Responsible Gambling

Gambling should stay a form of entertainment, never a source of income or a way to solve money problems. This page covers the warning signs, some practical self-control habits, age rules by jurisdiction, and independent organisations that can help.

Warning Signs

It may be time to step back if you notice any of the following:

• Spending more time or money than you planned, or chasing back what you have lost.
• Gambling to escape stress, low mood or boredom rather than for enjoyment.
• Borrowing money, hiding activity, or feeling anxious and irritable about it.
• Letting it affect work, sleep, relationships or other responsibilities.

Staying in Control

• Decide a fixed money limit in advance and treat it as spent — money for entertainment only, never money you need.
• Set a time limit too, and take regular breaks away from the floor.
• Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or when upset.
• Balance any gaming with the wider trip — dining, culture, the beach, the city.
• Use tools such as self-exclusion or activity limits where a jurisdiction offers them.

Age Limits by Jurisdiction

• 18+ — much of Europe and the Caribbean, including Monaco, the United Kingdom, Italy, Aruba and the Bahamas.
• 20+ — New Zealand.
• 21+ — the United States and Macau (China SAR); Singapore also applies 21 plus local-resident conditions.

These are general guides only. Confirm the current rules for your specific destination before you travel.

Where to Get Help

If gambling is causing you or someone you know difficulty, free and confidential support is available:

• BeGambleAware — advice and support (begambleaware.org).
• GamCare — information, support and a helpline (gamcare.org.uk).
• Gambling Therapy — global online support in multiple languages (gamblingtherapy.org).

If you are in immediate distress or crisis, contact your local emergency services or a national helpline in your country.