1. Set a budget
Decide what you can afford to lose this month and treat it as spent. Set it as a deposit limit in the account before your first deposit; lowering a limit takes effect at once, raising one is delayed.
2. Know the game
Read the rules and the RTP before you play. A slot with 96% RTP costs about £4 per £100 staked on average. Our guide to RTP explains the numbers.
3. Limit your time
Use the reality check, which reminds you how long you have played, and stop at the time you set. UK slots must show how long you have been playing and your net position.
4. Use the tools
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps deposits per day, week or month |
| Reality check | Reminds you how long you have played |
| Time-out | Locks the account for a short break |
| Self-exclusion | Closes the account for months or years |
| GAMSTOP | Blocks every UK-licensed gambling site |
5. Keep an honest record
Note what you deposit and withdraw each month. If the numbers surprise you, take a break. If gambling stops being fun, call the National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, on 0808 8020 133, free at any time, or read our addiction help page.