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Gambling is a popular form of entertainment enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. For most players, it remains a fun and social activity when approached with the right mindset and within reasonable limits.

However, gambling always involves risk, and it is important to remember that outcomes are based on chance. While many people play responsibly without harm, some may find it difficult to stop or may begin gambling for the wrong reasons, such as chasing losses, escaping stress, or trying to regain control after a losing streak.

When gambling stops being enjoyable and starts to feel like a necessity, it can lead to financial, emotional and personal difficulties.

This page is designed to promote responsible gambling awareness, help you recognize potential warning signs, and provide guidance on where to find support, if gambling is no longer just entertainment.

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For most, gambling is just entertainment. A way to spend free time, similar to a hobby or going out with friends. Unfortunately, gambling can also cause problems, so it’s always important to keep an eye on your gambling habits. Take a self-assessment test to gain insight about your gambling habits. The test is completely anonymous and your answers will not be recorded.

Also, one commonly used test is available on the Gamblers Anonymous website – a 20-question quiz.

By answering all 20 questions, you will receive feedback and advices based on your responses.

For most people, gambling is an enjoyable form of entertainment. However, because gambling involves risk, it is important to stay aware of your habits and play responsibly.

While most players remain in control, studies show that 5-10% of frequent visitors can develop gambling-related problems over time. Problem gambling is a serious issue, but support and treatment are available.

A few simple habits can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to help gambling remain fun and under control:

Keep gambling safe and enjoyable

  • Gamble only with money you can afford to lose
  • Never spend money meant for rent, bills or essentials
  • Remember that gambling is based on chance, not guaranteed outcomes

Avoid risky gambling behavior

  • Do not chase losses or try to win money back quickly
  • Be cautious if you feel pressure to continue playing
  • Avoid gambling when stressed, irritated, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol

Stay aware of your time and habits

  • Track how much time you spend gambling
  • Take regular breaks during play
  • Make time for other hobbies and social activities
    Know when to seek help

Know when to seek help

  • Learn how games work and understand the odds
  • If gambling stops being fun or starts causing stress, seek support.

Most people experience losses more intensely than wins. This is something psychologists call loss aversion. In simple terms, losing €50 usually feels worse than winning €50 feels good.

Why?

Our brains are wired to treat losses as more important. From an evolutionary perspective, losing resources could mean danger, while gaining something extra was a bonus. Because of this, negative events tend to create stronger emotional reactions than positive ones.

Researchers Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky showed that people don’t evaluate money in absolute terms – we compare outcomes to what we currently have. And the “emotional drop” from losing is steeper than the “emotional rise” from winning.

Brain studies have also found that potential losses activate emotional and decision-making areas more strongly than equivalent gains.

What this means in gambling

Because losses feel uncomfortable, it can create a strong urge to win the money back quickly. This reaction is normal – but it can lead to chasing losses, even though each game outcome is independent.

Understanding this effect can help you pause, reflect, and make more balanced decisions.

Many gambling related problems begin with common misunderstandings about how gambling works. Believing in certain myths can lead players to take greater risks or make decisions based on false expectations. Understanding the facts can help you stay in control and keep gambling as a form of entertainment.

Myth: Gambling is a way to earn money
Fact: Gambling should never be seen as a reliable source of income. Although winning is always possible, the odds are designed so that, over time, most players will lose more than they win. Gambling is best viewed as entertainment – similar to paying for a movie, a concert, or a night out, not as a financial strategy.

Myth: If you play long enough, you will eventually win.
Fact: There is no guarantee of winning, no matter how long you play. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and each game result is independent. A losing streak does not mean a win is “due”.

Myth: A near win means a real win is coming soon.
Fact: “Almost winning” can feel encouraging, but it has no influence on future outcomes. Near misses are part of gambling design and do not increase the likelihood of winning next time.

Myth: Tracking past results helps predict future outcomes.
Fact: Past results do not affect future results. Keeping track of outcomes may create the illusion of patterns, but games of chance are random and previous spins, hands, or rolls do not determine what happens next.

Myth: I can use a system or strategy to guarantee success.
Fact: While some games involve decision-making, no strategy can remove the element of chance or guarantee profit. In the long run, gambling always involves risk, and losses are always possible.

Myth: I am more likely to win when feeling lucky.
Fact: Feelings, intuition, or personal luck do not influence random outcomes. Gambling results are not affected by mood, superstition, or past experiences.

One of the most important parts of responsible gaming is setting clear personal limits before you begin playing. Limits help ensure that gambling remains a form of entertainment rather than something that affects your finances, time, or wellbeing.

Even when gambling is enjoyable, it can be easy to lose track of how much time or money is being spent, especially during longer sessions or emotional moments. Setting boundaries in advance can help you stay in control.

Here are some simple but effective ways to manage your gambling:

  • Spending limits: Decide on a fixed amount of money you are willing to spend, and never go beyond it. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
  • Time limits: Set a clear amount of time for gambling and stop once that time is up. Taking breaks helps prevent gambling from becoming excessive.
  • Loss limits: Accept in advance how much you are prepared to lose in a session, and stop playing if you reach that amount.
  • Winning limits: Consider setting a point at which you will stop playing even if you are ahead. Continuing to gamble after winning can quickly lead to losing those winnings again.

Using these personal limits can help you stay aware of your gambling habits, as well as avoid impulsive decisions and reduce the risk of chasing losses. These limits help you keep gambling enjoyable and stress-free.

Before gambling, decide in advance how much you can afford to spend and treat it as entertainment spending. Below you can find a simple gambling budget template:

Step 1: Calculate Your Monthly Income

  • Total monthly income: €_____

Step 2: Subtract Essential Expenses

  • Rent / mortgage: €_____
  • Utilities: €_____
  • Food: €_____
  • Transport: €_____
  • Loan payments: €_____
  • Other essentials: €_____
  • Total essentials: €_____

Step 3: Calculate Disposable Income

  • Income – Essentials = €_____

This is the money available for savings, leisure, and non-essential spending.

Step 4: Set Your Gambling Budget

  • Choose a portion of your disposable income only (suggested to stick to 10-15%): €_____

If you lose this amount, stop. Do not increase it to recover losses.

Gambling becomes a problem when it stops being a form of entertainment and begins to negatively affect a person’s wellbeing, finances, relationships or daily life.

For some individuals, gambling can gradually become difficult to control. Recognizing the warning signs early is an important step in preventing further harm and getting the sight support.

Common signs that gambling may be becoming a problem include:

  • Difficulty stopping or controlling gambling, even when you want to
  • Spending more time or money than intended
  • Borrowing money of using funds meant for everyday living expenses
  • Thinking about gambling constantly or planning the next opportunity to play
  • Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when trying to cut back
  • Gambling as a way to escape stress, sadness, or other emotional difficulties
  • Trying to win back losses by gambling more (“chasing losses”)
  • Hiding gambling activity, lying, or becoming secretive about how much you play
  • Feeling guilt, shame, or regret after gambling
  • Risking or damaging relationships, work, education, or personal responsibilities
  • Relying on others to solve gambling related debts
  • Desperate of harmful actions to obtain funds for gambling

Experiencing one or more of these signs does not mean you are alone, and support is available. Problem gambling is a recognized condition, and many people recover with the right help.

If gambling is causing stress of affecting your life, we strongly encourage you to speak with a professional support organization or someone you trust. Seeking help early can make a significant difference.

Gambling should always remain as a form of entertainment. If it ever begins to feel overwhelming or no longer enjoyable, taking a break can be a responsible and positive decision.

Stepping away from gambling for a period of time can help you regain perspective, reduce impulsive choices, and restore balance in your everyday life. Even a shot pause can be helpful, especially if you feel you need time to reflect on your habits.

Taking a break may help you focus on other activities and interests, spend time with friends or family, or simply create distance from situations where you may feel tempted to play.

In many jurisdictions, players may choose to register with an official governmental self-exclusion program. These programs are designed to help individuals restrict their access to licensed gambling services for a defined period of time. Self-Exclusion can be a valuable measure for those who feel that gambling is no longer under control.

Self-exclusion options in Estonia:

General Gambling Exclusion is implemented by Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) according to the legislation of Estonian Republic. There are three ways to apply:

  • Through the Estonian Tax and Customs Board portal by logging in with ID-card, Mobiil-ID, or Smart-ID
  • Physically in the Estonian Tax and Customs Board service center
  • Physically in land-based casinos.

More information about general gambling exclusion can be found from Estonian Tax and Customs Board website www.emta.ee

Self-exclusion option in Latvia:

The Register of self-excluded persons (PIPARS) is provided by the Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection and is active on all licensed gaming sites in Latvia. There are three ways to apply:

  • Remotely in the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection website, using one of the electronic identification tools for personal identification
  • Physically at the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection
  • By filling in a form at any gambling venue.

More information about the restrictions on gambling could be found on the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection website www.iaui.gov.lv

Self-exclusion options in Lithuania:

The register of self-excluded persons is administered by the Gaming Control Authority under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania and is active on all licensed gambling sites in Lithuania. There are 3 ways to apply for self-exclusion from gambling:

  • By logging in and filling in the application form electronically on the portal “Electronic Government Gateway” (address https://www.epaslaugos.lt/portal/).
  • Physically in the Gaming Control Authority service center in Vilnius.
  • At a gambling venue, where the person will be provided with the opportunity to log in to the “Electronic Government Gateway” portal https://lpt.lrv.lt/en/.

More information about the restrictions on gambling could be found on Gaming Control Authority website https://lpt.lrv.lt/ and Gaming Supervision website: https://nebenoriu-losti.lt/kontaktai/

Protecting minors from gambling related harm is a key part of responsible gambling awareness. Gambling is legally restricted to adults, and young people may be particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with gambling if they gain access.

For this reason, extra precautions should be taken in households where children or teenagers may use shared computers, tablets, or mobile devices. Preventing underage access is not only a legal requirement, but also an important safeguard for healthy development and online safety.

Simple technical measures can significantly reduce the risk of minors reaching gambling services. Mobile devices can be configured to require passcode, fingerprint or Face ID before they can be unlocked. On computers, password protection and separate user accounts can be enabled so that access to certain content is restricted.

It is also important to keep usernames, passwords, and payment details private, especially when devices are shared within the household.

Parents and guardians may additionally consider using parental control or internet filtering software to block gambling related websites and to monitor internet use more effectively.

Some commonly used tools include:
Netnanny – https://www.netnanny.com/
Gamblock – https://www.gamblock.com/

Age verification requirements apply across all licensed operators. If an underage person is suspected of accessing gambling services, appropriate steps should be taken to prevent further access and, where relevant, the operator or local regulator should be informed.

 

For individuals who feel that gambling is becoming difficult to control, technology can provide additional support. One practical option is the use of gambling site blocking software, which helps reduce access to online gambling services during a break or recovery period.

BetBlocker is a tool that allows you to:

  1. restrict access to gambling websites for a period of your choice;
  2. help you stay in control of your gaming habits;
  3. have a quick and easy installation (about 2 minutes).

Download your free gambling site blocking tool from here: Bet Blocker

Gamban is a tool that allows you to:

  1. block access to gambling websites and apps on your devices;
  2. reduce temptation and support safer gambling habits;
  3. install quickly and easily on mobile, tablet, or desktop devices.

Download the gambling site blocking tool from here: Gamban

Betfilter is a tool that allows you to:

  1. block gambling websites across multiple devices;
  2. limit access to online betting and gaming platforms;
  3. choose flexible blocking options to suit your needs.

Download the gambling site blocking software from here: Betfilter

GamBlock is a tool that allows you to:

  1. prevent access to gambling websites on your device;
  2. create a secure environment to support responsible gambling;
  3. use tamper-resistant software for stronger protection.


Download the gambling blocking software from here: GamBlock

 

Always remember, it is okay to ask for help. If you feel that gambling is no longer fully under control or is causing stress in your life, it is strongly recommended to reach out to professional support organizations.

Problem gambling can be difficult to overcome alone. Speaking with trained specialists or contacting a confidential helpline can be an important first step toward regaining balance and finding the right support. Help is available, and seeking assistance early can make a meaningful difference.

Support from family or friends can also play an important role. If someone close to you is affected by gambling related harm, encouraging them to seek professional guidance may be helpful.

Below are some contact details for support organizations.

Support Services in Estonia

Center for counseling addicted gamblers
Tel: 15410
info@15410.ee
www.15410.ee

ELULIIN
Tel:  6 558 088 in Estonian (MON-SUN 19-7)
Tel: 6 555 688 in Russian (MON-SUN 19-7)
www.eluliin.ee

MTÜ PEAASJAD
https://noustamine.peaasi.ee/en

 

Support Services in Latvia

Organization “Skalbes”
Support line for people with gambling problems and their loved ones.
Phone: +371 29323202
Working hours: Mon-Sun 12:00-20:00
https://azartaatkariba.lv/

Gamblers Anonymous
Phone: +371 24667656
E-mail: ga.latvija@gmail.com
https://as.org.lv/

State Narcology Agency
Department of Minnesota Programme
Phone: +371 67080112
https://rpnc.lv/arstnieciba-un-aprupe/minesotas-programma/

Riga Centre for Prevention of Addictions
E-mail: info@narcomania.lv
http://www.narcomania.lv

 

Support Services in Lithuania

Gaming Control Authority
Ukmergės g. 222, Vilnius
Tel. (0-5) 233 62 41
https://lpt.lrv.lt/lt/apribojusiu-savo-galimybe-losti-asmenu-registras/pagalba-losejams

Help Yourself is a national mental health website that provides a one-stop shop for up-to-date and reliable information about emotional health and affordable psychological support:
https://pagalbasau.lt/apie-projekta/

Consultation on problem gambling:
http://nebenoriu-losti.lt/

Centre of Consulting Psychology
Doctor Psychiatrist Vilma Andrejauskienė
Tel.: +37065200157
E-mail: info@pkc.lt

 

International Support

Gamblers Anonymous International Meetings
Gamblers Anonymous offers peer support meetings for individuals struggling with problem gambling. These meetings provide a safe space to share experiences and receive encouragement from others facing similar challenges.
More information is available at:
https://gamblersanonymous.org/international-meetings/