Gambling should be entertainment you can afford, never a way to make money or escape problems. This responsible gambling guide shows you how to stay in control, spot the warning signs and find free, confidential help in your country.
BonusTrace exists to help adults understand casino offers before they sign up, and that includes understanding the risks. In practice this means we:
Decide how much you can afford to lose, an amount that won’t affect your bills, savings or family, and stop when it’s gone. Use deposit limits so the budget is enforced for you.
It’s easy to lose track of time. Set a session limit or a reality-check reminder in your casino account, or use an alarm on your phone.
Trying to win back what you’ve lost usually leads to bigger losses. Accept a loss as the cost of the entertainment and walk away.
Avoid gambling when you’re stressed, upset, lonely or drinking, and never gamble with borrowed money.
Take regular breaks and make sure gambling is just one of many things you do for fun.
Bonuses often come with conditions that affect how you play. A wagering requirement tells you how much you must stake before bonus funds, and sometimes winnings, can be withdrawn.
Example (fictional): you deposit €100 and receive a €100 bonus with 35× wagering on the bonus. You’d need to place €3,500 in total bets before you can withdraw. If only 10% of your stakes on your chosen game count, that becomes €35,000. Turnover is the total you stake. It isn’t a guaranteed loss, and it doesn’t guarantee winnings either.
Also check the maximum bet allowed while a bonus is active, which games count, any cap on winnings and the expiry date. If a bonus would push you to play more than you planned, it’s fine to say no.
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you:
Think about the last 12 months. Have you:
These questions are based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). If you answered “sometimes” or more often to any of them, consider talking to one of the free support services below. It’s confidential and you don’t have to give your name.
If you’re worried about your gambling or someone else’s, these organisations offer free, confidential support. Check each website for the latest opening hours.
Gambling harm affects partners, families and friends too. If you’re worried about someone:
Gambling is for adults only. Keep your devices and accounts protected:
No. Casino games are designed so that the house has an advantage over time. Some sessions end in a win, but over the long run most players lose more than they win. Treat any money you gamble as the cost of entertainment.
No. Most bonuses come with wagering requirements, maximum bet rules, game restrictions and expiry dates. They can also encourage you to play longer than you planned. It’s always fine to decline a bonus.
Self-exclusion lets you block yourself from gambling for a set period, usually from six months to several years. You can self-exclude with a single casino or, in many countries, through a national scheme such as GAMSTOP (Great Britain), Spelpaus (Sweden), BetStop (Australia) or MGA Self-Barring (Malta).
Most licensed casinos have a “Responsible gambling”, “Safer gambling” or “Limits” section in your account settings where you can set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits. Decreases usually apply straight away, while increases typically involve a waiting period.
Talk to them calmly at a good moment, focusing on how their gambling affects you rather than blaming them. Organisations such as GamCare and Gambling Therapy also offer free support for family members and friends.
It depends on your country and sometimes your region. Check your national gambling regulator’s website. Never use a VPN or false details to gamble somewhere it isn’t permitted.
Free, confidential gambling support is available in your country. Some helplines are open 24/7.
