Responsible Gambling at Playojo

• Playojo
• Playojo Responsible gaming

Gambling should feel like entertainment, not a burden. If you're reading this page because something doesn't feel right, you're already doing the most important thing – paying attention. Playojo is built for players who want to stay in control, and we've made that easier with tools you can set yourself, whenever you need them.

Why this matters

Most people gamble without problems. But for some, it can quietly shift from a bit of fun to something that costs more than money – time with family, focus at work, peace of mind. The signs aren't always obvious at first. What starts as a way to unwind can become harder to walk away from, and that's when the tools on this page become genuinely useful rather than something you read past.

Signs gambling is getting out of hand

These behaviours don't mean you have a problem on their own, but if several feel familiar, it's worth being honest with yourself:

• Chasing losses – going back in to win back what you've lost, often with money you hadn't planned to spend.
• Lying about how much you've spent or how long you've been playing.
• Borrowing money to gamble, or gambling with money set aside for bills or groceries.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you're not playing.
• Gambling to escape problems, boredom or difficult feelings rather than for enjoyment.
• Missing work, social plans or family time because you're gambling or thinking about it.

Questions worth asking yourself

A quick self-check can help clarify where you stand. Answer honestly – no one else will see your answers:

• Do you gamble until your balance is gone, even when you planned to stop sooner?
• Have you tried to cut back and found you couldn't?
• Do you feel guilty or ashamed after a session?
• Has gambling caused arguments at home or problems with people you care about?
• Have you missed paying a bill because the money went on gambling instead?
• Do you gamble to forget about stress, loneliness or other worries?

If you answered yes to more than two, consider setting a firm limit today or reaching out to one of the services below. Our self-assessment tool is also available directly through your account.

Playojo's control tools

Every account at Playojo comes with limits you can set yourself, with no waiting and no approval needed from us. Here's what each one actually does:

Deposit Limits let you cap how much you can add to your account over a day, week or month. A decrease takes effect straight away; an increase waits 24 hours, giving you time to reconsider. Set one that reflects what you can genuinely afford to lose without it mattering.

Cooling-Off locks your account for 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days. During that time you can't log in, deposit or play. It's a circuit-breaker when you need a short, firm break. Once the period ends, your account reopens automatically.

Temporary Suspension works the same way but lasts longer – 30, 60 or 90 days. Use this when you need proper distance but aren't ready to close the door permanently.

Self-Exclusion closes your account for a period you choose, from 24 hours up to indefinitely. If you self-exclude, we'll block your access across the SkillOnNet network. For exclusion across all UK-licensed sites, register with GamStop – it's free and takes five minutes.

Game Status Reminder is a pop-up that shows how long you've been playing, how much you've wagered and how much you've won or lost. Set it to appear every 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. It's a reality check when you've lost track of time.

Time Limit Control logs you out automatically after a set period. Contact our support team at [email protected] to arrange one – it's not available as a self-serve setting yet, but we'll set it for you.

Practical limits that work

Here are a few habits that help keep gambling in its place, drawn from what actually stops things escalating:

• Decide what you'll spend before you start, and move that amount into your account. Once it's gone, you're done for the session.
• Set a time limit as well as a money limit. An hour flies by faster than you think.
• Never gamble when you're upset, anxious, tired or drunk. It's not entertainment at that point.
• Don't chase losses. The money's gone; putting more in rarely brings it back.
• Keep gambling separate from your main finances. A prepaid card or e-wallet helps you see exactly what you're spending.

Where to get help in the UK

If you're struggling, free and confidential support is available from organisations that understand gambling problems and won't judge you for reaching out:

GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, open 24 hours a day, every day. You can also use their webchat or forums at www.gamcare.org.uk.

BeGambleAware offers online chat, email support and a directory of local services at www.begambleaware.org.

Gordon Moody provides residential treatment and online support for people with serious gambling problems. Find out more at www.gordonmoody.org.uk.

GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme. Register once at www.gamstop.co.uk and you'll be blocked from all licensed gambling sites for the period you choose – 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

Blocking software

If you want to block gambling sites on your devices completely, two tools are widely used:

• Gamban (gamban.com) blocks access to gambling sites and apps across all your devices. It runs a subscription model but many find it worthwhile.
• BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is free, open-source and works on computers, tablets and phones. Once installed it's difficult to remove during the blocking period you set.

Protecting minors

This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone under 18, consider parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to prevent access to gambling sites. We take underage gambling seriously and will close any account found to belong to a minor.

If you need to talk through your options or have questions about any of the tools above, contact us at [email protected]. Our team can walk you through the settings or point you toward the right external support.

This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+) only. If gambling ever stops feeling like entertainment, free and confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.