Responsible gambling at Boom
This page covers the practical tools available at Boom, how to recognise when gambling stops being entertainment, and where to find confidential support in the UK. Gambling should stay light – something you choose to do, not something you feel you have to.
Why this matters
Most people gamble without problems, but for some it can drift into something more serious. Betting with money you can't afford to lose, chasing losses, or feeling anxious when you're not playing are all signs that things have moved in the wrong direction. Addressing it early makes a real difference.
When gambling stops being fun
Watch for these warning signs:
- Gambling with money set aside for bills or groceries
- Spending more time or money than you planned
- Lying to friends or family about how much you've bet
- Borrowing or selling things to fund another session
- Feeling restless or irritable when you're not gambling
- Returning the next day to win back what you lost
If more than one of these applies, it's worth pausing and reassessing. Gambling should never feel like an obligation.
A few questions worth asking yourself
These aren't a diagnosis – they're prompts to help you check in honestly:
- Do you gamble to escape worry or boredom?
- Have you tried to stop or cut down, and found it harder than expected?
- Does gambling interfere with work, sleep or relationships?
- After losing, do you feel a strong urge to play again immediately?
- Have you lied about how much time or money you've spent?
- Do you feel guilty or anxious after a session?
More than a couple of "yes" answers suggests it's time to make a change – and you're not alone in that.
Control tools at Boom
The operator provides several mechanisms to help you stay in control. These can be set or adjusted in your account section:
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Cap the amount you can deposit over 24 hours, 1 week or 1 month |
| Wagering Limits | Set a maximum on how much you can wager in the same timeframes |
| Loss Limits | Define the most you're willing to lose per day, week or month |
| Reality Checks | Receive a reminder showing how long you've been playing |
| Time Out | Pause your account for one day, one week, one month (via account settings) or six weeks (contact support) |
| Self-Exclusion | Block access for 6 months or indefinitely. A time-limited exclusion can be lifted after a 24-hour cool-down; an indefinite one requires 7 days |
Setting limits that work
Start with an amount you can genuinely afford to lose – money that wouldn't be missed from your weekly budget. Treat it the same way you would a night out: once it's spent, you're done. If you find yourself wanting to raise a limit you set recently, that's a warning sign in itself.
Taking a break
A time out gives you distance without closing your account permanently. Use it when you notice you're gambling more than you intended, or when you feel the urge to chase losses. The six-week option through support is there for anyone who needs more than a month away.
Self-exclusion
This is the strongest tool available. It blocks your access completely for the period you choose. Boom requires a cool-down before lifting it – 24 hours for a timed exclusion, 7 days for an indefinite one – which gives you a chance to reconsider. If you're unsure which period to choose, opt for the longer one. You can always reopen later if things improve, but you can't undo a session played in a moment of poor judgement.
Practical tips for gambling sensibly
- Set a budget before you start – decide what you're willing to lose and stop when you reach it, win or lose.
- Never gamble to recover losses – chasing rarely works and usually makes things worse.
- Keep it separate from other money – don't use funds meant for rent, bills or savings.
- Take regular breaks – step away every 30 minutes, even if you're winning.
- Don't gamble under the influence – alcohol and stress both cloud judgement.
- Track your spending – check your account history weekly so you know exactly where you stand.
Where to find help in the UK
Confidential support is available at no cost, and you don't need to be in crisis to use it. These organisations exist to help at any stage:
GamCare offers one-to-one counselling, group support and an online forum. You can reach the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 – it's free, available 24/7, and staffed by trained advisers who understand what you're dealing with. Visit gamcare.org.uk for more.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice and a directory of local services. Their site at begambleaware.org includes a self-assessment tool and links to treatment options across the country.
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme. Register at gamstop.co.uk and you'll be blocked from all UK-licensed gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. It's straightforward, instant and covers every operator under UKGC regulation.
Gordon Moody provides residential and online treatment for people with serious gambling problems. Their programmes run for several weeks and include therapy, peer support and help rebuilding day-to-day routines. More at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software
If you want to prevent access to gambling sites on your devices, two free options are widely used:
- Gamban (gamban.com) – blocks tens of thousands of gambling sites and apps across phones, tablets and computers. It can't be easily bypassed and runs quietly in the background.
- BetBlocker (betblocker.org) – free, open-source software that works on multiple platforms. You choose the blocking period yourself, and it covers betting and casino sites.
Protecting minors
Access to gambling sites is restricted to those aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone younger, consider installing parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio. Both can filter gambling content and give you visibility over what's being accessed.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it stops feeling that way, the tools and support above are there to help you step back. For any questions about this page, write to [email protected].
This content is provided for information and marketing purposes. We are not a gambling operator, bookmaker or organiser of betting or gaming activity. This site is restricted to visitors aged 18 and over (18+). Free, confidential support with gambling is available at BeGambleAware.org.
Last updated:
Game Providers
