Responsible Gambling

Gambling is entertainment, not a source of income. Here is how to stay in control and where to turn if the game stops being a game.

GamblingShot is a review platform, not a casino. We explain how gambling platforms work, and we believe an honest review must also talk about the risks. Gambling should remain entertainment: spend only money you can comfortably afford to lose, and only time that does not come at the expense of work, family and rest.

Online casino games are for adults only — 18+ (21+ in some countries). Gambling can be addictive.

Signs that gambling is getting out of control

It is worth pausing if you recognise yourself in several of these points:

  • you gamble with money set aside for other needs, or borrow money to gamble;
  • you chase losses and increase your stakes;
  • you hide the scale of your gambling or losses from people close to you;
  • you gamble to escape stress, anxiety or low mood;
  • you feel irritable or anxious when you try to stop;
  • gambling interferes with your work, studies or relationships.

Self-control tools

Reputable casinos give players built-in limits. We recommend choosing platforms that offer these tools and using them in advance, not after a loss:

  • Deposit limits — a cap on how much you can deposit per day, week or month.
  • Loss and stake limits — a cap on losses and on the size of a single bet.
  • Time limits and session reminders — a signal of how long you have been playing.
  • Time-out — a break of several days or weeks.
  • Self-exclusion — locking your account for a long period that cannot be quickly reversed.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion means locking your gambling account for a long period that cannot be quickly undone. It is arranged with the casino itself and described in its responsible gambling section. Some countries also run national self-exclusion schemes (for example, GAMSTOP for UK-licensed sites) — if such a scheme exists where you live, it is worth using.

Access-blocking software

If you want to cut off access to gambling sites entirely, free blocking software installed on your device can help: Gamban, BetBlocker, GamBlock. They block thousands of gambling resources across all your devices at once.

Where to get help

If gambling has stopped being entertainment, asking for help is a normal and sensible step. Support is free and confidential.

  • Gamblers Anonymous — an international fellowship of mutual support with online and in-person meetings: gamblersanonymous.org.
  • GamCare — runs the National Gambling Helpline, free and available 24/7: 0808 8020 133, gamcare.org.uk.
  • GambleAware — advice, tools and a service finder: gambleaware.org.

If you live outside the UK, look up your national gambling helpline. If you or someone close to you is in crisis, contact a doctor or a local mental health service.

Protecting minors

Gambling content is not intended for children. If a device is also used by minors, use parental controls and access filters (for example, Google Family Link or the blocking tools listed above).