Responsible gaming

Set boundaries before you play

• Decide what you can afford to lose and how long you will play. Keep to those limits, even when you are winning.
• Keep essential spending and savings separate from any poker budget. Never borrow money to gamble.
• Take regular breaks and make time for other activities.
• Never chase losses or treat poker as a way to solve money problems.
• Avoid gambling when upset, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or unable to make clear decisions.
• Check the legal minimum age and rules where you play. Age requirements and gambling laws vary by location.

Recognise the warning signs

Consider stepping away and seeking support if you notice:

• Spending more money or time than you intended, or finding it hard to stop.
• Returning to a game to try to win back money you lost.
• Hiding gambling or losses from people close to you.
• Borrowing, selling belongings or using essential household money to play.
• Gambling affecting your sleep, mood, work or relationships.

These signs are reasons to ask for help, not a diagnosis. Support services can also help family members and friends.

Take practical steps to pause

Tell someone you trust, step away from games and speak with a support service about a plan that suits your circumstances.

For online gambling, blocking software, bank gambling blocks and self-exclusion schemes may help limit access. Availability, coverage and conditions vary: check what each service actually covers.

Online self-exclusion does not automatically cover a private home game. Ask hosts to stop sending invitations, avoid groups that encourage you to play and arrange another activity during your usual game time.

Read GambleAware's guidance on blocking and self-exclusion.

Be a considerate host

• Make the stakes, buy-ins and expected finish time clear before anyone joins.
• Offer free play or lower stakes where appropriate, and encourage breaks.
• Respect anyone's decision to sit out, leave or stop receiving invitations.
• Never pressure someone to play, increase their stakes or buy in again after a loss.
• Do not lend players money to continue gambling.
• Check local rules and legal age requirements before organising a game.

Lower stakes do not remove the risk of harm. If someone seems distressed or unable to stop, pause the game and encourage them to seek support.