Responsible Gaming

Local store encourages visitors to approach online gambling responsibly, carefully, and within personal financial and emotional limits. Gambling should be treated strictly as entertainment and not as a way to recover losses, solve financial problems, generate income, or manage emotional stress.

If gambling stops feeling manageable or enjoyable, support is available.

1. Recognising Gambling Harm

For some individuals, gambling-related behaviour may gradually become stressful or difficult to control. Signs that gambling may be becoming harmful can include:

  • spending more time or money gambling than intended;
  • chasing losses;
  • hiding gambling activity;
  • borrowing money to continue gambling;
  • gambling affecting relationships, work, or wellbeing;
  • struggling to stop or reduce participation.

Recognising these signs early may help reduce financial and emotional harm.

2. Staying In Control

Visitors may find it helpful to:

  • set personal spending limits;
  • take regular breaks;
  • avoid gambling when stressed or emotional;
  • track account activity;
  • avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol;
  • use self-exclusion or cooling-off tools where available.

Many gambling providers operating in Ireland offer participation management tools intended to support safer gambling behaviour.

3. Seeking Support

If gambling activity begins causing stress, financial pressure, emotional difficulties, or relationship problems, speaking with someone early may help.

Support may come from:

  • family members;
  • trusted friends;
  • gambling support organisations;
  • financial advisers;
  • counselling services;
  • mental health professionals.

Seeking support is not a sign of failure, and many people benefit from early assistance.

4. Gambling Support In Ireland

Visitors located in Ireland may wish to contact recognised support organisations including:

Gambling Aware Ireland

Helpline: 1800 753 753

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland

www.gamblersanonymous.ie

HSE Mental Health Services

www2.hse.ie/mental-health

5. Underage Gambling

Online gambling is intended exclusively for adults aged 18 or older.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise internet access responsibly and restrict access to gambling-related services where appropriate.

6. Self-Exclusion & Participation Controls

Many gambling platforms provide tools including:

  • self-exclusion systems;
  • deposit limits;
  • session reminders;
  • reality checks;
  • cooling-off periods.

Visitors are encouraged to use these tools if gambling activity becomes difficult to manage.

7. Final Reminder

Gambling should remain recreational, controlled, and affordable.

If gambling activity begins causing financial stress, emotional harm, or relationship difficulties, taking a break and seeking support can be an important first step.