This Risk Warning is provided to explain the potential risks linked to online gambling and to support informed decision-making. Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to earn money. Reading and understanding these risks helps reduce harm and encourages safer behavior while using the platform.
Financial Risks
1. Risk of Loss
The most direct risk in gambling is financial loss. Every bet involves uncertainty, and winnings are never guaranteed.
Unpredictable outcomes: Results in slots, table games, and sports betting are inherently uncertain. Outcomes are driven by chance, and no strategy can guarantee profit. Increasing stakes to recover losses can escalate damage quickly and lead to uncontrolled spending.
2. Risk of Addiction
Gambling addiction—also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder—is a serious risk. It can develop when gambling becomes difficult to control and starts causing harm to finances, relationships, or daily life.
Common warning signs include:
- Increasing bet sizes: Raising stakes repeatedly to recover losses or chase a “big win.”
- Gambling beyond affordability: Using savings, borrowing money, or cutting essential expenses to fund gambling.
- Loss of control: Feeling unable to stop despite recognizing negative consequences.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over work, family obligations, and personal wellbeing.
If addiction is suspected, professional help should be sought as early as possible. Responsible gaming tools, including self-exclusion, can help reduce immediate risk. Support organizations that specialize in gambling harm can also provide confidential assistance.
3. Risk of Financial Hardship
Gambling beyond personal limits can trigger long-term financial strain. Losses can contribute to debt, inability to pay essential bills, and serious instability.
Potential consequences may include:
- Debt accumulation: Borrowing money or using credit cards to gamble can lead to rapid debt growth, with interest and fees worsening the situation.
- Bankruptcy: In severe cases, persistent uncontrolled gambling can contribute to bankruptcy, damaged credit standing, and long-term financial disruption.
- Relationship pressure: Financial stress can strain relationships with partners, friends, and family, often leading to conflict, distrust, or separation.
Emotional and Psychological Risks
Gambling can affect emotional health, especially when play becomes intense or repetitive. The cycle of wins and losses may create strong emotional swings.
Typical effects include:
- Excitement and euphoria: Winning can create a temporary “high,” increasing the urge to continue gambling and take greater risks.
- Frustration and anger: Losses can trigger irritation, disappointment, and impulsive behavior, including chasing losses.
- Anxiety and depression: Ongoing stress from losses or gambling pressure can contribute to anxiety, low mood, guilt, shame, and feelings of hopelessness.
If gambling begins to affect mental wellbeing, stepping back, setting strict limits, or using self-exclusion can be effective. Seeking support from trusted professionals or specialized organizations can also help prevent further harm.