Keep poker a game
Poker is a game of skill and chance, and even good players have long losing runs. Treat what you play with as the cost of entertainment, decide your limits before you start, and stop when you reach them.
- Only play with money you can afford to lose.
- Never chase losses by moving up in stakes or playing longer.
- Don't play when you're upset, tired or have been drinking.
- Keep a simple record of what you deposit and withdraw.
Tools every licensed site offers
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising one usually has a waiting period. |
| Time reminders | Pop-ups showing how long you've been playing and how much you've won or lost. |
| Time-out | A short break from your account, from a day to several weeks. |
| Self-exclusion | Closes your account for at least six months. In Great Britain, you can exclude from every licensed site at once with GAMSTOP. |
| Bank gambling blocks | Many banks let you block gambling payments from your card in their app. |
We rate every site on how good, and how easy to find, these tools are.
Warning signs
- Spending more money or time than you planned, more often
- Borrowing money, or using money meant for bills, to play
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down
- Hiding how much you play from people close to you
- Playing to win back losses, or to escape problems
If any of these sound familiar, it's a good time to take a break and talk to someone.
Free, confidential help
- National Gambling Helpline: call 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, or chat online with GamCare.
- BeGambleAware: advice, self-assessment and links to treatment.
- GAMSTOP: free self-exclusion from all online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain.
Support is also available for family and friends affected by someone else's gambling.