automatic blocking once a loss threshold is reached.
- Temporary self-exclusion: suspension of the account for a set period (24 hours, 7 days, 1 month).
- Permanent self-exclusion: definitive closure of the account on request.
- Cooling-off period: a pause before any changes to limits can take effect.
To access these tools on a platform, go to the account settings or contact customer support.
Practical Tips
- Set a gambling budget before you start and stick to it, whatever the outcome of the session.
- Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or when in an emotionally difficult state.
- Take regular breaks — a gaming session should not go on indefinitely.
- Do not try to "chase" losses by increasing your wagers.
- Consider the money wagered as the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
Support Resources Across Europe
| Organisation | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare (UK) | 0808 8020 133 | Free helpline, 24/7 support for players and their families |
| GambleAware (UK) | gambleaware.org | Information, advice and support for safer gambling |
| Gordon Moody | gordonmoody.org.uk | Residential and online treatment for gambling addiction |
| Gambling Therapy | gamblingtherapy.org | Free multilingual support service, online and worldwide |
| BeGambleAware | begambleaware.org | Advice, tools and self-assessment resources |
Minors and Online Gambling
Online gambling is strictly prohibited for persons under the age of 18. If you have children or teenagers at home, we recommend using parental control software to restrict access to online gambling sites.
Self-Exclusion Schemes
Several national self-exclusion schemes are available across Europe. In the United Kingdom, GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk) allows players to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators in a single step. Players in other European countries should consult the relevant national gambling authority for the self-exclusion options available in their region.