Safer play
Slots are entertainment you pay for, like a concert ticket. These habits keep it that way. Gambling is for adults only: 18 or older, and 21 in some places.
Six habits that help
- Decide the budget before you open the game. Only money you can afford to lose, set aside like any other spending. When it is gone, the session is over.
- Count it in spins, not dollars. At a $1 bet, $100 is 100 spins, or exactly one bonus buy. Our calculator shows this for any game and bet.
- Set limits at the casino. Licensed casinos offer deposit, loss and session-time limits, plus reality checks that pop up while you play. Set them before you deposit, when you are calm.
- Never chase losses. No spin is "due" to pay: each one is random, as our myths page explains. Raising the bet to win back losses only makes the swings bigger.
- Take breaks. Step away at least once an hour. Autoplay and turbo make time and money move faster than you notice.
- Keep it separate. Don't gamble when you are upset, tired or drinking, and never with money meant for bills, rent or other people.
Warning signs
It may be time to stop, or to talk to someone, if you notice that you:
- spend more money or time than you planned, again and again;
- gamble to win back losses or to escape worry;
- hide your gambling from people close to you, or borrow to keep playing;
- feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down.
Free, confidential help
- GambleAware: advice, tools and support, UK.
- GamCare: free support by phone and chat, UK.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: helpline and local help, US.
- Gambling Therapy: online support in many languages, worldwide.
- Gamblers Anonymous: meetings and support groups worldwide.
Self-exclusion. Every licensed casino lets you close your account for a period or for good. Many countries also run national schemes that block you from all licensed sites at once. Blocking software for your phone and computer can add another layer.