Responsible gambling

Recognise the risks

For most people gambling is entertainment, but for some it can quietly become a problem. Gambling addiction rarely develops overnight — so it's worth honestly reviewing your habits from time to time. Pay attention if you notice the following:

• You play with more money or for longer than you planned.

• You try to win back losses.

• You play to escape stress, anxiety or a bad mood.

• You hide your gambling from those close to you, or borrow money to play.

• You feel guilty after playing, but soon start again.

If you recognise yourself in several of these, it doesn't mean something is irreparably wrong — it's a good moment to set limits or take a break. Help with gambling addiction in Estonia is free and available.

Set your limits

The most effective responsible gambling tool is limits. Most licensed casinos let you set them directly in your account settings, and they take effect immediately:

• A deposit limit caps how much you can transfer to your account per day, week or month. It's the most important limit, because it stops spending before the money even reaches the game.

• A loss limit puts a ceiling on how much you can lose within a given period.

• A bet limit caps the size of a single stake.

• A time limit and play break force a pause or log you out for a set period.

A good rule of thumb: set your deposit limit lower than feels comfortable at first glance. You can tighten a limit immediately, but loosening one usually takes effect after a delay — that's designed to protect you, so a decision made in the heat of the moment can't undo the previous one.

Self-exclusion via HAMPI

If you feel a break isn't enough, you can officially exclude yourself from gambling. In Estonia the self-exclusion register is run by HAMPI — the gambling restrictions information system, overseen by the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA). Anyone entered in the register is not permitted to play Estonian-licensed games of chance — neither online nor in a gaming hall.

• The exclusion can be set for a fixed term (for example six months) or indefinitely.

• Self-exclusion applies at all Estonian licensed operators at once, not just at a single casino.

• The application can be submitted via the Tax and Customs Board; ending an indefinite exclusion involves a waiting period.

Self-exclusion via HAMPI is a strong and entirely ordinary step — it's designed to give control back to you, not to the casino.

External links lead to third-party sites. Always check current, official information directly at the source. If you need immediate help or are in crisis, call the emergency number 112. For mental health concerns you can also turn to your GP or a local counsellor.

How to help someone close to you

Gambling addiction doesn't only affect the player, but their family and friends too. If you notice someone close playing in secret, borrowing money to play, or becoming irritable and withdrawn because of it, start with a calm, blame-free conversation.

• Talk about specific observations, not judgements.

• Offer support in seeking help — for example setting limits or applying for HAMPI self-exclusion.

• Don't take over the player's debts or “solve” the situation for them in one go.

• Look after your own wellbeing too: a loved one's addiction is a burden, and in Estonia help with gambling addiction exists for family members as well.