Responsible gambling and self-control
Gambling is entertainment, not a way to earn
Casino games, poker and sports betting can be an enjoyable pastime, but only as long as gambling does not affect your money, sleep, work and relationships. The outcome always depends on chance, and over the long run the edge is on the operator's side. In Ukraine gambling is allowed only from the age of 21, and we ask you to follow this rule without exception.
Warning signs
Problem gambling rarely starts suddenly. Pay attention if you notice at least a few of these signs in yourself:
- you play longer or for bigger amounts than you planned;
- you try to win your money back right after a loss;
- you borrow money or spend funds set aside for everyday needs;
- you hide from people close to you how much time and money goes on gambling;
- you feel irritable or anxious when you cannot play;
- gambling has become a way to escape stress or a bad mood.
If anything on this list sounds like you, it is worth stopping and honestly assessing the situation without waiting for it to get worse.
Limits best set in advance
Licensed operators give players self-control tools in their account settings. Use them before you start playing, not after a bad evening:
| Tool | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps the amount you can deposit per day, week or month. |
| Time limit | Reminds you how long the session has lasted or ends it after a set time. |
| Loss limit | Stops you from losing more than a chosen amount over a period. |
| Break | Temporarily locks the account for a few days or weeks. |
| Self-exclusion | Closes access to gambling for a long period at your own decision. |
As a rule, a limit can be lowered at once but raised only after a waiting period. This is deliberate, so that decisions are not made on emotion.
The state access restriction register
Ukraine has a Register of persons restricted from access to gambling establishments and/or from participation in gambling. It is maintained by the state market regulator, PlayCity. Licensed operators must check players against this register and must not let those listed in it play.
You can add yourself to the register on your own, online, through the Diia app. The restriction applies for the period you choose and covers all legal operators at once, not just one website.
Where to get help
Gambling addiction is a recognised disorder, and it is treated in the same way as other addictions. Here is where you can start:
- A psychologist or psychotherapist. A specialist who works with addictive behaviour will help you understand the causes and draw up a plan of action.
- Support groups. Mutual-help communities such as Gamblers Anonymous meet in person and online.
- A family doctor. Can refer you to a relevant specialist if gambling is already affecting your health.
If you are worried about someone close to you
Speak calmly, without blame, and offer support rather than money to pay off debts. Suggest looking at self-restriction tools together and seeing a specialist. Take care of yourself too: a consultation with a psychologist is useful for those who live alongside a person who has lost control over gambling.