Gambling can cause financial, emotional and relationship harm. You do not have to gamble, and stopping is always an option. Gambling is not a reliable source of income or a way to repay debt.
Understand the risk
Casino games generally give the operator a mathematical advantage. Published return-to-player percentages describe long-run statistics, not a promise about your session or the amount you will get back. Previous losses do not make a future win due. A bonus, rating or review cannot remove the risk of losing money.
Signs that gambling may be causing harm
- Spending money needed for food, housing, bills or other essentials.
- Borrowing, selling possessions or using credit to gamble.
- Trying to recover losses by gambling more.
- Hiding gambling, feeling unable to stop, or neglecting work and relationships.
- Feeling distressed, anxious or preoccupied because of gambling.
You do not need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Support is also available to family members and others affected by someone’s gambling.
Steps to reduce access and get support
- Stop gambling and speak with someone you trust.
- Ask gambling operators about account closure, time-outs and self-exclusion. Where a multi-operator exclusion scheme exists in your location, check which services it covers.
- Ask your bank or payment provider whether a gambling-payment block is available.
- Consider gambling-blocking software and remove gambling apps and marketing subscriptions.
- Seek independent support with gambling-related harm or debt.
These tools have limits and may cover only particular providers or locations. Combining access restrictions with personal and professional support may be helpful. Do not bypass an exclusion or payment block.
Independent help
Gambling Therapy, a service offered by Gordon Moody, provides free online practical and emotional support for people affected by gambling around the world. Visit its live support page for current availability and language options, or its support directory for further help.
If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. MyCasinoScout is not an emergency or treatment service.
Protecting children and young people
Gambling content and services are for adults only. The legal minimum age can vary by location and product. Keep gambling accounts and payment credentials away from children, use device restrictions where appropriate, and seek advice if a young person is affected by gambling.
MyCasinoScout and third-party accounts
MyCasinoScout cannot close or exclude you from an account held with another company. Contact that operator or the relevant exclusion scheme directly. For a concern about material on this website, contact MyCasinoScout.
Support links checked: 11 October 2026.