When to stop

1. Financial signals

Achieving stop loss

If you lost a predetermined part of the budget (usually 30-40% of the session amount) - the moment to interrupt the game and accept the loss.

Bank limit violation

When your account or card approaches the minimum level required to pay for mandatory expenses (bills, food, rent).

Frequent "catching up"

Attempts to increase bets after a series of losses lead to an avalanche-like increase in losses - a signal to stop.

2. Time signals

Scheduled Time Out

You decided in advance: no more than 30-60 minutes in one session. The timer went off - you're out.

Reaching the daily limit

If you have allocated yourself 2-3 hours of bets a day, after exhausting them, urgently switch to other things.

Late time of day

Playing after 21-22 hours reduces concentration: stopping until the next morning is a safety rule.

3. Emotional cues

Fatigue and distraction

Headaches, dry eyes, yawning or inability to concentrate say that cognitive resource is exhausted.

Irritability and impatience

If minor delays or bad backs cause severe stress, it's time to pause.

Euphoria after a big win

Lifting feelings can deceive the mind - stop, record a profit and go out.

4. Behavioral cues

Ignoring reminders and timers

When you turn off notifications and keep playing, control slips away.

Stealth and deception

If you hide, play secretly from loved ones or erase history, addiction is gaining strength.

Inability to move away from the screen

You "stick" and forget about work, food and household chores - a critical signal.

5. Practical rules for "stopping"

1. Stop loss and break profit

Determine in advance the maximum losses and target profit per session.

2. Pause 10 timer

Before each new bet, include a 10-minute break to gauge the desire to continue.

3. Player Diary

Record key points: start, results, fatigue signals, emotions - it disciplines.

6. Psychological techniques

Visualization of consequences

Imagine how you'll feel after a big loss or a sleepless night betting.

Alternative anchors

The "loading pleasure" plan: a cup of tea, a walk, a call to a friend - to switch.

Compliance awards

For each honestly completed session without exceeding the limits, reward yourself - a book, a film, a walk.

7. When you need help

Recurring over limits

More than 2-3 times a month you ignore your own stop rules.

Obsessive thoughts and anxiety

If you are constantly thinking about betting and cannot stop - contact Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or local support groups.

Clear recognition of these signals and strict discipline will help you stop in time, maintain your budget and health, turning excitement into controlled entertainment, and not a source of problems.