Online gambling can be incredibly fun and relaxing. But if you don’t play in a controlled manner, it can become dangerous. It’s important to know how to protect yourself in an online casino so you can continue to enjoy gaming safely. In this article, we offer expert advice with 10 practical tips to help you keep your gambling under control. For those interested in exploring different platforms, it’s also useful to compare non-GamStop bookies and odds to make more informed choices.
Keeping Gambling Under Control
Just like with any other hobby or sport, you shouldn’t spend most of your day in an online casino. You have other responsibilities and activities—work, family, friends—and these shouldn’t be compromised. If you find that your daily life revolves mainly around gambling, then what was once recreational has turned into an obsession.
And the more time you spend in a casino, the more money you’ll spend to support your gambling. This can lead to serious problems, so it’s important to avoid it. Fortunately, there are tools available to help you keep your gambling under control at non GamStop casinos.
10 Tools to Control Gambling
Most reputable non-GamStop casinos offer tools to prevent gambling problems, and you as a player can take additional steps to gamble responsibly. Here are 10 tools to help keep gambling under control:
- Self-exclusion options
- Deposit limits
- Loss limits
- Time limits
- Reality checks
- Budgeting tools
- Gambling-control apps
- Understanding the rules of the game
- Recognizing gambling problems
- Professional help
1. Choose a Self-exclusion or Time-out / Cooling-off Period
You can exclude yourself from an online casino for a specific period. A time-out or cooling-off period can range from 24 hours to four months. Longer self-exclusion periods can last six months, one year, three years, five years, or even permanently.
In the UK, you can register with GamStop for at least six months, preventing you from accessing any British online casino. Casinos without GamStop are only found abroad, so you cannot register with them.
Offshore casinos are often used to bypass GamStop. To protect yourself, you can set up a self-exclusion directly with the casino. However, sometimes you may be registered with GamStop against your will. If you still want to gamble despite GamStop restrictions, players often look for casinos without a UKGC licence.
Self-exclusion or time-outs can typically be set in two ways:
• by contacting customer support, or
• by using the “Responsible Gambling” section in your account settings.
Once activated, you will not be able to log in during the selected period.
2. Set a Deposit Limit
In the UK and at the best non GamStop casinos, you can set deposit limits regardless of whether you win or lose. You can usually choose daily, weekly or monthly limits—or even all three.
Deposit limits prevent you from depositing more than your chosen amount, even if you win. So cash out your winnings and enjoy!
3. Set a Loss Limit
A loss limit applies only to your net losses. If you win, you can continue depositing. But once you hit your loss limit, you must stop.
Before choosing a monthly loss limit, calculate your monthly living expenses—rent, utilities, groceries, social activities, gym membership, etc.
Never set a loss limit higher than what you can afford to lose. This ensures you’ll still have enough money for essential expenses.
4. Set a Time Limit
The more time you spend gambling, the higher your risk of developing a gambling problem. Spending six hours a day doing anything—unless it’s your profession—can become unhealthy.
Online gambling is no different. Setting a time limit helps ensure you don’t spend excessive time playing. You can choose daily, weekly, or monthly time caps.
5. Set a Reality Check
Reality checks are pop-up reminders that interrupt your play after a certain amount of time. Some casinos let you set these intervals yourself, while others apply them automatically.
These reminders help you stay aware of how long you’ve been playing and how much you’ve spent, so you can stop before things get out of control.
6. Use a Budgeting Tool
When gambling online, only use money you can afford to lose. You can determine your monthly entertainment budget or use a free budgeting tool online.
These tools help you calculate your disposable income after covering essential expenses. This helps you avoid financial problems and keeps gambling under control.
7. Control Your Gambling With an App
If you feel your gambling is becoming excessive, you can install free software on your devices that blocks gambling websites. Many casinos offer recommendations on their responsible-gaming pages. Popular free tools include Gamban and BetBlocker.
These apps help restrict access to gambling sites, but it’s also wise to activate self-exclusion on any platforms where you have accounts.
8. Learn How Casino Games Work
If you want to play blackjack or poker, make sure you fully understand the rules. The same applies to game shows or slot machines.
If you don’t understand RTP, volatility, or how a game functions, you’re more likely to lose. That can lead to “chasing losses,” which usually results in even greater losses.
Always read the rules and play demo versions first. Once you understand the game, you can play for real money with more confidence.
9. Recognize Signs of Gambling Problems
You may not immediately realize you’re losing control. Watch out for these warning signs:
• Increasing your bet sizes
• Trying to quit but being unable to
• Chasing losses
• Feeling stressed or depressed when gambling
• Constantly thinking about gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Lying about your gambling
• Relationship, work, or financial problems caused by gambling
Many online casinos offer self-tests to help identify gambling issues. If you recognize even one of these signs, it’s time to take action.
10. Seek help
If these tools don’t help you regain control, seek professional support. Start by speaking with someone you trust or your doctor. After that, reach out to organizations specializing in gambling addiction and treatment.
Safe gambling means controlled gambling
No one benefits from you having a gambling problem—not the casino and certainly not you. By protecting yourself, online gambling remains enjoyable. Treat it as entertainment—a hobby, a moment of relaxation—and avoid focusing too much on the outcome.
Always set limits to protect yourself from excessive losses. That way, whether you’re placing a sports bet or playing roulette, it stays fun.
