Pathological gambling is defined as behaviour which damages the existence, the work, the financial situation or the health of an individual or their family. This means that long-term gaming is not suitable for the individual's personal situation and could have negative consequences.

Pathological gambling has been listed as a recognised psychological disorder in the international classification systems DSM-IV and ICD-10 since 1980. It is defined as sustained, recurring and often increasing gaming behaviour despite negative personal and social consequences such as debt, breakdown of family relations and impairment of professional development.

By observing the following rules, you will be able to enjoy your gaming without misgivings:

• Gaming is just for fun, not a way of earning money.
• Only play when you are relaxed and concentrated.
• Take regular breaks.
• Decide your monthly gaming stake in advance. Only gamble what you can afford to lose.
• Independently of our standard deposit limits, you may set a lower amount as your own personal limit.
• Do not increase the maximum limit which you have decided for yourself later on.
• Before you start playing, decide the winning amount at which you will end the game.
• Decide beforehand how high your losses can be.
• Never play under the influence of alcohol or medication.
• Never play if you are feeling depressed.

By observing the following rules, you will be able to enjoy your gaming without misgivings:

• Gaming is just for fun, not a way of earning money.
• Only play when you are relaxed and concentrated.
• Take regular breaks.
• Decide your monthly gaming stake in advance. Only gamble what you can afford to lose.
• Independently of our standard deposit limits, you may set a lower amount as your own personal limit.
• Do not increase the maximum limit which you have decided for yourself later on.
• Before you start playing, decide the winning amount at which you will end the game.
• Decide beforehand how high your losses can be.
• Never play under the influence of alcohol or medication.
• Never play if you are feeling depressed

We would like to stress that diagnoses relating to problematic gambling behaviour can only be made by trained specialists. This page offers material which will allow you to assess and consider your own behaviour.

If you feel at risk, or want to know if you are, you should take our self-assesment test.

Deposit limits are easy to set and help you control the amount you put into your account over a particular period. Find out more about setting a deposit limit.

Our cooperation and research partner, the Division on Addictions, has implemented its scientific findings from research into addictions into the Self Help Toolkit. The following link will take you to a website created by Harvard Medical School faculty, offering support to individuals who might have gambling-related problems, a detailed analysis of existing behavioural traits, and assistance with developing self-help strategies: "Your first step to change, a resource to help guide your journey to change" (Takes approx. 20 minutes).

If you think you need a break from gambling, you can use the self-exclusion tool. You will not be able to deposit or play for real money for the amount of time you specify, up to an indefinite self-exclusion.

If you need help, you are not alone. There are institutions that offer professional assistance for players who encounter gambling-related problems.

Gambling Therapy