Play Safe: Limits, Warning Signs and Where to Get Help

Set limits before you start

• Money: a monthly entertainment amount split across sessions. Use our Play Budget Planner.
• Time: set a phone alarm. Fast games make an hour feel like ten minutes.
• Win goal: decide when you'll cash out a win, and do it.
• Tools: use any deposit limits, cool-off or self-exclusion options in your account settings.

Warning signs to take seriously

• Chasing losses, or "bawi muna" before stopping
• Borrowing, using bill money, or selling things to play
• Hiding how much or how often you play
• Feeling restless or irritable when you can't play
• Needing bigger bets to feel the same excitement

One or two of these is a signal to pause. Several is a reason to talk to someone today.

Free, confidential help, 24/7

You can also speak with a doctor, counselor or a trusted person. If you ever feel unsafe, call the National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline at 1553.

Worried about someone else?

Talk when they're calm, not right after a loss. Focus on specific things you've noticed, not labels. Avoid paying off their debts without a plan, and call the helpline yourself for advice. It's for families too.

Frequently asked questions

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