Betting sensibly
- Over-18s only (or over the legal age in your country, if it is higher).
- Bet only money you can afford to lose; never your rent, bill or loan money.
- Betting is not a way to make a living or to get out of debt.
- Set a money and time limit before you start, and stick to it.
- Do not chase losses: trying to win them back by betting more usually makes them bigger.
- Do not bet after drinking, when you are tired, or when you are sad or angry.
- An alert or a pick is not a guarantee: you can lose too.
Warning signs
- You bet more money or for longer than you meant to.
- You hide from your family or friends how much you bet.
- You borrow money or sell things to bet.
- You feel restless or irritable when you cannot bet.
- Betting causes you money problems, or problems at work, in your studies or with your partner.
If you recognise yourself in any of these, stop and get help: it is more common than it seems and it can be solved.
Tools that help
- Deposit, loss and time limits at your bookmaker.
- Self-exclusion: almost every bookmaker lets you close your account for a while or for good, and many countries have official self-exclusion registers.
- Apps that block betting websites on your devices, such as Gamban or BetBlocker (free).
- With us: /stop ends a bot’s messages whenever you want, and to leave you simply do not renew.
Where to get help
- Gambling Therapy: free online support, in several languages, from any country.
- Gamblers Anonymous: mutual-support groups in many countries.
- GamCare (United Kingdom): free phone line 0808 8020 133, at any hour.
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): phone line 1-800-GAMBLER, at any hour.
- gamblinghelponline.org.au (Australia): phone line 1800 858 858, at any hour.
If you are in another country, look for the public gambling support service in your area or talk to your doctor. If you think someone close to you has a problem, these services can help you too.
Contact
If you want us to stop sending you messages or to close your account, write to @sharpspickssupport.