Gambling works as entertainment when it stays within your means and stops the moment it stops being fun. We built Katanaspin around that principle, and this page explains the practical tools we offer to help you keep it that way – alongside the free UK resources you can turn to when you need them.
Why responsible gambling matters
Slots, live dealer games and sports betting are designed to be enjoyable. They're not a way to make money, solve financial problems, or fill time when you're bored or stressed. The moment any form of gambling starts to feel like an obligation rather than a choice, or when you're chasing losses instead of playing for fun, it has stopped working the way it should.
We licence our service from the Curaçao Gaming Authority under reference number OGL/2024/1546/0828, and we take our duty to protect players seriously. That means offering you straightforward control tools, clear limits, and direct routes to help when things don't feel right.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
These behaviours are warning signs, not a diagnosis – but if you recognise two or more in yourself, it's worth taking a step back:
- Spending more than you can afford, or money set aside for bills, rent or groceries.
- Chasing losses – playing longer or betting more to try to win back what you've lost.
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you're spending.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you can't play.
- Neglecting work, relationships or responsibilities to gamble.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund play.
Questions worth asking yourself
A short self-check can help you see whether gambling is still entertainment or whether it's begun to take over. Answer honestly:
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, but found you couldn't?
- Do you feel the need to bet with increasing amounts to get the same level of excitement?
- Have you jeopardised a relationship, job or opportunity because of gambling?
- Do you gamble until your last pound is gone?
- Have you lied about your gambling to people close to you?
- Have you committed a crime – or considered it – to finance gambling?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
If you answered yes to three or more, we strongly recommend reaching out to one of the UK support organisations below.
Our control tools
We provide several account-level limits you can set yourself, without needing to contact support. Each one is designed to stop play automatically when a threshold is reached.
| Tool | What it does | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Daily deposit limit | Caps the total you can deposit in any 24-hour period | 24 hours |
| Weekly deposit limit | Caps the total you can deposit in any 168-hour period | 168 hours |
| Monthly deposit limit | Caps the total you can deposit in any 720-hour period | 720 hours |
| Wagering limit | Restricts the total amount you can stake, regardless of deposits | Set by you |
| Loss limit | Stops play when your net loss reaches a figure you choose | Set by you |
| Self-exclusion | Locks your account for a period you choose, or permanently | Your choice |
You can access these tools in your account settings. A deposit limit takes effect immediately; lifting or increasing one usually requires a cooling-off period to prevent impulsive decisions. Self-exclusion is immediate and cannot be reversed until the period you selected has fully elapsed.
Practical limits that work
Setting a limit is straightforward; choosing a realistic one takes a bit of thought. Here's what actually helps:
- Decide your entertainment budget before you deposit. This is money you can afford to lose – not your rent, not this week's shopping, not money you're hoping to turn into more money.
- Set a time limit alongside a money limit. Gambling stretches to fill the time you give it. Decide in advance how long a session should last, then stop when the timer goes off.
- Never chase losses. If you've lost what you allocated, the session is over. Depositing more to "win it back" is how small losses become large ones.
- Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen every 30–45 minutes. Continuous play makes it harder to notice how much time or money has gone.
- Don't gamble when you're upset, stressed or under the influence. Decisions made in these states are rarely good ones.
- Keep gambling separate from other activities. Don't play while working, watching the kids, or during family time. It deserves your full attention or none at all.
Where to get help in the UK
If gambling is causing you harm – financially, emotionally or in your relationships – free, confidential support is available right now. You don't need to hit rock bottom before reaching out, and you don't need to handle it alone.
National support organisations
GamCare offers free, confidential advice and emotional support through its National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24 hours, 7 days). You can also access live chat, email support and local face-to-face counselling through www.gamcare.org.uk.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice and direct referrals to treatment services. Visit www.begambleaware.org for self-assessment tools, guides for family members, and details of local support near you.
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites in one go. Register at www.gamstop.co.uk – the exclusion lasts for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and covers every operator signed up to the scheme.
Gordon Moody offers residential treatment programmes as well as online therapy for people seriously affected by gambling. Their services are free and confidential; find out more at www.gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software
If you need a hard stop across all devices, two free tools can help. Gamban (gamban.com) blocks access to gambling sites and apps on phones, tablets and computers; it cannot be uninstalled for the duration you choose. BetBlocker (betblocker.org) works the same way and is free across all platforms.
Protecting minors
Access to our site is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). We verify identity at the point of first withdrawal to ensure no one underage is playing. If you share a device with someone under 18, consider installing parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to block gambling sites entirely on that device.
Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harm, and early exposure increases the likelihood of problems later in life. If you're a parent or guardian, talk openly about gambling, model responsible behaviour, and monitor what your child can access online.
For questions about our responsible-gambling policies or the tools we offer, contact our team at [email protected]. For free, confidential support with gambling, visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Access to this site is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). We want your play to stay enjoyable – for free, confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org.