Play Safely and Stay in Control
Our Commitment to Player Well-being
At CasinoIreland.ie, our mission is to provide you with accurate, entertaining, and transparent information about online casinos. But above all else, we are committed to the well-being of our community. Gambling should always be a fun and enjoyable form of entertainment, never a source of stress or financial hardship.
We believe that being informed is the best way to stay in control. This page is a dedicated resource to help you understand the principles of responsible gambling, recognise potential risks, and find professional help in Ireland if you ever need it.
Tips for Safe and Responsible Play
Treating gambling as a form of entertainment with a set budget is the key to keeping it fun. Here are some practical tips to help you stay in control:
- Gamble for Fun, Not to Make Money: View any money you spend on gambling as a cost for entertainment, just like buying a cinema ticket. Winnings are a bonus, not an income.
- Set Clear Money Limits: Before you play, decide on a maximum amount you are willing to lose and stick to it. Never gamble with money you need for essentials like rent, bills, or food.
- Set Clear Time Limits: Decide how long you will play for before you start a session. Set an alarm to remind you when your time is up.
- Never Chase Your Losses: Chasing losses is one of the quickest ways to lose control. If you have lost your budgeted amount, accept it as the cost of entertainment and walk away.
- Don’t Gamble When Upset or Stressed: Making decisions when you are emotional can lead to poor judgment. Avoid gambling as a way to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety.
- Balance Gambling with Other Activities: Ensure that gambling is just one part of a balanced lifestyle. Don’t let it take the place of hobbies, family time, or social activities.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Step away from the screen regularly. It helps you keep perspective and make clear-headed decisions.
Do I Have a Problem? A Self-Assessment
If you are concerned about your gambling habits, ask yourself the following questions honestly.
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money to get the same feeling of excitement?
- Have you tried to control, cut back, or stop gambling without success?
- Have you become restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling?
- Do you gamble as a way of escaping from problems or relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
- Have you lied to family members or friends to hide the extent of your gambling?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships, job, or studies?
- Have you had to ask others for money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, it may be a sign that you are developing a problem. The most important step you can take is to talk to someone.
Get Professional, Confidential Help in Ireland
You are not alone, and there is free, confidential, and non-judgmental help available across Ireland. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
- GamblingCare.ie
- Managed by the National Problem Gambling Support Service, this is a primary resource for help in Ireland.
- Website: https://www.gamblingcare.ie/
- National Helpline: 1800 936 725 (Available 24/7)
- The Rutland Centre
- A leading addiction treatment centre in Ireland providing dedicated support for problem gambling.
- Website: https://www.rutlandcentre.ie/
- Phone: 01 494 6358
- Problem Gambling Ireland
- Offers a wide range of support services, including counselling and a helpline.
- Website: https://www.problemgambling.ie/
- Helpline: 089 241 5401
Casino Tools to Help You Stay in Control
All licensed and reputable online casinos are required to provide players with responsible gambling tools. You can find these in your casino account settings.
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on how much money you can deposit into your account.
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you can lose over a specific period.
- Time-Out / Cool-Off Period: Take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours up to several weeks. Your account will be temporarily suspended.
- Self-Exclusion: If you feel you need a longer break, you can self-exclude entirely. This will block you from accessing your account for a significant period (usually 6 months or more).
Protecting Minors
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in Ireland. We have a zero-tolerance policy for underage gambling. If you share your computer with children, we recommend installing filtering software to block their access to online gambling sites.
- Net Nanny: https://www.netnanny.com/
- GamBlock: https://www.gamblock.com/
If you suspect someone underage is using our recommended sites, please contact the casino’s support team immediately.
Your well-being is our priority. Please play responsibly.