01
Stop and reset early
Gambling should remain paid entertainment. If you are increasing deposits, chasing losses, hiding play or using essential money, stop the session and use a limit, cooling-off period or self-exclusion.
02
Practical controls
Set deposit, loss, wager and session-time limits before play. Remove saved payment methods, disable marketing and ask the operator to close or exclude the account when a break is needed.
- Deposit limit
- Loss limit
- Session reminder
- Cooling-off period
- Self-exclusion
03
Add friction before another session
A useful break should be difficult to undo in a stressful moment. Ask the operator to confirm the length of any cooling-off or self-exclusion period, remove casino bookmarks and promotional notifications, and check whether your bank provides a gambling-payment block. Tell one trusted person what you have changed so that the plan is visible outside the account. Do not replace one gambling site with another during the break.
04
If you are supporting someone else
Choose a calm time, describe the behaviour you have noticed without arguing about wins or losses, and avoid lending money to fund further play. Encourage the person to contact a confidential support service and protect shared bills or accounts where necessary. Support is also available for family members and friends; you do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for guidance.
05
Ireland support
Call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 936 725 for free confidential support. Samaritans Ireland is available on 116 123 for immediate emotional support. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.