Responsible Gaming

Gambling always carries the risk of financial loss. No outcome is ever guaranteed, and it is important to approach betting with a clear head and realistic expectations.

1w encourages all players in Ireland to treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or recover previous losses. Staying in control of your habits protects both your finances and your emotional wellbeing.

Here are the core principles of responsible play:

• Set a budget before you play. Only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Use deposit and loss limits. Our tools allow you to cap how much you spend within a set period.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the platform periodically to maintain a healthy perspective.
• Keep track of your time. It is easy to lose track of how long you have been playing. Use session time reminders to stay aware.
• Never chase losses. Trying to win back money you have lost often leads to greater financial harm.
• Avoid gambling under stress. Emotional states can affect judgement and lead to impulsive decisions.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Betting should be one small part of a varied and fulfilling lifestyle.
• Understand the games you play. Knowing the odds and rules helps you make informed decisions.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually, making it difficult to identify in its early stages. Recognising the warning signs early is an important step towards seeking the right support.

Below are key indicators that your betting behaviour may have become a problem:

• You spend more money on gambling than you originally intended.
• You find it difficult to stop playing, even when you want to.
• You feel anxious, irritable, or restless when you are not gambling.
• You lie to friends or family about how much time or money you spend on betting.
• You use gambling as a way to escape from stress, worry, or low mood.
• You continue to gamble despite serious financial difficulties.
• You have borrowed money or sold possessions in order to fund your gambling.
• You neglect work, studies, or personal relationships because of time spent gambling.
• You need to bet larger amounts to feel the same level of excitement.
• You have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that requires proper attention and professional support. If you recognise several of these signs in yourself, please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Addressing a gambling problem takes courage and commitment. There are practical steps you can take right now to regain control and protect your wellbeing.

Here are recommendations from 1w to help you manage and prevent problematic betting behaviour:

• Use self-exclusion tools. You can exclude yourself from the platform for a set period or indefinitely through your account settings.
• Set strict deposit limits. Placing a cap on how much you can deposit each day, week, or month reduces the risk of overspending.
• Activate reality checks. Enable on-screen notifications that remind you how long you have been playing.
• Take a cooling-off period. Request a temporary break from gambling if you feel your habits are becoming difficult to manage.
• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your concerns with a friend or family member can provide relief and accountability.
• Seek professional counselling. Therapists trained in addiction can provide structured, effective support tailored to your situation.
• Avoid gambling when emotionally vulnerable. Stress, loneliness, and low mood can increase impulsive betting. Identify your triggers and take steps to address them.
• Remove access to funds used for gambling. Consider using separate bank accounts or prepaid cards to limit how much is available for betting.
• Join a peer support group. Connecting with others who understand your experience can be a powerful part of recovery.
• Contact our support team. Our team can help you activate protective tools or discuss your options at any time.

You do not have to face a gambling problem on your own. A number of trusted organisations in Ireland provide free, confidential support to anyone affected by gambling addiction.

• Gamblers Anonymous Ireland – Free peer support meetings for people affected by gambling problems.
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.ie
• Problem Gambling Ireland – Dedicated support service offering counselling, information, and helpline access.
  Website: www.problemgambling.ie
• Extern Problem Gambling – Free and confidential counselling service for people affected by gambling in Ireland.
  Website: www.extern.org/problem-gambling
• HSE Mental Health Services – Ireland’s Health Service Executive offers pathways to addiction support and mental health care.
  Website: www.hse.ie
• GamCare – Provides information, advice, and free counselling for anyone affected by gambling harm.
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• Samaritans Ireland – Available 24 hours a day for anyone in emotional distress.
  Phone: 116 123 (free, any time)
  Website: www.samaritans.org

If you are concerned about your gambling habits, our support team is here to help. You can contact us at any time to activate account controls, request a self-exclusion, or simply talk through your options.

Here are the ways to reach the 1w support team in Ireland:

• Live Chat – Available directly on the website. Start a conversation instantly during operating hours.
• Email – Send a message to our support team and receive a response within 24 hours.
• Help Centre – Browse our dedicated responsible gaming section for guidance on account tools and protective settings.

All requests related to responsible gaming are handled with full confidentiality and without judgement.