Gambling can affect your finances, relationships, health and everyday responsibilities. If you are worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, you can seek support before the situation becomes a crisis. Financial losses are one sign of harm, alongside difficulties controlling gambling and its effects on daily life.
CasinosiDEAL publishes information about casino payments. For personal advice and support, contact one of the organisations listed below. Account restrictions and payment enquiries should be directed to the relevant casino or bank.
Recognising Harmful Gambling
Pay attention to patterns such as repeatedly exceeding your budget, hiding transactions, borrowing money to gamble or finding it difficult to stop. Trying to recover losses through further gambling can increase financial pressure.
Consider whether gambling is taking money needed for bills, affecting your sleep or replacing time with people and activities that matter to you. A self-assessment tool can help you reflect on these patterns. A qualified professional can discuss your individual circumstances.
Steps You Can Take Now
Pause gambling and avoid further deposits while considering your next steps. If it feels safe, speak to someone you trust. You can also remove saved payment details and explore tools that restrict access to gambling websites.
If you choose to gamble, decide your spending and time limits before starting. Essential expenses should be covered first. Avoid borrowing, using credit to chase losses or increasing a limit after a difficult session.
Contact a support service if keeping to these limits becomes difficult. You can ask for advice even if you are unsure whether you want to stop completely.
iDEAL Deposits and Your Spending
Each deposit through iDEAL adds to your total gambling expenditure. Several smaller payments can take you beyond the amount you originally planned to spend.
Review your overall spending across casino accounts and payment methods. Keeping a record of deposits and losses can help you see the full picture.
Using iDEAL leaves age checks, identity requirements and self-exclusion restrictions in place. If you have excluded yourself, respect that decision and seek support if you feel an urge to return through another account or payment method.
Breaks, Self-Exclusion and Payment Controls
Check how an operator’s account break or self-exclusion works before choosing it. Relevant details include its duration, the accounts covered and the conditions for reopening access. National exclusion schemes also have a defined scope, so review which operators and products they cover.
Ask your bank which transactions its gambling-payment controls can restrict. You can also consider blocking software on your devices. A support adviser can help you understand the available measures and how they work together.
Supporting Someone Close to You
Choose a calm moment to explain what you have noticed. Focus on specific effects, such as unpaid bills, secrecy or distress, and encourage the person to speak with a specialist service.
You can seek advice yourself while the other person considers their options. Protect your own finances and wellbeing, and get guidance before taking on repeated gambling debts or other financial commitments.
Find Support in Your Location
Netherlands
OpenOverGokken provides free, anonymous support for people concerned about their own gambling or someone else’s. Call 0800 24 000 22, available 24 hours a day. Chat and WhatsApp support are available daily from 8am to midnight. OpenOverGokken support options.
Germany
The BIÖG gambling helpline offers free, anonymous advice within Germany on 0800 1 37 27 00. Telephone hours are 10am to 10pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 6pm Friday to Sunday, excluding 24 and 31 December. Support is available to people who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Check dein Spiel telephone support.
France
Joueurs Info Service provides confidential support and guidance for people affected directly or indirectly by gambling. Call 09 74 75 13 13, daily from 8am to 11pm. Calls are anonymous and charged at standard rates. Its anonymous chat service is available daily from noon to 7pm. Joueurs Info Service contact information.
Belgium, German-Speaking Community
ASL in Eupen provides free addiction counselling and support for people concerned about themselves or someone close to them. Contact the service on 087 74 36 77 to discuss your situation and available support. Published office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm. ASL Eupen contact details.
International Online Support
Gambling Therapy offers online resources and free practical and emotional support for people affected by gambling, including family and friends. Visit the service to explore its current support options. Gambling Therapy.
When Immediate Help Is Needed
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services where you are. For urgent emotional distress, contact a local crisis service or someone who can stay with you while you seek help.
All opening hours above are local to the service. Telephone access and charges from abroad can vary by network. Check the organisation’s website for current details before relying on a particular contact option.
