Responsible Gaming: Limits, Self-Exclusion and Getting Help 2026

Every bet carries a risk of losing money, and over time the bookmaker’s margin works against the bettor. No system, tip or strategy guarantees wins. These simple rules keep gambling under control:

• Only bet money you can afford to lose, never money meant for bills, rent or savings;
• Set a budget and a time limit before you start, and stop when you reach either;
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes to win back what you lost;
• Do not bet when you are stressed, upset or under the influence of alcohol;
• Never borrow money or use credit to gamble;
• Keep gambling as one hobby among many, and take regular breaks.

Problem gambling often develops slowly. Ask yourself honestly whether any of these apply:

• You spend more money or time on betting than you planned;
• You chase losses or feel you must win back what you lost;
• You hide your betting from family or friends, or lie about it;
• You borrow money, sell belongings or miss payments because of gambling;
• You feel anxious, irritable or restless when you are not betting;
• Gambling affects your work, studies, sleep or relationships;
• You have tried to cut down and could not.

If one or more of these sound familiar, it is a good moment to use the tools below and to talk to someone.

Regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority require licensed operators to offer safer gambling tools. At bet365 they are found in the account settings, usually under a responsible gambling or safer gambling section. Names and options vary by country.

Self-exclusion is the strongest tool. Once you choose a self-exclusion period, the account is closed for that whole period, you will not receive marketing, and the decision cannot be undone early. You can set it from the responsible gambling section of your account or ask bet365 live chat to apply it. In some countries, such as the UK, you can also join a national self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from every licensed operator at once.

Bet365 does not accept customers from India, so these tools are relevant only to account holders in licensed countries. If you bet elsewhere, look for the same tools before you deposit; any operator listed among our bet365 alternatives in India should offer them.

Regaining control rarely happens in one go. These practical steps make it easier:

• Set a deposit limit that matches your monthly entertainment budget;
• Turn on reality checks so you notice how long you have been playing;
• Delete betting apps from your phone and switch off gambling notifications;
• Install blocking software that stops access to gambling sites on your devices;
• Ask your bank whether it can block gambling transactions on your card;
• Tell someone you trust and ask them to help you stick to your limits.

You do not have to deal with a gambling problem alone. Support is confidential and in most cases free:

• Helplines: many countries run free, confidential gambling helplines and chat services staffed by trained advisers; your doctor or a local mental health service can point you to the right one;
• Counselling: psychologists and addiction counsellors use proven methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy to change gambling habits; ask a doctor for a referral;
• Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings, in person and online, where people share experience and support each other’s recovery;
• Family support: partners and relatives are affected too, and family support groups and counsellors help them protect their finances and wellbeing;
• Debt advice: if gambling has led to debt, a free debt advice service can help you plan repayments and talk to lenders.

Reaching out early makes recovery easier. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you hold an account with a licensed bookmaker, its customer support can help you use the safety tools. Live chat agents can explain the options, apply a time-out or self-exclusion, and tell you where the limits are in your account settings.

This website is an independent review site, so we cannot set limits or close anyone’s account. If you have a question about this page, you can contact us by email.

Gambling is for adults only. Licensed bookmakers verify age and identity before players can bet or withdraw. If children use your devices, keep accounts logged out, do not save passwords and use parental control software. This website is intended for readers aged 18 and over; read more about us.