Before you start to play, decide what you can afford to spend and stick to it. Self-control is difficult but setting limits (deposit or loss limits for instance) helps. You can also find an accountability buddy or write down your limit and keep it somewhere visible to remind you.

When you reach your spending limit, do not expect that you can win it back. Chasing your losses often results in even bigger losses. A good habit to develop is tracking your spending in a diary. Our members always have your transaction history readily available and accessible for you to view at your convenience, allowing you to check historical spending against your budget.

This means you should view gambling the same way you would treats: to be enjoyed occasionally and in moderation. If you keep a budget for other forms of entertainment, you should do the same when gambling.

Time flies when you’re having fun – and this adage holds true for gambling. You can easily lose track of time when playing. Our members’ sites allow you to set a time limit and notify and log you out once that time limit has been reached. Use this time to step away and enjoy some time away from the screen.

You should always know why you are gambling. Gambling should never be a means of escaping reality. If you ever feel compelled to play, consider reaching out to someone you trust or seeking professional help from an organisation like GamCare.

Everything should always be done in moderation. If gambling is your sole source of entertainment, you should step away and take a break for a while.

When planning ahead, you should plan and allow for frequent breaks to keep your mind fresh and clear. This is another opportunity to explore the Responsible Gambling tools on the site. Our member sites have built in self-exclusion options, so if stepping away from gaming for a day becomes difficult, you can also set up a temporary block to help you stick to your decision.

While we urge you to always aim to play with a clear head, some people enjoy gambling whilst under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If this applies to you, please take extra care to use Responsible Gambling tools when they are available and ask a trusted friend to help you stick to any self-imposed limits.