Responsible Gambling

Rummy should stay a game. If you play for money anywhere, set limits before you start and stop when you reach them. Help is free and confidential in most countries, and you can use it before things feel serious.

Free practice and real money

The Rummy.Global game is free. There are no deposits, no purchases and no cash prizes. The money rummy section describes third-party sites where you can lose real money. Those sites set their own rules, limits and account controls.

Before you play for money

• Check you are of legal age where you live. You must be at least 18, and some places set a higher age.
• Check it is legal where you are. Rules change by country and region. See Is rummy legal?
• Set a money limit you can afford to lose, and a time limit. Decide both before you sit down.
• Treat the money as spent on entertainment. Rummy is not a way to earn income or pay bills.
• Do not chase losses. Raising stakes to win back money usually makes losses bigger.
• Avoid playing when you are upset, tired, or have been drinking.

Warning signs

Any of these is a reason to pause and talk to someone:

• You spend more money or time than you planned, often.
• You borrow money, sell things or skip bills to keep playing.
• You hide your play from family or friends.
• You feel restless or irritable when you try to stop or cut down.
• Playing is affecting your sleep, work, study or relationships.

Tools that help

• Account limits. Most licensed sites let you set deposit, loss and session limits. Set them when you open the account.
• Time out and self-exclusion. Most sites can lock your account for a period or permanently. Some countries also run national schemes that cover every licensed operator.
• Blocking software. BetBlocker is free and works on Android, Windows, Apple and Linux. Gamban is a paid blocker with a 7-day free trial.
• Bank controls. Many banks can block gambling payments on your card. Check your banking app or ask your bank.

Where to get help

These services are free and confidential. If your country is not listed, start with Gambling Therapy.

• Anywhere: Gambling Therapy. Free global online support and multilingual forums, run by Gordon Moody.
• United Kingdom: National Gambling Helpline. 0808 80 20 133, also WhatsApp and live chat, 24 hours a day.
• United States: NCPG National Problem Gambling Helpline. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, or chat online.
• Canada: Provincial and territorial helplines. Each province runs its own line. Ontario: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600.
• Australia: National Gambling Helpline. 1800 858 858, free and confidential, 24 hours a day.
• New Zealand: Gambling Helpline. 0800 654 655 or free text 8006, 24 hours a day.
• India: Tele MANAS. 14416, free 24-hour government mental health support, including addiction.

Gamblers Anonymous runs free in-person, online and telephone meetings. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

If someone else is gambling

Family and friends can get support too. Gam-Anon runs groups for people affected by someone else's gambling, and the services above also help family members. Talk calmly, avoid lending money, and look after your own finances.