Set a time limit and a spending limit before starting, use money you can afford to lose, take breaks, do not chase losses and do not borrow money to continue. Stop when the activity no longer fits the limits you set.
Set limits before you start
A limit is easier to follow when it is decided before a session rather than after a loss or during an emotional decision. Keep essential spending such as food, housing, bills and debt payments separate from entertainment money.
- Choose a spending amount you can afford to lose.
- Choose a time limit and set a reminder if useful.
- Take regular breaks away from the screen.
- Do not increase spending to recover a previous loss.
- Do not borrow money to continue.
Do not treat gaming as income
Outcomes are uncertain. A previous win does not make a future result predictable, and a previous loss does not create a need to continue. Keep entertainment decisions separate from income, savings and essential expenses.
Recognise signs that it is time to stop
Stop and reassess if you are chasing losses, hiding spending, borrowing to continue, losing sleep, neglecting work or relationships, or feeling unable to follow the limit you set. Stepping away is a practical way to regain control.
Protect the account and device
Use unique passwords, keep OTPs private and avoid signing in on unfamiliar shared devices. If a page asks for information that does not make sense for the task, stop and verify the destination before continuing.
Age and local requirements
Follow the age requirements and laws that apply to you and to the service you are considering. Eligibility can depend on the current service and location, so verify the relevant conditions before participating.
Next best action
If a session or spending decision no longer feels controlled, stop the activity and seek appropriate support from people or services you trust. For account-access problems, use Support rather than continuing to troubleshoot during an active session.
Return to the bossph information hub
Use Home to choose another task, or open Support if you still need to identify whether the problem is website navigation, browser behaviour, an app or file, or an external account destination.