If you've opened this page, you're already asking the right question. Gambling works as entertainment when it stays within limits you've decided in advance – and stops working the moment it doesn't. We built Katanaspin with tools that let you stay in control, and this page explains what they do and where to turn when you need more help than a timer or a spending cap can give.
Why responsible gambling matters
Slots, live tables and sports bets are designed to be exciting. That excitement becomes a problem when it pushes aside other parts of your life – your sleep, your relationships, your ability to meet bills. Gambling should never feel like something you have to do. The moment it does, it's no longer entertainment.
The UK Gambling Commission requires every operator to provide safer gambling tools, and we take that seriously. You can set limits on how much you deposit, how much you wager, and how long you play – and if those limits aren't enough, you can close your account for a fixed period or permanently.
Behaviour that should worry you
These are the patterns that signal gambling has stopped being a choice:
- Chasing losses – playing longer or staking more to win back what you've lost.
- Gambling with money meant for rent, bills or food.
- Lying to family or friends about how much you're spending or how often you're playing.
- Borrowing money, using credit cards or taking out loans to fund your account.
- Missing work, social plans or sleep because you're gambling.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you're not playing.
If two or more of those describe you right now, it's worth pausing and speaking to someone outside the situation.
Self-assessment: questions worth asking yourself
Answer these honestly. They're not a diagnosis – they're a way to check whether gambling is still working for you or whether it's begun to work against you.
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape worry, boredom or stress?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win it back?
- Have you lied to people close to you about how much you gamble?
- Has gambling caused problems with your family, friends or work?
- Have you gambled money you couldn't afford to lose?
- Do you gamble until your last pound or euro is gone?
- Have you borrowed money or sold belongings to fund gambling?
Three or more "yes" answers suggest gambling may be causing harm. That doesn't make you weak – it makes you someone who needs support, and support exists.
Our deposit and time controls
We offer four tools you can activate from your account settings at any time. Once you set a limit, it takes effect immediately. Raising a limit requires a 24-hour cooling-off period; lowering one happens straight away.
| Tool | What it does | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Daily deposit limit | Caps the total you can deposit in any 24-hour period | Active for 24 hours, renewable |
| Weekly deposit limit | Caps the total you can deposit in any 168-hour period | Active for 168 hours, renewable |
| Monthly deposit limit | Caps the total you can deposit in any 720-hour period | Active for 720 hours, renewable |
| Wagering limit | Restricts the total amount you can stake across all games in a set period | You choose the period |
| Loss limit | Sets a ceiling on net losses over a chosen timeframe | You choose the timeframe |
| Self-exclusion | Closes your account for a fixed period or permanently | Minimum 6 months; permanent option available |
How to set a limit
Log in, go to your account settings, and select "Responsible Gambling" or "Limits". Choose the type of limit you want, enter the amount or timeframe, and confirm. The system will block any deposit or wager that would breach it.
Self-exclusion: what it means
Self-exclusion closes your account for a minimum of six months. During that period you cannot log in, deposit or place bets. You cannot reverse it – once you've requested self-exclusion, the account stays closed until the period expires. If you choose permanent self-exclusion, the closure is irreversible.
When the fixed period ends, your account does not reopen automatically. You must contact us to request reactivation, and we'll ask you to confirm you're ready to return.
Support organisations in the UK
Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day. These organisations exist to listen, not to judge.
GamCare
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, available 24/7). Also reachable at gamcare.org.uk for live chat and email support. GamCare offers one-to-one counselling, group therapy and a network of local services across England, Scotland and Wales.
BeGambleAware
Information, advice and direct links to treatment at begambleaware.org. Their online self-assessment tool takes five minutes and gives you a clear picture of where you stand.
GamStop
A free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for a period you choose – six months, one year, or five years. Register at gamstop.co.uk. Once active, you cannot gamble at any participating operator until the exclusion period ends.
Gordon Moody
Residential treatment and online therapy for people severely affected by gambling. Courses run from one to twelve weeks. More information at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software
Two tools can stop gambling sites loading on your devices:
- Gamban (gamban.com) – paid subscription, blocks tens of thousands of gambling sites and apps across all your devices.
- BetBlocker (betblocker.org) – free, open-source, works on desktop, mobile and tablet.
Both tools are harder to disable than browser-level blocks, which makes them more effective when willpower alone isn't enough.
Practical limits that work
Beyond the account tools we offer, these habits reduce the chance that gambling will escalate:
- Decide your budget before you log in. Treat it as the price of an evening out – money you're prepared to lose – and stop when it's gone.
- Set a timer. Two hours feels different from five. A phone alarm works.
- Never gamble on credit. If you're using a credit card, stop now and switch to a debit card with a balance you can afford to lose.
- Take regular breaks. Stand up, walk away from the screen, make a cup of tea. Continuous play dulls your awareness of time and money.
- Keep gambling separate from other parts of your life. If you're gambling to fill time, to avoid a difficult conversation, or because you're stressed, it's no longer entertainment.
- Talk to someone you trust. Keeping gambling secret makes it harder to recognise when it's become a problem.
Protecting minors
Access to this site is restricted to players aged 18 and over (18+). We verify every account before the first withdrawal, and we will close any account found to belong to someone under 18.
If you share a device with children or teenagers, install parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio. Both can block gambling sites and apps, and both let you set time limits for internet use.
Questions or concerns
For help with account limits, self-exclusion or any other safer gambling matter, contact our support team at [email protected]. We aim to respond within 48 hours.
This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+). Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it ever stops feeling that way, free and confidential support is available at BeGambleAware.org.
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