Last updated: 14 October 2026
You never have to gamble or claim a bonus. Gambling can cause financial loss and harm. It is not a reliable source of income, a way to pay bills or a way to recover previous losses. Support is available for you and for people affected by someone else’s gambling.
If you want to stop now
- Close the gambling site or app and step away from the next deposit or bet.
- Use a time-out or self-exclusion, and ask the operator to stop promotional messages.
- Consider gambling blocks from your bank and blocking software on your devices.
- Speak with a support service or someone you trust. You do not have to wait until the situation becomes severe.
Self-exclusion and blocking tools have different coverage and are not guarantees. Check which operators, products and devices they cover. Do not try to bypass them.
Independent support by location
United States
The National Council on Problem Gambling connects people with local support. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), use online chat, or find help by state. Message and data rates may apply.
Norway
Hjelpelinjen offers help for gambling problems. Call 800 800 40 from Norway or use its online chat. Check its website for current opening hours.
United Kingdom
GamCare offers support through 0808 8020 133 and online channels. Its website lists current service coverage and local routes.
Elsewhere in Europe and worldwide
Gambling Therapy provides free practical advice and emotional support internationally, including multilingual online support. Your national health service or gambling regulator can also direct you to local treatment and self-exclusion options.
These are independent organisations, not BonusPearl services or affiliate recommendations. Contact details and service arrangements were checked on 14 October 2026; follow each organisation’s website for current hours, availability and privacy information.
Signs gambling may be causing harm
- Spending more time or money than intended, or repeatedly breaking limits.
- Chasing losses, borrowing, or using money needed for essentials.
- Hiding gambling or feeling unable to stop thinking about it.
- Gambling to escape distress, or continuing despite harm to sleep, work or relationships.
- Feeling pressure to keep playing to complete wagering or recover a deposit.
These signs are reasons to pause and seek support, not a diagnosis. A qualified professional or specialist service can help you consider your circumstances.
If you choose to gamble
Use only money you can afford to lose after essential costs. Set a firm money and time limit before starting, take breaks, and stop when the limit is reached. Never borrow to gamble or chase losses. Avoid gambling while distressed, impaired or under pressure.
A bonus should fit a limit you already set; it should not make you increase that limit. Wagering requirements, deadlines and cashout caps can encourage more play. You can leave a promotion unfinished rather than spend more. No strategy or limit makes gambling risk-free.
For families and friends
Support is available even if you are not the person gambling. You can seek advice about protecting household finances, setting boundaries and starting a conversation. Do not feel responsible for solving the problem alone or covering losses. A specialist service can help you choose a practical next step.
Age, location and our role
BonusPearl is intended for adults aged at least 18 and above the legal gambling age for the relevant product and location. Keep gambling accounts and payment access away from children. Do not use false details, a VPN or another person’s account to bypass restrictions.
BonusPearl is a comparison website. We cannot close a casino account, apply an operator’s self-exclusion, reverse a deposit or provide treatment. Contact the relevant operator for account controls and the independent services above for support. Commercial links and bonus offers are never a reason to ignore a decision to stop.