Responsible play: a quiet-evening review after your first week

When the seven-day lessons are done, or even before you begin, set aside one evening when you won't open the lobby. All you need is a notebook and last week's notes. Tonight you'll look at how much space play is taking in your life, and set money and time limits for the days ahead. This guide and the TK999 lobby are only for people aged 18 and over; if you are younger, stop here.

After my first week, how do I know I'm on the right track?

Open the notes you've kept since day four. Next to each deposit, write whether it was planned in advance or made on impulse. Then answer three questions honestly:

• Did I stay within what I planned to spend?
• Did I stop at the time I said I would?
• Did play push back any work, study or sleep?

If all three say "yes, I was in control", good. If even one wobbled, make next week's limit smaller, not bigger.

How much of my monthly budget can go to play?

We won't name an amount, because every household is different. One simple rule helps: first set aside rent, groceries, medicine, education, bills and savings. Of what's left, think of a small part as entertainment money, and play is only one piece of that. Write this figure in your notebook. Borrowed money, salary advances or money held for someone else never enter this calculation.

And remember, play is not a way to earn. Depositing extra to win back losses is exactly the mistake where big damage begins.

How do I stick to a time limit?

• Set a phone alarm before you open the lobby. When it rings, finish the current round and leave.
• Keep work hours, class hours and the hour before sleep free of play.
• Decide in advance which evenings of the week you'll play; keep the other days completely clear.
• Don't open the lobby when you're upset, angry or exhausted. That's when decisions go most wrong.

Which signs tell me I need a break?

If you notice any of these in yourself, stay away from the lobby for at least a few days:

• After a loss, you open the cashier again right away, telling yourself "just once more".
• You've gone past the limit in your notebook but don't feel like stopping.
• You're lying to someone or asking for loans to fund play.
• You're sleeping less and can't focus on daytime work.
• When asked, you understate how much you've played.

Where do I find limit or break settings in the lobby?

After logging in, check the profile or account section for settings such as a deposit limit, time reminders or a temporary break. Use whatever name the lobby shows; if you can't find it, ask live chat or request that your account be paused for a while. How to write that message is in the support lesson. For many people, another simple step is removing the app and bookmark from the phone for a while.

Finding it hard to stop is not a weakness. Talk openly to a family member or a trusted friend, and if needed, speak to a doctor or counsellor. The law where you live may restrict or ban online gaming; check it yourself before playing. This site does not give legal advice, and it is not the official site.

Questions about responsible play

For other questions, see the help page.

18+ only. Play is entertainment, not income. Never more than you can lose without it hurting your life.