Responsible Gambling: Support, Tools and Help Across DACH
AThEME publishes independent reviews and rankings of online casinos on atheme.eu. We do not operate gambling services. Our goal is to promote safe play, verify brands before recommending them, and link to self-control tools and support resources. Content is for adults only (18+; please check local rules). Our editors may earn affiliate commissions, which never affect our assessments. If gambling stops being fun, pause and seek professional help.
Tools at Licensed Casinos
- Deposit, loss and wager limits you can set per day/week/month
- Session and time limits, with reality checks and on-screen timers
- Time-outs (“cool-offs”) from 24 hours to several weeks
- Self-exclusion for longer periods with account blocking
- Game and transaction history to review spending and frequency
- Autoplay and quick-spin controls; configurable reminders
- Payment blocks via your bank or card provider where available
- Website/app blockers (e.g., system-level parental or productivity tools)
- Reduce ads: update ad preferences on major platforms to opt out of gambling categories
Tip: Set your limits before your first deposit and keep them strict even on “good days.”
What Responsible Gambling Means
Responsible gambling treats games as entertainment, not a source of income. It means playing with a clear time and money budget, staying aware of odds, and stopping before play affects your finances, mood or relationships. Losses are possible and sometimes frequent; chasing them can quickly escalate risk.
Important: If you feel pressure to gamble or find it hard to stop, take a time-out immediately and talk to a specialist.
Self-Check: Are You Still in Control?
Answer Yes/No. The more “Yes” responses, the higher your risk and the stronger the reason to pause and seek help.
- Do you gamble longer than planned or lose track of time?
- Have you increased stakes to feel the same excitement?
- Do you chase losses to “win it back”?
- Have you hidden gambling or spending from family or friends?
- Do you feel guilt, anxiety, or irritability related to gambling?
- Have work, study or sleep suffered because of gambling?
- Are you borrowing money, selling items or using funds meant for essentials?
- Do you gamble under stress, anger, or after drinking?
- Have you tried to stop but couldn’t keep it up?
- Would a big win feel like the only way out?
Important: This is not a diagnosis. For a professional assessment, contact certified counselling services.
Safer Play Tips
- Decide a strict budget and time limit before you start; stick to both
- Never chase losses and don’t “double down to catch up”
- Schedule regular breaks; use timers and reality checks
- Avoid gambling when upset, tired, or under alcohol/other substances
- Learn the odds and RTPs; luck can’t be controlled
- Mix gambling with other hobbies; keep gaming occasional
- Turn off push notifications and unsubscribe from promo emails
- Cash out and end the session at the first sign of discomfort
- Treat bonuses as marketing, not a way to guarantee results
Tip: Use a separate prepaid method for gambling to cap spending.
Myths and Facts
- Myth: You can beat the casino with the right system.
Fact: Licensed games have built-in house edges; no system overrides long-term odds. - Myth: Chasing losses will even things out.
Fact: Chasing usually increases risk and losses; pause instead. - Myth: Small stakes can’t be harmful.
Fact: Harm relates to control and impact on life, not just stake size.
Important: If you catch yourself believing these myths, take a 24-hour time-out and review your limits.
How AThEME Rates Casinos on RG
- Limit tools visible at signup and easy to change
- Clear self-exclusion and time-out flows
- Reality checks enabled by default or easy to activate
- Transparent game info (odds/RTP) and access to play history
- Prominent links to local help and support
- Responsible marketing (no minors, no misleading claims)
Tip: Before registering, look for “Responsible Gaming” in the footer and confirm that limits and self-exclusion are available in your country.
Where to Get Help
Local and regional resources come first. Many offer anonymous, free counselling by phone, chat or in person.
Austria
- National gambling addiction helpline and regional “Suchthilfe”/psychosocial services — anonymous advice, referrals and counselling (check the official health ministry portal for current contacts)
- University or municipal addiction counselling centres — individual support and family guidance
Germany
- Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) — nationwide information, prevention tools, online self-tests and counselling; anonymous helpline and chat services
- Local addiction counselling (“Suchtberatung”) — confidential, low-threshold support in your city or district
Switzerland
- Addiction Switzerland (Sucht Schweiz) — information, prevention and links to cantonal counselling (DE/FR/IT)
- Cantonal addiction services and 24/7 emotional support lines — anonymised guidance and referrals
International
- Gamblers Anonymous — peer support groups (online and in person)
- Gambling Therapy — free global online support (live chat, forums, self-help tools)
- GamCare / BeGambleAware (UK) — extensive advice, live chat and helpline (English)
Important: If you feel at immediate risk of harm, contact local emergency services.
Call to Action
Set a deposit or loss limit right now, or schedule a 24-hour time-out before your next session.
AThEME Media Disclaimer
AThEME is a media service. We do not provide or promote gambling operations. Some reviews may include affiliate links; this never changes our editorial standards. Please gamble responsibly. If you notice signs of a problem, seek help from qualified professionals without delay.