Playing with limits

The ground rules

• Adults only. You must be 18 or over, and play must be allowed in your state.
• It is not income. Every game carries a house edge. Wins happen, but the long-run result is a loss.
• Results are independent. A run of losses does not make a win more likely next round.
• Bonuses come with conditions. Gift codes must be wagered before they can be withdrawn, which means more play, not free money.

Set your limits before you play

1. Pick a monthly amount

   Choose a sum you could spend on a night out without worry. When it is gone, you are done for the month.

2. Pick a time limit

   Set a phone alarm for the end of each session and stop when it rings, whatever the balance says.

3. Check the app for limit settings

   If the app offers deposit or session limits, switch them on while you are calm. If it does not, rely on the phone and bank tools below.

Signs it is slipping

• Recharging again to win back what you just lost.
• Playing with money meant for rent, bills or family.
• Hiding how much or how often you play.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to stop.
• Borrowing, or selling things, to keep playing.

If two or more of these sound familiar, take a break now and talk to someone.

Tools outside the app

• Uninstall the app and remove the web version from your home screen.
• Use your phone's screen-time or digital wellbeing settings to block the app and its websites.
• Ask your bank whether it can block or cap payments to gaming merchants on your card or account.
• Leave the bonus channels. Gift code groups are designed to bring you back daily.

Free, confidential help in India

Worried about someone else?

Start with concern, not blame. Avoid lending money or paying off their losses, since that removes the pressure to change. The helplines above also take calls from family members.

Questions about this page: [email protected].