Keep poker a game

Last updated: September 2026

18+ only. You must be at least 18 — or the legal gambling age where you live, if higher — to play poker for real money. PokerLevelUp is an educational website; we don’t operate games or accept wagers.

Set your limits before you play

• Money: decide a budget you can afford to lose — money not needed for bills, savings or family — and stick to it.
• Time: set a session length and a reminder. Take a break at least every hour.
• Losses: set a stop-loss for each session and each month. When you reach it, stop.
• Deposits: use deposit limits and cool-off tools offered by the app or club you play on.
• Never chase losses. Trying to win back money you’ve lost is one of the strongest warning signs.

Warning signs

It may be time to take a break or talk to someone if you:

• spend more money or time than you planned, or hide how much you play,
• borrow money, sell things or miss bills to play,
• feel anxious, irritable or low when you’re not playing,
• play to escape problems or to recover losses,
• find that family, work or study are suffering.

Self-exclusion and blocking tools

Self-exclusion lets you block yourself from gambling for a set period. Most licensed operators and many clubs offer it — look for “responsible gaming”, “self-exclusion” or “take a break” in your account settings, or ask the operator directly. Many countries also run national self-exclusion schemes (listed below). Free blocking software such as BetBlocker can stop gambling sites loading on your devices, and your bank may let you block gambling transactions.

Free, confidential support

Help is available 24/7 in many countries. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.