Responsible gambling

Rules that actually help

• Set a budget before you start and stop when it is gone. Treat it like the cost of a night out, not an investment.
• Keep every stake the same size. Raising the stake after a loss is the fastest way to lose more.
• Never chase a loss. A losing run is normal and does not mean a win is due.
• Do not bet when you are upset, tired, bored or drinking.
• Keep a record of what you stake and what comes back. Most people remember the wins and forget the losses.

Warning signs

• Betting more than you planned, or more often than you planned.
• Hiding your betting from family or friends, or lying about it.
• Borrowing money to bet, or betting money meant for bills.
• Feeling anxious, low or angry when you are not betting.
• Betting to win back money you have lost.

Tools you can use today

• Most licensed bookmakers let you set a deposit limit, a loss limit or a time limit inside your account, and let you take a break or exclude yourself for a fixed period.
• Blocking software such as Gamban and Gamstop style schemes can stop betting sites opening on your devices.
• Ask your bank to block gambling payments. Many banks now offer this with one switch.

Free and confidential help

• BeGambleAware at www.begambleaware.org offers free advice and a helpline.
• GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk offers free counselling and a live chat line.
• Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org runs meetings in many countries.
• Gambling Therapy at www.gamblingtherapy.org offers support in several languages worldwide.

Where you live

• In the United Kingdom, gambling is regulated by the Gambling Commission and the legal age is 18.
• In Kenya, betting is regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board and the legal age is 18.
• In Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and most of the countries we cover, betting is licensed at national or state level and the legal age is 18.
• In the United States, betting laws differ by state and the legal age is 21 in many of them.
• Check your own regulator before you bet. If betting is not legal where you are, do not bet.

Talking to someone

Telling one person is the hardest step and the one that helps most. A doctor, a family member or a helpline are all good places to start.