Responsible Gambling

Betting can be an enjoyable part of following sport. For most people, it stays that way. But gambling can become a problem for some people — and when it does, the effects on finances, relationships, and wellbeing can be serious. This page is here to help you recognise the signs, use the tools available to you, and find support if you need it.

Gambling should be entertainment — not a way to make money, recover losses, or cope with stress. If it has started to feel like any of those things, it is worth taking a closer look.

Signs That Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Some things to watch for:

  • Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended
  • Chasing losses — placing more bets to try to recover money lost
  • Gambling affecting your sleep, work, or relationships
  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or low when you are not gambling
  • Borrowing money or hiding gambling activity from people close to you
  • Finding it difficult to stop once you have started
  • Thinking about gambling frequently when you are doing other things

Experiencing one or more of these does not automatically mean you have a gambling disorder — but it is a reason to pause and consider your relationship with betting honestly.

A Simple Self-Assessment

Ask yourself these questions honestly:

  • Have you ever bet more than you could afford to lose?
  • Have you needed to bet with larger amounts to get the same excitement?
  • Have you tried to win back money you have lost?
  • Have you borrowed money to gamble or pay gambling debts?
  • Has gambling ever caused you to miss work, family, or social commitments?
  • Have you felt the need to hide how much you are gambling?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider speaking to one of the support organisations listed below. All services are free and confidential.

Tools Available to You

All regulated bookmakers — including the foreign operators featured on this site — are required to provide responsible gambling tools. These include:

Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month. Limits take effect immediately and can only be reduced immediately — increases require a cooling-off period. Use these proactively, before you need them.

Loss limits: Some operators allow you to set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period. Once reached, betting is suspended until the period resets.

Session time limits and reminders: Set a time limit for betting sessions. Most sites allow you to set reminder alerts and hard session limits.

Reality checks: Regular pop-up notifications showing how long you have been gambling in a session and your net win/loss position.

Self-exclusion: If you need a break from gambling, you can self-exclude from an individual bookmaker — typically for periods of 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanently. Self-exclusion is taken seriously by regulated operators: your account will be closed and you will not be able to reopen it during the exclusion period. Contact the bookmaker's support team to activate this.

Note on GAMSTOP: GAMSTOP is the UK national self-exclusion scheme and covers UK Gambling Commission-licensed sites only. It does not cover foreign (MGA-licensed) bookmakers. If you need to self-exclude from foreign sites, you must contact each operator individually or use the tools they provide. Irish-specific national self-exclusion arrangements are being developed as part of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 framework.

Support Organisations in Ireland

The following organisations provide free, confidential support for problem gambling in Ireland. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out — early support is often more effective.

Gambling Care Ireland (gamblingcare.ie)
A national organisation providing a free helpline, online counselling, and in-person support for people affected by problem gambling in Ireland. Also supports family members and friends of people with gambling problems. Visit gamblingcare.ie for the current helpline number and appointment booking.

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland (gamblersanonymous.ie)
A peer-support fellowship for people who want to stop gambling. Meetings are held across Ireland. Based on the 12-step model, GA has helped many Irish people with gambling problems for decades. No fees, no requirement to register — just show up to a meeting.

GambleAware (gambleaware.org)
Provides information, advice, and referral to treatment services. The website includes self-assessment tools, information for family members, and a directory of support services. Primarily UK-focused but resources are relevant to Irish users.

Problem Gambling Ireland (problemgambling.ie)
Provides information and signposting to support services for Irish people affected by problem gambling, including those seeking help for a family member.

If You Are in Crisis

If gambling-related distress is affecting your mental health or safety, please contact:

  • Samaritans Ireland: 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 50808
  • Your GP — can refer you to appropriate services

Last updated: February 2026

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