Poker should be entertainment. Playing for real money always carries a risk of losing it, and for some people gambling becomes hard to control. This page covers simple ways to stay in control and where to find free, confidential help.
Real-money gambling is for adults only: you must be 18 or older, or the legal gambling age where you live if it is higher.
Staying in control
- Set a budget before you play and only use money you can afford to lose.
- Decide in advance how long you will play, and stop when the time is up.
- Never chase losses by moving up in stakes or playing longer.
- Do not play when you are upset, tired, or have been drinking.
- Keep poker one hobby among many, not the centre of your free time.
Warning signs
It may be time to take a break or talk to someone if you:
- spend more money or time on gambling than you planned;
- borrow money, or use money meant for bills, to play;
- hide your gambling from family or friends;
- feel anxious, irritable or low when you are not playing;
- keep playing to win back what you lost.
Tools poker sites offer
Licensed poker sites let you set deposit limits, session reminders and time-outs, and you can self-exclude for months or years. Look for “Responsible Gaming” in your account settings. In Great Britain, GAMSTOP lets you block yourself from all licensed online gambling sites at once.
Free and confidential help
- United Kingdom: National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare — 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day.
- United States: National Problem Gambling Helpline from the National Council on Problem Gambling — 1-800-MY-RESET.
- Worldwide: Gambling Therapy offers free online support in several languages.
- Peer support: Gamblers Anonymous runs meetings in many countries.
If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, these services can help you too.