Online casinos are built to be entertaining, and they are also built so that the house wins over time. This page explains how to keep gambling under control, what to watch out for with bonuses, which warning signs suggest a problem, and where to find free, confidential help.
Casinochecking.com reviews casinos and explains games, but we do not run any games ourselves. We want everyone who chooses to play for money to do it safely and with a clear picture of the risks.
Need help now?
Help is free and confidential, and you do not have to face a gambling problem alone. These services are a good place to start:
- Worldwide: Gambling Therapy offers free online support and chat in several languages.
- United States: the National Problem Gambling Helpline, run by the National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
- United Kingdom: the National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare: 0808 8020 133 in England and Scotland, 0808 2819 265 in Wales, free and open 24 hours a day.
- Australia: Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858.
- New Zealand: the Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 or a free text to 8006.
If your country is not on the list, Gambling Therapy can direct you to local services, and your doctor can refer you to support near you.
What responsible gambling means
Responsible gambling means you stay in control: you play for fun, with money set aside for entertainment, and you stop when it is no longer fun.
Every casino game has a house edge. In roulette it comes from the green zero, in blackjack from the player acting first, and slot machines are programmed to pay back less than they take in over time. A lucky session can happen, but over many sessions the casino comes out ahead, and no betting system changes that.
Bonuses need extra care
Welcome bonuses and free spins can look like free money, but they come with conditions. Wagering requirements often mean you have to bet the bonus, and sometimes the deposit too, many times before you can withdraw anything. Time limits and maximum bet rules can push you to play faster and for longer than you intended. Read the terms before you accept a bonus, and say no to any offer that would make you play more than you planned.
Habits that help
- Set a budget for money and time before you start, and stop when you reach it.
- Use money set aside for entertainment, never money for rent, bills or food.
- Never borrow money or use credit to gamble.
- Do not chase losses by raising your bets or playing longer.
- Take regular breaks and keep an eye on the clock.
- Do not gamble when you are stressed, low, tired or have been drinking.
- Use the deposit limits, loss limits, reality checks and time-outs that licensed casinos offer.
Warning signs of gambling harm
Gambling problems usually build up slowly and can be hard to see, for the person who gambles and for the people around them. Watch for signs such as:
- spending more money or time on gambling than you meant to
- trying to win back losses by betting more
- borrowing money, or using money meant for other things, to gamble
- hiding how much you gamble or lying about it
- thinking about gambling more and more often
- gambling affecting your work, studies, sleep, finances or relationships
- feeling guilty, ashamed or anxious about your gambling
Even one of these signs is a reason to take a closer look. Talking to someone early often makes the biggest difference.
Check your own gambling
If you are unsure whether your gambling has become a problem, read the warning signs above and answer them honestly. For a second opinion, contact one of the helplines at the top of this page. They are confidential, and you do not have to give your name.
Where to get help
- Helplines: free phone, text or chat support, listed by country at the top of this page. Advisers can also refer you to free counseling near you.
- Self-help groups: Gamblers Anonymous holds free meetings, in many countries and online, for people who want to stop gambling.
- Self-exclusion: licensed casinos let you set limits, take a break or close your account for a set period. Some countries run national schemes that block you from all licensed operators at once, such as GAMSTOP in the United Kingdom and BetStop for online wagering in Australia.
- Blocking tools: software that blocks gambling websites and apps on your phone and computer can make it easier to keep a break.
- Your doctor can help and refer you to further support.
For family and friends
Gambling problems affect partners, children, parents and friends as well. If someone close to you gambles too much, you may feel worried, angry or helpless, and you can get support for yourself. Most of the helplines above also help family members.
It usually helps to talk openly without blaming, to protect your own finances and to avoid paying off the other person’s gambling debts, as that can make the problem last longer. In the end, the person who gambles has to decide to get help.
Age limits and the law
The legal age for gambling depends on where you live. It is 18 in most countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand (where you must be 20 to enter a casino), and many US states require you to be 21 to gamble in a casino. Online casinos are licensed in some countries, restricted in others and banned in some.
Before you play for money, check the age limit and the law where you live. Your national or state gambling regulator publishes the rules, for example the UK Gambling Commission, the gaming commission of your US state, or New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs. Only play at casinos that are licensed to offer their games where you live.