Player protection
Player protection and help with gambling problems
You can get free, anonymous help with gambling problems from the BZgA telephone counselling service on 0800 1372700. To protect yourself, use limits, breaks and a nationwide self-exclusion through OASIS. Gambling can be addictive.
When gambling becomes a burden, help is at hand. Counselling centres offer support anonymously and free of charge, and the OASIS blocking system lets you protect yourself. Set yourself limits and take warning signs seriously.
What protection mechanisms are there?
The most important safeguards are limits, the nationwide self-exclusion through OASIS and deliberate breaks from play. They keep your betting within limits that are good for you.
- Limits: deposit and stake limits help you stay on top of things. Our guide to loss and deposit limits shows you how to set them up.
- Self-exclusion (OASIS): a nationwide block on gambling. Our guide to self-exclusion explains how to apply.
- Breaks: take deliberate time-outs.
How do I recognise problematic playing behaviour?
Warning signs include feeling unable to stop, hiding your stakes and running short of money. When betting takes over everyday life or money runs out, that is a serious sign. For detailed signs and ways to get help, see our guide Recognising gambling addiction.
Help and counselling
Free, anonymous counselling is available from the telephone service run by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) on 0800 1372700. It is available nationwide and confidential. The nationwide OASIS blocking system also lets you block yourself from gambling. Sports betting is only allowed from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen), and gambling can be addictive.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get help with gambling problems?
Free, anonymous counselling is available from the BZgA telephone service on 0800 1372700, nationwide and confidential. The OASIS blocking system also lets you block yourself from gambling. Sports betting is only allowed from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen).
Is the counselling really anonymous and free?
Yes. Recognised gambling counselling services are normally free and, if you wish, anonymous. No one finds out about the counselling without your consent.
