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Do you know our Responsible Gaming guide?

To ensure that the joy of gaming does not turn into frustration, it is essential to play responsibly – our responsible gaming guide will assist you in this regard.

approx. 5 min.
Do you know our Responsible Gaming guide?

Play responsibly!

The secret to keeping gaming fun is maintaining a healthy, responsible approach. This means staying in control of your choices without letting outside pressures influence you, while staying honest with yourself about your habits and the risks involved. By building a strong awareness of how gambling works, you'll be much better equipped to spot warning signs early and take action before they become a problem.

To help you keep things enjoyable, we've put together twelve core principles that can serve as your personal roadmap for responsible play.

Our prevention guide

At its heart, gambling is about entertainment—just like any other hobby. While it provides a great temporary thrill, it should never be viewed as a way to make a living or a replacement for a steady job. The moment the excitement disappears and things start feeling too serious, it's a clear signal to step away.

It's vital to remember that gambling is entirely a game of chance. Luck isn't something you can force or manipulate with skill; the outcome is simply out of your hands. Keeping a grounded, realistic perspective on how these games actually work is the best way to avoid falling into problematic patterns.

If you're struggling financially or in urgent need of cash, gambling is not the answer. Because outcomes are random and unpredictable, there is no such thing as a guaranteed win or a calculated strategy for profit. Trying to use gambling as a financial lifeline often leads to a distorted view of the game, shifting the experience from fun to desperation.

Part of the thrill of gambling is the stakes involved; without money on the line, it wouldn't feel the same. However, you must accept that losing is a real possibility—and once the money is gone, it's gone. Always consider the impact of a loss before you start. To keep things under control, we recommend setting a strict budget for yourself beforehand. Once that limit is hit, the best move is to stop and call it a day.

A common and dangerous trap is the belief that you can 'win back' your losses by betting more or playing longer. In reality, the odds don't change regardless of your previous losses—that's the nature of randomness. Attempting to 'beat the system' usually only leads to deeper losses. The safest approach is to establish a loss limit based on what you can actually afford and stick to it no matter what.

Only bet money that you can comfortably afford to lose.

We all have essential monthly costs—rent, insurance, and groceries—that require careful budgeting. We also save up for the things that make life better, like a vacation, a new bike, or a concert. To protect these priorities, only use 'extra' money for gambling—funds that aren't already earmarked for your bills or goals. This ensures that gaming remains a lighthearted hobby that doesn't interfere with your quality of life.

To protect your financial health and stay out of debt, never gamble with borrowed money. Only play with your own funds. When you start borrowing to play, the entertainment vanishes and is replaced by serious stress.

Make sure to balance gaming with your social life and other interests.

Visiting a casino or an arcade is a great way to escape the daily grind for a while. But remember that the most important parts of life—family, friends, career, and fitness—happen outside the gaming hall. The more balanced and grounded your life is, the more you can truly relax and enjoy a short gaming session without worry.

Decide in advance how often and for how long you will play.

When something becomes a constant habit, it often loses its magic. To keep the thrill alive, it's smart to set specific time and frequency limits. Think of it like a festival or a major sporting event—if it happened every single day, it wouldn't be special anymore.

Anyone who exercises knows that the high of a workout is only possible because of the recovery time that follows. Gambling is similar: constant adrenaline is exhausting and unhealthy. It's important to balance the tension of the game with periods of relaxation, allowing you to reconnect with your daily routine and look forward to the next time you play.

Avoid gambling while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.

A clear mind is your best tool for keeping a realistic perspective on the game. Intoxication impairs your judgment and clouds your reasoning, often leading to impulsive decisions that you'll regret once you've sobered up. To keep the experience safe and fun, substances that alter your mental state have no place in responsible gaming.

Important notice

If you find that gambling is causing more stress than joy—whether because of the time you're spending or the money you're losing—please reach out for help. You don't have to handle this alone. The Federal Centre for Health Education (BIÖG) provides free, confidential support at 0800 1372700. Whether you're concerned about your own habits or those of a loved one, seeking professional advice is a courageous and necessary first step. BIÖG ) on 0800 1372700 . There, or at local counselling centres, you can receive advice – whether it concerns your own gaming behaviour or that of someone close to you. Seeking help is an important step.

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