Keep it a game

Betting should cost no more than you would spend on any other evening out. Decide the amount before you start, keep it separate from money for rent, food or bills, and never chase a loss.

Warning signs

• Betting more to feel the same excitement.
• Hiding bets or losses from people close to you.
• Borrowing, or using money set aside for essentials.
• Feeling restless or irritable when not betting.

Tools every licensed bookmaker offers

• Deposit limits per day, week or month.
• Time-outs from 24 hours to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion for six months or longer.
• Reality checks that show time and money spent in a session.

Free, confidential help

• Gambling Therapy: online support in many languages, worldwide.
• Gamblers Anonymous: meetings and a 12-step programme.
• GambleAware and the National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 in Great Britain.
• BetBlocker: free software that blocks gambling sites on your devices.

You must be 18 or older to bet, 21 in some countries.