Responsible Gaming

The 18+ rule

Online casino games are intended only for adults aged 18 or over. This is a rule without exceptions: involving minors in gambling is prohibited by law and by the principles of responsible gaming. Reputable operators require document verification (KYC) at registration to confirm age and identity. Make sure children cannot access your account — protect your device with a password and keep gaming apps out of reach. To restrict a minor’s access to gambling content at home, parental-control software and content filters can help.

Deposit, loss and session limits

The most effective way to keep play under control is to set clear boundaries for yourself before you start. Responsible operators offer the following tools in account settings — turning them on is strongly recommended:

Set these limits before you begin, not once it is “too late”. A limit is easy to relax in the heat of the moment, but boundaries defined in a calm state protect you from impulsive decisions. Stop when you reach a limit — trying to “win back” money you have lost (chasing losses) is the most common mistake.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a player’s voluntary decision to close their own access to an account or to games for a set period. If you feel that play is slipping out of control, this is the strongest protective step available. Most reputable operators offer several options: a short break (“cooling-off”, usually from 24 hours up to a few weeks) and a long-term or open-ended exclusion (from several months to several years). During the exclusion period the account is frozen, promotional notifications are stopped, and re-entry is blocked.

Self-exclusion is usually activated in account settings or through customer support. In some countries there are centralised systems that apply the exclusion across all licensed operators at once through a single request; if such an option exists, use it. After activating an exclusion, it also helps to use software that blocks gambling sites on your device to reinforce your decision.

Reality check

A reality check is a reminder that appears on screen at set intervals during play. It shows how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost in that session. It is easy to get absorbed in a game and lose track of time; this notification stops you for a moment and lets you assess the situation calmly. You can choose the interval yourself — for example, every 30 or 60 minutes. When the reminder appears, ask yourself simple questions: am I still having fun, or am I trying to win back money? Am I still within the limit I set? It is a simple but effective way to keep play under conscious control.

Warning signs

Problem gambling develops gradually, and often a person does not notice it in themselves. If one or several of the following signs feel familiar, it is time to take a break and look for support:

• You keep playing more and raising your bets in order to win back money you have lost.
• You play with more than you planned — with money you cannot afford — or borrow money to do so.
• You hide the time or the losses you spend on gambling from those close to you.
• Gambling is having a negative effect on your work, studies, family or personal relationships.
• You try to stop but cannot, and you feel anxious or tense about gambling.
• You turn to gambling to escape stress, sadness or problems.

These signs are not a medical diagnosis, only indicative signals. If you feel concerned, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified professional.

Help resources

You do not have to face a gambling problem alone — asking for help is a sign of responsibility, not weakness. The following general steps can be a starting point for finding support:

• Speak to a doctor or psychologist. Your family doctor or a licensed psychologist/psychotherapist can assess the situation and recommend suitable support. Gambling addiction is a treatable problem.
• International helplines and organisations. Many countries have free, confidential helplines and self-help groups dedicated to problem gambling. Look for the official resources available where you live.
• Talk to those close to you. Opening up to a trusted family member or friend eases the pressure and can help guide you toward the right decision.
• Use the operator’s tools. Deposit/loss limits and self-exclusion features are available immediately and act as a protective step.

Note: we do not list specific helpline numbers or the names of local organisations here, because they can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the official health service in your region or a recognised problem-gambling organisation.

Frequently asked questions