Responsible Gaming: 10 Ways to Stay in Control When Playing for Money
· 6 min read
A small stake can make a game of chess or Ludo more exciting. But even in skill games you can lose money, and for some people playing for money can become a problem. These ten habits help you keep gaming what it should be: fun.
1. Decide your budget before you play
Pick an amount you're comfortable losing, for the day or the week, and treat it as the cost of entertainment, like a movie ticket. When it's gone, you're done for the day.
2. Never play with money meant for something else
Rent, school fees, food, transport and savings are off limits. Never borrow or use loan apps to play.
3. Set deposit limits
On Arena254, go to Profile → Controls and set a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit. Lower limits take effect straight away. Raising or removing a limit only takes effect after 24 hours, which gives you time to change your mind.
4. Set a time limit too
Decide how long you'll play. Long sessions lead to tired decisions, and tired decisions lose games.
5. Don't chase losses
Doubling the stake to win back what you lost is the fastest way to lose more. Accept the loss, take a break and come back another day.
6. Play at your level
Challenge players near your rating. Taking on much stronger players for money is an expensive way to learn. Use free games to practise.
7. Take breaks
Step away after a few games, especially after a frustrating loss. On Arena254 you can take a break for 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days. During a break you can't deposit or play paid games, but you can always withdraw your balance.
8. Keep track of your results
Your full history is in Profile → Transactions. Looking at the real totals every week keeps you honest about wins and losses.
9. Don't play when you're upset, tired or drinking
Emotions and alcohol lead to poor decisions and bigger stakes than you planned.
10. Talk to someone
If gaming is affecting your money, mood, work or relationships, tell someone you trust, or contact one of the free services below.
Warning signs to watch for
You may need to step back if you:
- spend more money or time than you planned, again and again;
- deposit straight after losing to try to win it back;
- hide how much you play from people close to you;
- borrow money or skip bills to keep playing;
- feel anxious or irritable when you can't play.
Self-exclusion
If playing for money has stopped being fun, you can self-exclude for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years in Profile → Controls. It can't be shortened once it starts. You keep access to withdraw your balance, but you can't deposit or play for money.
Free help in Kenya
- Befrienders Kenya: +254 722 178 177
- NACADA helpline: 1192 (toll-free)
- Kenya Red Cross: 1199 (toll-free)
You can read our full Responsible Gaming policy, or contact our support team for help setting limits.
Gaming should be about the thrill of the game. Keep it that way.