Responsible Gaming

Core Principles

Responsible gambling means approaching betting and casino games as entertainment with a predetermined budget, not as a source of income or a way to solve financial problems.

Key Guidelines

• Gamble only with money you can afford to lose – Never use money needed for rent, bills, or essentials
• Set strict limits before you start – Decide in advance how much time and money you'll spend
• Never chase losses – Increasing bets to recover losses leads to bigger losses
• Take regular breaks – Step away frequently to maintain perspective
• Don't gamble when upset or stressed – Emotional decisions lead to poor judgment
• Balance gambling with other activities – It shouldn't dominate your free time

Setting Limits

Most regulated operators provide tools to set limits. Use them:

• Deposit limits: Maximum amount you can deposit per day/week/month
• Loss limits: Maximum amount you can lose in a period
• Session time limits: Maximum duration of play sessions
• Bet size limits: Maximum stake per bet or spin

Limits can usually be lowered immediately, but increases require waiting periods (e.g., 24-72 hours). This prevents impulsive decisions.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Seek help if you recognize these patterns:

• Spending more time or money gambling than intended
• Lying to family or friends about gambling activities
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when trying to cut down
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
• Chasing losses by betting more to get even
• Relationship conflicts caused by gambling

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily block access to gambling services for a set period.

National Self-Exclusion Registries

• Sweden: Spelpaus.se – blocks access to all Swedish-licensed operators
• Denmark: ROFUS – blocks Danish-licensed sites
• UK: GAMSTOP – blocks UK-licensed operators
• US (varies by state): State-specific exclusion programs

Many operators also offer site-specific self-exclusion if national programs aren't available in your jurisdiction.

Cooling-Off Periods

Shorter breaks (24 hours to 30 days) allow you to pause without long-term commitment. Use these when you need to step back and reassess.

Support Organizations

Free, confidential help is available:

Sweden

• Stödlinjen: 020-819 100 (gambling helpline)
• Website: stodlinjen.se
• Chat and email support available

Denmark

• Spillemyndigheden: Official responsible gaming resources
• Website: spillemyndigheden.dk

Finland

• Peluuri: Finnish gambling helpline
• Phone: 0800 100 101
• Website: peluuri.fi

United Kingdom

• GamCare: 0808 8020 133
• Website: gamcare.org.uk
• BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org

United States & Canada

• National Council on Problem Gambling (US): 1-800-522-4700
• ConnexOntario (Ontario): 1-866-531-2600

International

• Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org (meetings worldwide)
• GamCare (International): Online chat and resources

Age Restrictions

Gambling is restricted by age in all jurisdictions:

• Most of Europe: 18+ (some countries 21+)
• United States: 18-21+ (varies by state)
• Canada: 18-19+ (varies by province; Ontario is 19+)

Licensed operators verify age during registration. Never gamble if you are underage.

For Friends & Family

If someone you care about has a gambling problem:

• Approach with empathy, not judgment – Shame makes people hide the problem
• Encourage them to seek help – Provide helpline numbers and resources
• Set boundaries – Don't lend money or enable gambling behavior
• Seek support for yourself – Organizations like Gam-Anon help families of problem gamblers