FoxyPulse writes about esports tournaments and, for readers aged 18 and over, about betting on them. Betting is entertainment that costs money. It is never a way to earn an income or recover losses.
Before you bet
- Age: you must be 18 or older, or older where local law requires it (21 in some US states and other places).
- Law: online betting is illegal or restricted in many countries, and many operators are licensed only for certain markets. Check the law where you live and the licence shown in the operator’s footer before you sign up.
- Not a bookmaker: FoxyPulse does not take bets and holds no gambling licence. We do not show partner offers where we know they are not available.
Keeping control
- Set a budget you can afford to lose and a time limit before you start.
- Use the deposit, loss and session limits that licensed operators offer.
- Never chase losses, and never bet with borrowed money or money meant for bills.
- Don’t bet when you are upset, under pressure or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Take breaks. If betting stops being fun, stop.
Warning signs
- Spending more money or time on betting than you planned.
- Hiding betting from family or friends, or feeling guilty about it.
- Betting to win back losses or to escape problems.
- Borrowing money or selling things to bet.
Self-exclusion and blocking tools
- Licensed operators must let you close your account or self-exclude for a set period.
- National schemes exist in several countries, for example GAMSTOP in Great Britain.
- Blocking software (for example Gamban or BetBlocker) can block gambling sites on your devices, and many banks let you block gambling payments.
Free, confidential help
- United Kingdom: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (24/7), BeGambleAware and GamCare.
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling helpline 1-800-GAMBLER, ncpgambling.org.
- Canada (Ontario): ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600.
- Australia: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858.
- Worldwide: Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, these services can help you too.