How do I know if I have a gambling problem?

Warning signs include spending more money or time than intended, chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, lying about gambling activities, and gambling affecting relationships or work.

Where can I get help for gambling addiction?

Organizations like GamCare (UK), Gamblers Anonymous (worldwide), BeGambleAware (UK), NCPG (US), and Gambling Therapy (international) offer free, confidential support through helplines, chat services, and in-person meetings.

Responsible Gambling Guide | Sweet Bonanza

Q: What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling means gambling in a way that is safe, controlled, and within your financial means. It involves setting limits on time and money, understanding the risks, and seeking help if gambling becomes problematic.

Q: What is self-exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary process where you request to be banned from gambling sites or venues for a specific period. This helps prevent access to gambling during recovery.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your time and money. It involves making informed decisions, understanding the risks, and recognizing when gambling stops being fun.

Key Principles of Responsible Gambling

Gambling is entertainment, not income: Never gamble to make money or pay bills
Set limits before you start: Decide how much money and time you can afford to spend
Never chase losses: Accept that losses are part of the game and walk away
Keep it balanced: Don't let gambling interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities
Stay in control: Avoid gambling when upset, stressed, or under the influence
Understand the odds: All casino games favor the house in the long run

How to Gamble Responsibly

Set a budget and stick to it - only gamble with money you can afford to lose
Set time limits and take regular breaks from gambling
Never borrow money to gamble
Balance gambling with other activities and hobbies
Keep track of your gambling spending and time
Avoid gambling when you are emotional or under the influence of alcohol
Use deposit limits, session timers, and other responsible gambling tools
Talk to friends and family about your gambling activities

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Recognizing the warning signs early is crucial for getting help before the situation worsens.

Do You Recognize Any of These Signs?

If you answer yes to several of these questions, you may have a gambling problem and should seek help:

Behavioral Warning Signs

Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement
Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you lost
Lying to family members or others about your gambling activities
Risking or losing important relationships, jobs, or opportunities because of gambling

Financial Warning Signs

Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
Spending money meant for bills or necessities on gambling
Hiding bank statements or gambling receipts
Selling possessions to fund gambling
Using credit cards or loans to gamble
Unable to explain where money has gone

Emotional Warning Signs

Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
Becoming defensive when questioned about gambling
Experiencing mood swings related to wins and losses
Increasing isolation from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping due to gambling thoughts

Self-Exclusion Resources

Self-exclusion is a voluntary process that allows you to request being banned from gambling sites or venues for a specific period, helping you take a break from gambling.

How Self-Exclusion Works

Self-exclusion programs allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling venues or online platforms for periods ranging from 6 months to permanent exclusion. During this time, you cannot access gambling services, and operators must refuse your business.

GamStop (UK)

Free service that lets you self-exclude from all UK licensed online gambling sites for a period you choose (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).

Visit GamStop

National Self-Exclusion Database (US)

State-specific self-exclusion programs available in most US states. Contact your state gaming commission for details.

Find Your State Program

Individual Casino Exclusion

Most online casinos offer self-exclusion options directly through their responsible gambling settings. Contact customer support to activate.

What Happens During Self-Exclusion?

Your account is immediately closed or suspended
You cannot create new accounts with participating operators
You will not receive marketing communications
Any deposits will be returned (minus any wagering requirements)
The exclusion period cannot be reversed or canceled early

Setting Limits and Staying in Control

One of the most effective ways to gamble responsibly is to set clear limits before you start playing and stick to them.

Types of Limits to Set

Limit Type	What It Does	Recommended Practice
Deposit Limit	Restricts how much money you can deposit in a specific timeframe	Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits based on your disposable income
Loss Limit	Stops you from losing more than a set amount	Never exceed 5-10% of your monthly entertainment budget
Session Time Limit	Limits how long you can play in one session	Set 30-60 minute sessions with mandatory breaks
Wager Limit	Caps the maximum bet size you can place	Keep bets proportional to your bankroll (1-2% per bet)

Using Reality Check Tools

Reality check tools provide regular reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. Most reputable online casinos offer these features:

Session timers: Pop-up notifications at regular intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes)
Account history: Easy access to your complete gambling history
Cooling-off periods: Temporary breaks from gambling (24 hours to 6 weeks)
Panic button: Instant account suspension if you feel you are losing control

Tips for Sticking to Your Limits

Set limits when you are calm and rational, not during or after gambling
Use casino tools to enforce limits automatically
Separate your gambling funds from your regular finances
Use prepaid cards or e-wallets with fixed amounts
Never increase limits when you are losing
Take regular breaks every 30-60 minutes
Avoid the temptation to chase losses by walking away

Help Resources and Support Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. These organizations offer free, confidential support.

Need Immediate Help?

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out immediately:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Available 24/7 in the United States

GamCare (UK)

Free, confidential support and advice for anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK.

Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Live Chat: Available on their website

Visit GamCare

Gamblers Anonymous

International fellowship of men and women who share their experience to help each other recover from gambling addiction.

In-person and online meetings worldwide

Find a Meeting

BeGambleAware (UK)

Leading UK charity providing support, advice, and free treatment for problem gamblers.

Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Live Chat: Available 24/7

Visit BeGambleAware

NCPG (US)

National Council on Problem Gambling - US-based organization providing resources, education, and helpline services.

Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

Chat: Available on website

Visit NCPG

Gambling Therapy

International online support service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.

Available in multiple languages

Live Chat and Email Support

Visit Gambling Therapy

Gordon Moody Association (UK)

Residential treatment programs for people with severe gambling addiction.

Phone: 01384 241292

Visit Gordon Moody

Additional International Resources

Country/Region	Organization	Contact
Australia	Gambling Help Online	1800 858 858 \| gamblinghelponline.org.au
Canada	ConnexOntario	1-866-531-2600 \| connexontario.ca
New Zealand	Gambling Helpline	0800 654 655 \| gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Ireland	Problem Gambling Ireland	089 241 5401 \| problemgambling.ie
Sweden	Stodlinjen	020-819 100 \| stodlinjen.se
Germany	BZgA	0800 137 2700 \| spielen-mit-verantwortung.de

Reality Check Tools and Technology

Modern gambling platforms offer various technological tools to help you stay in control of your gambling activities.

Account Management Tools

Activity Statements

Access detailed reports of your gambling history, including deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses, and time spent playing.

Use it to: Track patterns and identify when gambling becomes excessive

Session Reminders

Receive pop-up notifications at intervals you choose to remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.

Recommended: Set reminders every 30 minutes

Deposit Notifications

Receive instant alerts via email or SMS every time you make a deposit to your gambling account.

Benefit: Creates awareness of spending patterns

Mobile App Features

Screen time tracking: Monitor how much time you spend on gambling apps
App blockers: Block access to gambling apps during specific times
Spending trackers: Use budgeting apps to monitor gambling expenses
Notification controls: Block promotional notifications from gambling operators

Browser Extensions and Software

Gamban: Blocks access to gambling sites across all devices (subscription service)
BetBlocker: Free software that blocks gambling websites on your devices
Cold Turkey: Website blocker that can restrict access to gambling sites
Freedom: App and website blocker for managing digital distractions

Helping Someone with a Gambling Problem

If you are concerned about a friend or family member's gambling, there are ways you can help while taking care of yourself.

Warning Signs to Look For

Unexplained financial difficulties or requests for money
Secretive behavior about whereabouts and activities
Mood swings, irritability, or signs of depression
Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
Selling possessions or valuables without explanation
Missing bill payments or utilities being disconnected

How to Approach Someone

Choose a calm, private moment to talk without distractions
Express concern without judgment or accusations
Use "I" statements: "I am worried about you" instead of "You have a problem"
Listen actively without interrupting or lecturing
Offer specific help: researching resources, attending meetings together
Avoid giving or lending money, which enables the behavior
Set boundaries to protect yourself and your finances

Support for Families

Organizations like Gam-Anon provide support groups specifically for family members and friends of problem gamblers. These groups offer:

A safe space to share experiences without judgment
Practical advice from others in similar situations
Emotional support and coping strategies
Education about gambling addiction

Find a Gam-Anon Meeting

Taking Positive Steps Forward

Recovery from problem gambling is possible with the right support and commitment. Here are steps to take control:

Your Recovery Action Plan

Acknowledge the problem: Admitting you have a gambling problem is the first step to recovery
Seek professional help: Contact a helpline or counselor who specializes in gambling addiction
Self-exclude: Register with self-exclusion programs to block access to gambling
Manage finances: Let someone you trust manage your money temporarily
Attend support groups: Join Gamblers Anonymous or similar peer support groups
Find alternatives: Replace gambling with healthy activities and hobbies
Address underlying issues: Treat any co-occurring mental health conditions
Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive family and friends
Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid situations that tempt you to gamble
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge milestones in your recovery journey

Remember

Recovery is a journey, not a destination
Relapses can happen - they are part of the recovery process
Every day without gambling is a success worth celebrating
You are not alone - millions have recovered from gambling addiction
Help is available 24/7, and it is never too late to seek support