Keeping gambling in the “entertainment only” zone

Practical steps before you play

A few small decisions made in advance can make a big difference to how in-control your play feels:

• Decide on a fixed entertainment budget that you can afford to lose entirely;
• Set deposit and loss limits with the casino before you start playing;
• Use reality checks or session reminders so time does not disappear unnoticed;
• Plan regular breaks away from screens and avoid playing when tired or stressed.

Remember: limits are there to protect you, not to be “tested”. If you repeatedly hit your limits, that can be a sign you need to stop altogether and review your relationship with gambling.

Signs gambling may be a problem

Everyone’s situation is different, but the following can be warning signs that gambling is becoming harmful rather than entertaining:

• Spending money you need for bills, rent, food or other essentials;
• Hiding gambling from people close to you or feeling ashamed afterwards;
• Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have already lost;
• Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you are not gambling;
• Using gambling to escape difficult emotions or life situations.

If you recognise yourself in several of these, consider stopping immediately and speaking to a professional support organisation that understands gambling-related harm.

Tools most UK-licensed casinos offer

Operators that are licensed to serve players in Great Britain are generally expected to offer tools that help you stay in control. These may include:

• Deposit, loss and sometimes wager limits you can set yourself;
• Short “cool-off” or time-out periods where you cannot log in;
• Longer-term self-exclusion options covering multiple brands;
• Account activity histories showing how much you have spent and won;
• Prominent links to independent information and support services.

If a casino does not make these tools easy to find or use, treat that as a serious concern and consider taking your custom elsewhere.

If you need help or want to stop

If you think gambling is harming you, the most important step is to reach out. You do not have to manage this alone. In many cases, talking to someone who understands gambling issues can be a huge relief.

We recommend that you:

• Stop gambling immediately and use self-exclusion tools where available;
• Contact a specialist organisation that supports people affected by gambling;
• Speak with a trusted friend or family member about what is happening;
• Seek professional advice if gambling is affecting your finances or mental health.

Crown Gaming Chips cannot provide counselling, emergency support or financial advice. If you are in immediate distress or feel at risk of harming yourself, please contact local emergency services or a crisis helpline straight away.