Clubhouse is intended for adults aged 18+ in Ireland. Gambling should be an occasional form of entertainment, never a way to pay bills, manage stress or recover money that has already been lost.
This guidance is designed to help you make informed choices before you play. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional advice. If gambling is causing worry, secrecy, debt or conflict, consider pausing and speaking with someone you trust.
A practical checklist
A few straightforward habits can make it easier to keep gambling within safe boundaries. Think about your plan before depositing or placing a bet, rather than deciding while emotions are running high.
- Set a money limit that you can comfortably afford to lose.
- Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
- Keep gambling separate from rent, food, bills and essential savings.
- Never chase losses or borrow money to continue playing.
- Avoid gambling when upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or trying to escape a problem.
- Review your activity and use available limits or time-outs.
Keep a simple record of deposits, withdrawals and time spent. If the figures surprise you, stop and reassess rather than increasing your budget.
When does play stop being fun?
Warning signs can include thinking about gambling throughout the day, hiding it from family, becoming irritable when you cannot play, spending more than planned or returning to win back losses. Using credit, missing payments or asking others for money are particularly serious signals.
If any of these signs feel familiar, take a complete break and remove easy access to gambling. Tell a trusted person what is happening, and seek qualified support. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.
Where can people in Ireland find help?
In Ireland, you can speak with your GP or contact the HSE for advice about appropriate health and support services. Organisations such as GamblingCare and Gambling Awareness Trust also provide information and guidance for people affected by gambling.
Support can also be helpful for partners, relatives and friends. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or attend an emergency department without delay.
Which tools can players use?
Ask the relevant operator about deposit, wagering, loss and time limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. These tools work best when chosen before a difficult moment, and self-exclusion should be treated as a firm decision rather than a temporary challenge.
You can also remove saved payment details, use banking controls that restrict gambling transactions where available, and install blocking software. Combining practical barriers with honest conversations and professional support can make a sustained break easier.