Setting Limits

KOGV Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over. Everything on this site describes games and markets that cost money over time. This page is about keeping that cost under control, and about what to do if it gets away from you.

Decide before you play

Three numbers, written down before the first spin or bet:

1. How much. An amount you can lose without it touching rent, bills, food or debt repayments.
2. How long. A finishing time, set as an alarm on your phone.
3. When to stop early. A point at which you walk away even if time is left, such as losing half the budget in the first ten minutes.

Then make the account enforce them. Most licensed operators let you set deposit limits, loss limits and session reminders. Our step-by-step guide on how to set a deposit limit walks through it.

Habits that help

• Only gamble with money you have already set aside for fun.
• Leave cards and banking apps out of reach during a session.
• Do not gamble when you are drunk, angry, lonely or upset.
• Take breaks. Step away from the screen at least once an hour.
• Treat any win as luck, not as proof you have found a method.
• Never borrow to gamble, and never gamble to pay off a debt.

Warning signs

Gambling problems rarely arrive all at once. They creep. Be honest with yourself if any of these fit:

• You spend more than you planned, more often than not.
• You go back the next day to win back what you lost.
• You hide how much you gamble from people close to you.
• Trying to gamble less makes you snappy with people around you.
• Gambling is affecting your sleep, work, studies or relationships.
• You have borrowed money, sold things or missed payments because of it.

One sign is enough reason to pause and take stock. Several together are a reason to get support.

Tools that put distance in place

• Time-outs: lock your account for a day, a week or longer.
• Self-exclusion: close your account for months or years. In some countries one request covers every licensed operator.
• Blocking software: apps that stop gambling sites loading on your devices.
• Bank blocks: many banks and card providers can stop payments to gambling companies on request.

Getting help

You do not need to hit rock bottom before asking for support. Many countries run free, confidential gambling helplines and counselling services, often available by phone, chat or text. Search for the gambling support service in your country, or ask your doctor where to start. Talking to someone you trust is a good first step too.

If you are worried about someone else, those services can usually help family and friends as well.

The rules where you live

Gambling laws differ between countries and sometimes between regions. The legal age may be higher than 18 where you are, and online casinos may not be permitted at all. Check the rules where you live before you play anywhere.

Our position

We would rather lose a reader than help someone gamble beyond their means. If you have read this far and recognise yourself, close the tab and make that call. The articles will still be here later. More on how we think about this is on The Weekend Paddock.