Responsible Gambling

Thunderstruck is entertainment with a built-in cost, never a way to make money. You must be 18 or over to gamble online, and some countries set the age at 19, 20 or 21. If playing has stopped being fun, step away and use the free, confidential support listed below.

Why slot sessions cost more than they seem to

A slot’s return to player describes the long run across millions of spins, not your evening. Take a hypothetical game returning 96%. Spin it 400 times at 0.50 per spin and you have staked 200 in total, so the average cost of that session is 8, even if your balance went up and down along the way. Faster play, autoplay and higher stakes all raise the total staked, and the expected loss grows with it. Our page on how winning works explains why no betting pattern changes this.

Controls to switch on before you play

• Deposit limits per day, week or month, set in the account settings of most licensed casinos.
• Session reminders that show how long you have been playing and what you have won or lost.
• Cooling-off periods that lock the account for a set number of days.
• Self-exclusion for months or years. It normally covers only that one operator, so repeat it at every casino you use.
• Blocking software such as BetBlocker (free) or Gamban, which stops gambling sites loading on your devices.

Free demo play, covered on our free play page, is the safest way to see how the reels behave. Remember that bonus offers on the game bonus page come with wagering that increases how much you stake.

Signs it may be time to stop

Chasing losses, borrowing to play, hiding gambling from people close to you, or feeling restless when you try to cut down are common warning signs. Any one of them is a reason to talk to someone.

Free support services

• Gambling Therapy: free online support and chat in several languages, open to anyone worldwide.
• Gamblers Anonymous: peer meetings in many countries, in person and online.
• Australia: Gambling Help Online, 1800 858 858, open 24 hours.
• New Zealand: Gambling Helpline, 0800 654 655.

Family members and friends can use these services too. If you need help finding a local service, use our contact page.