Set two limits, not one
- Money: use an amount you can lose without affecting food, housing, bills, savings or family commitments.
- Time: set an alarm and a clear end time. A win does not extend the session.
- Frequency: schedule gambling-free days and keep the activity out of work or sleep hours.
Warning signs worth acting on
Chasing losses
Increasing the stake or depositing again to recover money already lost.
Hiding the activity
Concealing time, spending, borrowing or account statements from people close to you.
Losing control
Breaking your own limits, feeling unable to stop or gambling to escape distress.
What to do today
- Stop deposits and withdraw from the session.
- Use any available timeout, self-exclusion or transaction-blocking tools.
- Remove saved payment methods and mute promotional messages.
- Tell one trusted person what is happening.
- Contact confidential support if the urge or consequences feel difficult to manage alone.
Gambling Therapy provides global live support for people affected by gambling. If you are in emotional distress in Malaysia, Befrienders Kuala Lumpur lists 24-hour support at +603-7627 2929.
If there is immediate danger
If you or another person may be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services now or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not stay alone with the situation.
A limit is not a strategy for winning
Limits reduce potential harm; they do not improve the odds. Borrowed money, essential funds and credit should stay outside gambling entirely.
Last reviewed: 3 September 2026