RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
Gambling should stay under your control
Gambling is entertainment, not a way to solve financial difficulties. If gambling causes stress or you lose control, take a break and seek help.
BEFORE YOU PLAY
Set limits before playing, not during it
A clear money and time limit helps prevent decisions driven by losses, the anticipation of a win or a momentary emotion.
Set a fixed budget
Use only money you can lose without affecting bills, savings or everyday needs.
Set a time limit
Decide in advance how long you will play. Do not extend it because you want to win back losses.
Do not borrow to gamble
Borrowed money, credit and money set aside for bills do not belong in a gambling budget.
Use account limits
Set deposit, loss and time limits with the operator before you need them.
Do not chase losses
A larger stake does not undo an earlier loss. Stop when you reach your planned limit.
Treat a win as chance
No promotion, rating or gambling strategy guarantees profit or reduces the game’s randomness.
NOTICE THE SIGNS EARLY
When should you take a break immediately?
One sign is not a diagnosis, but recurring signs are sufficient reason to stop gambling and talk to someone.
You play longer or for larger amounts than you intended.
You try to recover lost money with new or larger bets.
You borrow to gamble or postpone other expenses and commitments.
You hide the time or money spent gambling from people close to you.
Gambling affects your sleep, work, studies, relationships or well-being.
Taking a break or stopping feels difficult even when you want to.
OFFICIAL GAMBLING RESTRICTION
When your own limits are not enough
Through the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, you can restrict participation in games of chance, sports betting or a classical lottery. Operators licensed in Estonia must not allow you to participate in the relevant type of gambling while the restriction is in force.
Open the gambling restriction guideHELP IS AVAILABLE
Start with one simple step
You do not need to wait until the situation becomes very serious to ask for help. You can also ask for advice if you are unsure whether gambling is a problem.
Estonian Gambling Addiction Counselling Centre
Assessment, psychological counselling and psychotherapy are free for those seeking help. People close to a player can also contact the centre.
See support optionsAssess your gambling habits
The counselling centre’s self-test helps identify risks. It does not replace a professional assessment, but may provide a reason to take further action.
Take the self-testImmediate danger
If your life or health, or someone else’s, is in immediate danger, call the emergency number 112.
Call 112FOR LOVED ONES
You can offer support without carrying everything yourself
A calm, specific conversation helps more than blame. Talk about observations rather than assumptions, and recommend professional help.
Choose a calm moment
Describe the changes you have noticed and why they worry you.
Protect shared finances
Keep bills, savings and shared commitments separate from gambling money. Do not take on new debt to conceal the problem.
Seek support for yourself too
The counselling centre also helps people close to a player. You do not have to wait until the player seeks help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Key points in brief
Does a high TÄRING rating mean low gambling risk?
No. The rating compares the offer’s value and conditions. It does not predict winnings or reduce randomness or addiction risk.
When should I stop gambling?
Stop immediately if you exceed your money or time limit, chase losses, or gambling starts to affect your responsibilities and well-being.
Can an official gambling restriction be cancelled early?
No. When setting the restriction, you choose a period of 6–36 months. It cannot be changed or cancelled before that period ends. A separate application is then required to remove it.
Does counselling cost money?
The Estonian Gambling Addiction Counselling Centre’s support is free for those seeking help. Details of its services and contacts are available on the centre’s official website.
Can loved ones ask for help too?
Yes. The counselling centre also advises people close to someone with a gambling problem.