Spending and time limits
Review whether an operator offers deposit, loss and session limits. Know that limits can be insufficient if you already have difficulty controlling gambling.
PLAYER WELLBEING • INDEPENDENT SAFETY GUIDE
Responsible Gambling: Recognize Harm & Find Support
Understand gambling risks, recognize signs of harm and find practical protective tools and independent support.
What is responsible gambling?
Responsible gambling means taking steps to reduce financial, emotional and social harms linked to gambling. It does not make gambling risk-free. Every gambling product can result in losses, and gambling should never be considered an income strategy.
Important: If you are struggling to stop gambling, setting a spending limit alone may not provide enough protection. Consider self-exclusion and professional support.
Warning signs that gambling may be causing harm
- Using money intended for housing, food, bills, tuition or debt repayment.
- Chasing losses, increasing stakes or continuing longer than intended.
- Hiding gambling activity, borrowing money or feeling distressed about gambling.
- Difficulty stopping after deciding to take a break.
- Conflict with family, work, sleep or other daily responsibilities.
No single list diagnoses gambling disorder. If these experiences sound familiar, confidential help is available and you can seek support before the situation becomes worse.
Practical tools for reducing gambling harm
Taking a break
Use any available time-out function and reduce gambling-related notifications or advertising. A break is not the same as a formal self-exclusion.
Payment and access controls
Ask your bank whether gambling transaction blocks are available. Consider gambling-blocking software where appropriate.
Self-exclusion
Ask an operator to restrict your gambling access, or use a relevant multi-operator scheme in your country when available.
Read the independent self-exclusion guide.Stake-specific safety controls
Stake publishes a responsible gambling and self-exclusion policy. Its official guidance says customers may request self-exclusion through Stake Smart and can seek assistance from support if they cannot begin the process. This is operator information, not an ENG BET service, and the process is governed by Stake's current policy.
For self-exclusion, consult the policy directly rather than assuming the controls or account options are identical across countries and gambling brands.
Independent gambling support resources
Support can help people who gamble and people affected by someone else's gambling. Select a service for your location; national schemes should not be treated as global services.
Global: Gambling Therapy
Free online advice and emotional support for people affected by gambling harm, including people outside the UK.
Visit Gambling TherapyUnited Kingdom: GamCare
Information and confidential support. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133. UK services have geographic limitations.
Visit GamCareUnited States: NCPG
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET, with call, text and chat options. It is not an emergency crisis line.
Find US supportFind your local help service
Access, eligibility and help services depend on your country. For immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact local emergency services.
Find international supportSources: Stake self-exclusion policy; UK Gambling Commission; Gambling Therapy; NCPG.
Support for family and friends
Someone else's gambling can affect family finances, emotional wellbeing and trust. It can help to discuss concerns without blame, protect shared financial commitments, seek independent advice and encourage professional support. Gambling Therapy and GamCare provide information for people affected by another person's gambling.