because many people enjoy these games as entertainment. At the same time, we believe it is essential
to promote responsible gambling and honest conversations about its risks.
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to cope with stress,
recover financial losses, or regain a sense of control.
For some people, what starts as a harmless pastime can gradually become stressful, secretive,
and harmful. If you are worried about your own gambling habits or those of someone close to you,
help is available and recovery is possible.
A quick reality check
Gambling-related harm does not always look dramatic at first. Many people who struggle with gambling:
- maintain jobs and relationships,
- appear “in control” to others,
- and gamble in ways that seem reasonable on the surface.
The issue is not how often or how much someone gambles — the real concern is whether gambling
starts to take more than it gives.
Recognising when gambling may be becoming a problem
You do not need to experience every warning sign for gambling to be an issue. If several of the
behaviours below feel familiar, it may be time to pause and seek support.
Common warning signs
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement.
- Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling.
- Constantly thinking about gambling, past losses, or future bets.
- Using gambling to escape stress, sadness, anger, boredom, or anxiety.
- Chasing losses by gambling more in an attempt to recover money.
- Hiding or downplaying gambling behaviour from family or friends.
- Gambling causing problems with relationships, work, or education.
- Borrowing money or relying on others because of gambling-related losses.
If you are unsure, a short self-assessment can help you better understand your risk level.
Problem Gambling Self-Assessment (National Council on Problem Gambling)
Practical steps that can help
You do not need to solve everything at once. Regaining control often starts with small,
protective steps.
1. Create distance
- Take a break from gambling content and triggers.
- Log out of gambling accounts and remove saved payment methods where possible.
- Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, lonely, or emotionally overwhelmed.
2. Put barriers in place
- Set strict deposit or spending limits if available.
- Use device-level tools or software to block gambling websites and apps.
- Ask your bank whether gambling transaction blocks are supported.
3. Tell one safe person
Gambling problems often grow in secrecy. Speaking to someone you trust can make a
meaningful difference.
4. Consider self-exclusion
Many online casinos and regulators offer self-exclusion programs that prevent access
for a defined period of time. Support organisations can help you understand what options
are available in your region.
Getting help and support
Gambling harm is treatable. Support may include peer groups, counselling, structured
programmes, or a combination of approaches.
Peer support
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) offers free peer support meetings worldwide for people who want to stop gambling.
Professional resources
Support for family and friends
Gambling problems affect more than just the person gambling. Family members and friends
often experience stress, frustration, and uncertainty.
Gam-Anon provides support specifically for those affected by a loved one’s gambling.
Find a Gam-Anon meeting
If you feel at risk right now
If gambling is causing severe distress or you feel unable to stop, please seek immediate help:
- contact a gambling support hotline in your country,
- speak with a healthcare professional,
- or reach out to a trusted person for immediate support.
If you feel unsafe or at risk of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number
immediately.
Our commitment
CasinoGamesHouse is an informational website. We do not operate casinos and we do not accept bets.
Even so, we believe responsible gambling guidance belongs on any site that discusses gambling-related topics.
If you have suggestions for improving this page or adding regional resources, contact us at:
casinogameshouse ( @ ) gmail.com
