Gambling should be entertainment with a budget — never a way to make money or solve problems. This page collects the tools and the free, confidential support available in Ireland, because it deserves more than a footer link.
Signs worth taking seriously
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you planned, repeatedly
- Chasing losses — depositing again to "win it back"
- Hiding gambling from people close to you
- Gambling with money needed for bills, rent or essentials
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down
If any of these feel familiar, that's not a verdict — it's a signal to use the tools below and consider talking to someone. Doing it early is easier.
Practical controls that work
- Revolut's gambling block — declines gambling payments automatically, with a 48-hour cooldown that makes it genuinely effective. How it works.
- Spending limits — a monthly cap on a dedicated virtual card sets a hard budget the moment you decide it, not in the moment of play.
- Casino-side tools — every licensed casino offers deposit limits, session reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion in account settings. Set the deposit limit on day one.
Free, confidential help
- GamblingCare.ie — free counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling, including family members: gamblingcare.ie
- Problem Gambling Ireland — information, resources and signposting: problemgambling.ie
- Gamblers Anonymous Ireland — peer support meetings nationwide: gamblersanonymous.ie
- Your GP or the HSE — gambling support is part of health services; your GP can refer you to local help.
Reaching out is confidential and doesn't commit you to anything. All of these services also support family and friends of people who gamble.