Responsible gambling: tools, warning signs and free help
Casino games are designed so that, over time, the house keeps a share of what is staked. That makes gambling a paid form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. Most people who play keep it that way without effort; some find that it slowly takes more time, money and attention than they intended. This page is for both groups. It explains the account tools worth switching on before you need them, the signs that something is changing, and where to find free, confidential help. It applies to Boomerang as much as to any other casino.
Set your limits before the first deposit
Limits work best when they are set with a clear head. Licensed operators generally offer the following tools in the account settings or through customer support. Names vary, but the functions are similar.
| Tool | What it does | How to switch it on |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps new deposits per day, week or month | Account settings → responsible gambling or limits |
| Loss limit | Stops play when net losses reach a set amount | Same section; sometimes via support |
| Session limit | Logs you out after a set time | Same section |
| Reality check | Shows a reminder of time played and net result at intervals | Same section; choose the interval |
| Time-out | Blocks the account for a short period, from a day to weeks | Account settings or support |
| Self-exclusion | Closes access for months or longer | Account settings or support; see our self-exclusion page |
A practical starting point: set a weekly deposit limit equal to an amount you would spend on another hobby without worrying, a session limit of an hour, and a reality check every 30 minutes. Decreasing a limit usually takes effect immediately; increasing it usually takes effect only after a delay. If you can't find a tool, ask the operator's support to set it for you.
Bonuses and the pressure to keep playing
Bonuses are where responsible gambling and our usual topic — wagering terms — meet. A bonus with a high wagering requirement and a short deadline creates a reason to keep playing: you have "unfinished business". Players then deposit again to keep the bonus alive, or raise stakes to clear it faster, which often breaks the maximum bet rule anyway. If you notice this pattern, decline bonuses for a while. Playing only with your own deposit keeps the decision to stop entirely in your hands. Our wagering guide shows how to calculate whether an offer fits your normal play.
Warning signs
- You spend more money or time than you planned, more often than not.
- You chase losses — depositing again to win back what you lost.
- You borrow money, use credit or sell things to gamble.
- You hide gambling from family or friends, or feel irritable when you can't play.
- Gambling affects work, studies, sleep or relationships.
- You gamble to escape stress, boredom or low mood.
One sign doesn't mean a problem, but two or three are a good reason to pause, set stricter limits or take a time-out — and to talk to someone.
Free, confidential help
Gambling Therapy provides free online support for anyone affected by gambling, including family members, through chat, forums and groups in many languages. Gamblers Anonymous is a mutual-help fellowship with meetings in many countries; its website helps you find one. Many countries also run national helplines and self-exclusion registers — your local health services can point you to them.
18+ only, and protecting minors
Online gambling is for adults only: at least 18, or older where local law requires. Operators verify age before paying out, but prevention starts at home. Don't share login details, use separate device profiles for children, and consider parental-control software that blocks gambling sites. If you suspect a minor has used an account, contact the operator's support so the account can be reviewed.
Talking to someone close to you
Many people who struggle with gambling say the hardest step was telling someone. It doesn't have to be a big conversation: "I've been playing more than I want to and I'm setting limits" is enough to start. Family members who are worried about someone else's gambling can also get support — Gambling Therapy has resources specifically for them. Practical help from someone you trust can include holding on to cards for a while, checking in after the weekend, or simply being there when the urge to play is strong.
If you need a longer break
When limits aren't enough, a time-out or self-exclusion removes access completely for a chosen period. How these work, what happens to your balance and why you shouldn't open a new account during an exclusion is explained on our self-exclusion page.