Responsible gambling

The vast majority of people gamble for fun and without harm. But gambling carries risks, and recognising them is the first step to playing in a healthy way. This page gathers principles, warning signs and support resources.

Principles for safer play

• Set a budget and never bet what you can't afford to lose.
• Set time and deposit limits, and stick to them.
• Never chase losses by betting more.
• Don't play under the influence of alcohol, stress or strong emotions.
• Treat gambling as paid leisure, like going to the cinema, not as an investment.

Warning signs

Watch out if you (or someone close) show behaviours such as:

• Gambling more and more to feel the same excitement.
• Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Using money meant for bills or commitments to gamble.
• Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to stop.
• Letting gambling harm work, studies or relationships.

Tools casinos offer

Serious operators offer control features. Use them without hesitation:

• Deposit, bet and loss limits.
• Temporary time-out and session-time reminders.
• Self-exclusion for set periods or permanently.

Where to find help

If gambling has stopped being fun, seek support. You're not alone and help is available:

• SENDA (Chile's national drug and alcohol prevention service): Fono Drogas y Alcohol 1412, free, 24/7, also gives guidance on gambling addiction (senda.gob.cl).
• Salud Responde / Línea de la Vida: emotional and mental-health support by phone at 600 360 7777.
• Suicide prevention: dial *4141 from your mobile for support in a moment of crisis.
• Gamblers Anonymous Chile: 12-step support groups for people who want to stop gambling, with meetings in Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción.
• COSAM (community mental-health centres): contact the centre in your comuna for public mental-health care.

Taking care of yourself is the most important bet. Please play responsibly.