Responsible Gambling

Sports betting should be entertainment — a way to add excitement to the matches you already enjoy watching. When it stops being fun, or starts causing stress, financial problems, or conflict in your life, it’s time to step back. This page explains what responsible gambling means, how to recognise warning signs, the tools available to help you stay in control, and where to find support if you need it.

What Is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means staying in control of how much time and money you spend betting. It’s built on three principles:

Gambling becomes problematic when it shifts from occasional entertainment to something you feel compelled to do, when losses lead to chasing more bets, or when it affects your finances, relationships, or mental health. Most people who bet do so responsibly. But anyone can develop unhealthy patterns — and recognising those patterns early makes them easier to address.

Tips for Betting Responsibly

These practical guidelines help keep gambling enjoyable and within safe boundaries:

Set a Budget — and Stick to It

Decide how much you can afford to lose before you place any bets. This should be money you can genuinely lose without affecting your bills, savings, or quality of life. Once you reach your limit, stop — regardless of whether you’re winning or losing.

Set Time Limits

It’s easy to lose track of time when betting, especially during live matches. Set a timer or schedule specific betting windows. When time’s up, log out.

Never Chase Losses

Chasing losses — betting more to try to recover what you’ve lost — is one of the most common paths to problem gambling. Accept that losing is part of betting. Walk away and come back another day.

Don’t Bet Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair judgement. Avoid betting when you’re not clear-headed, and never use gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions.

Keep It Separate

Don’t let gambling dominate your life. Maintain your other interests, hobbies, and relationships. If you find yourself cancelling plans to bet, or thinking about gambling when you should be focused on other things, it’s time to reassess.

Understand the Odds

Bookmakers have a built-in margin. Over the long term, the house wins. Betting should be viewed as paying for entertainment — not as a reliable way to make money.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling doesn’t happen overnight. It often develops gradually, making it hard to recognise. These warning signs may indicate that gambling is becoming harmful:

If you recognise any of these patterns in yourself — or in someone you care about — it may be time to seek support. Help is available, it’s confidential, and it works.

Self-Assessment Questions

These questions are based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a validated screening tool used worldwide. Answer honestly about the last 12 months:

Scoring:

• 0: Non-problem gambling
• 1-2: Low level of problems — consider setting stricter limits
• 3-7: Moderate level of problems — you may be at risk, consider seeking advice
• 8+: Problem gambling — we strongly encourage you to seek help

This self-assessment is not a diagnosis. If you’re concerned about your gambling, please contact a professional support service.

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

Most licensed bookmakers offer responsible gambling tools. Use them proactively — don’t wait until you have a problem.

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once reached, you won’t be able to add more funds until the period resets. This is one of the most effective ways to control spending.

Loss Limits

Similar to deposit limits, but based on net losses. Once you hit your limit, you’re prevented from betting further.

Session Time Limits

Set how long you can stay logged in. When time expires, you’ll be logged out automatically or receive a reminder.

Reality Checks

Pop-up notifications showing how long you’ve been playing and your current balance. Helps you stay aware of time and money spent.

Cooling-Off Periods

Take a short break — typically 24 hours to 6 weeks — during which you cannot access your account. Useful if you need space to reset.

Self-Exclusion

Block yourself from gambling for a longer period — usually 6 months to 5 years. Many countries have national self-exclusion schemes that cover all licensed operators at once.

Self-Exclusion Schemes by Country

If your country isn’t listed, contact your national gambling regulator or a local support organisation for options.

Where to Get Help

If gambling is causing harm — to you or someone you care about — help is available. The organisations below offer free, confidential support including helplines, live chat, counselling, and treatment referrals.

International

United Kingdom

Norway

Sweden

Denmark

United States

Australia

Canada

Spain

Colombia

Supporting Someone Else

If you’re worried about a friend or family member’s gambling, you’re not alone. Problem gambling affects those around the gambler too.

Signs to Watch For

• Unexplained financial problems or requests to borrow money
• Secrecy about time or money spent
• Mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
• Lying about whereabouts or activities

How to Help

• Talk openly: Express concern without judgement. Use “I” statements (“I’m worried about…”) rather than accusations.
• Listen: Let them share at their own pace. Don’t pressure or lecture.
• Offer support: Let them know help is available and you’ll support them in seeking it.
• Set boundaries: Don’t enable gambling by lending money or covering debts.
• Look after yourself: Supporting someone with a gambling problem is stressful. Seek support for yourself too — organisations like Gam-Anon offer help specifically for families and friends.

Our Commitment

StatsBet is committed to promoting responsible gambling:

If you’re struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. Help is available — and it works.

Age Restrictions

Gambling is for adults only. The minimum legal gambling age varies by country — typically 18 or 21. All licensed bookmakers verify age before allowing you to bet.

Further Reading

• BeGambleAware — Information and advice
• GamCare — UK support services
• Gambling Therapy — Global online support
• National Council on Problem Gambling — US resources
• Responsible Gambling Council — Research and best practices