Kwiff promotes gambling as an adult leisure activity, not a way to make money or solve financial difficulties. This page offers practical information for people in Ireland who choose to play casino games or place bets online. Gambling should remain affordable, optional and separate from essential spending such as rent, bills, food and loan repayments.
You must be 18+ to gamble. If you are under 18, do not create an account, use another person’s account or attempt to bypass age checks. Adults should also avoid gambling when affected by alcohol, drugs, strong emotions or financial pressure, as these circumstances can make it harder to make careful decisions.
Responsible gambling means knowing your limits before you begin and being prepared to stop when those limits are reached. The information below is general guidance rather than medical or financial advice. If gambling is causing distress, debt, conflict or loss of control, seek confidential support as soon as possible.
Limits and self-control
Set a spending limit for each session, day or week before playing. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment, and never increase it to recover a loss. Keep gambling money separate from money needed for household expenses. A simple budget can show what remains after essential costs, savings and regular commitments, but any amount that would affect those priorities is too much.
Time limits matter as well as money limits. Decide when you will start and finish, take regular breaks and avoid chasing losses with larger bets or longer sessions. Helpful habits include using a timer, keeping a record of deposits and withdrawals, turning off promotional notifications and avoiding gambling on credit. If you find it difficult to follow a limit, stop playing and use available account controls or ask someone you trust to support you.
Signs of problem play
Gambling may be becoming harmful when it takes priority over work, study, relationships, sleep or everyday responsibilities. Other warning signs include hiding gambling activity, feeling restless when trying to stop, borrowing money, selling possessions, missing payments or repeatedly returning to win back money already lost.
Emotional changes can also be significant. Feeling anxious, irritable, ashamed or low after gambling, or using gambling to escape stress and difficult feelings, may indicate that extra help is needed. One sign alone does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs together should be taken seriously. Do not wait for a crisis before speaking with a support service or healthcare professional.
Where to get help
People in Ireland can contact GamblingCare.ie for information and support relating to gambling concerns. Its services can help you consider next steps and discuss the effect gambling may be having on you or someone close to you. Visit GamblingCare.ie directly for current contact options, opening details and information about available support.
You can also speak with your GP about gambling-related stress, sleep problems, anxiety or other health concerns. If gambling has contributed to debt, a recognised money advice service may help you review repayments and household finances. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or attend the nearest emergency department without delay.
Platform tools
Depending on the account and service available to you, safer-gambling controls may include deposit limits, loss or wagering limits, session reminders, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. Use these tools before gambling rather than waiting until a session has become difficult to manage. A limit should reflect what you can genuinely afford, not an amount chosen to recover previous losses.
Self-exclusion is a stronger step for anyone who wants to stop gambling for a defined period or longer. During a break, remove gambling applications, block marketing messages where possible and avoid opening alternative accounts. Do not ask another person to place bets for you or use their account. For questions about available controls, eligibility or how to request a restriction, email [email protected].
Protecting yourself and others
Keep account details private and never allow another person to gamble through your account. Parents and guardians should use device controls and payment safeguards to reduce the risk of underage access, while remembering that no technical measure replaces supervision. Do not share payment cards, passwords or verification information with anyone.
If you are concerned about another person’s gambling, choose a calm time to raise the subject without blame. Describe specific changes you have noticed, such as missed bills or secrecy, and encourage them to contact GamblingCare.ie or a healthcare professional. Protect your own finances by keeping essential funds separate and seeking independent advice where necessary.