Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be treated as a form of entertainment and never as a source of income. This page gathers the basic rules, the warning signs and the help available.

Basic rules

Five simple guidelines worth keeping in mind before and during any gambling session.

18+. Access is restricted to people aged 18 or over.
Play for entertainment only.
Do not chase losses.
Set limits.
Do not gamble with money you need for other expenses.

Warning signs

When gambling stops being entertainment, recognisable signs usually appear. If several of these apply to you, it is worth seeking support.

Losing track of time

Sessions running longer than planned, difficulty stopping, or putting off other commitments.

Spending more

Depositing beyond what you planned, using money meant for other purposes, or borrowing to gamble.

Chasing losses

Playing again straight after losing, with the idea of making back what was lost.

Hiding it

Downplaying or concealing gambling activity from people close to you.

Emotional impact

Irritability, anxiety or distress when you cannot gamble, or afterwards.

Effects on daily life

Consequences for work, study, personal finances or close relationships.

Control tools

Licensed platforms include self-control features inside the user account. They are switched on from the platform's own settings.

Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly caps on the money you pay in.
Time or session limits: restrictions on how long activity can last.
Time-outs: blocking access for a set period.
Self-exclusion: voluntarily closing access to the platform for an extended period.
Activity history: reviewing your own record of deposits and bets.

Which tools are actually available, and their durations, depend on the operator and on the rules applicable in the jurisdiction. Check the responsible gambling section of the platform itself.

Where to get help

If gambling has stopped being entertainment, free and confidential support is available. Asking for help early changes the outcome.

Province of Buenos Aires

The Instituto Provincial de Lotería y Casinos runs a Responsible Gambling Programme with a free helpline, reported as available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0800-444-4000. Check the current number and channels on the authority's official site, loteria.gba.gob.ar.

Other jurisdictions

Most provinces and the City of Buenos Aires run their own responsible gambling programmes and free helplines. Details are on the website of each jurisdiction's gambling authority.

Professional support

Public health services and mental health professionals can advise on treatment for problem gambling. Mutual support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous also hold meetings in cities across the country.

People close to you

Talking to someone you trust is often the first step. If you are worried about another person, the same programmes offer guidance for family members.

Protecting minors

Gambling is prohibited for people under 18. If you share devices, consider parental control tools and avoid saving login credentials for gambling platforms.

This site does not provide clinical advice or treatment. The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace consulting professionals or the official programmes in each jurisdiction.