Responsible Gambling

Merkur Casino is dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable, and responsible gaming environment. We understand that for most of our players, gambling is a form of entertainment. However, we also recognise that for a small percentage of individuals, gambling can become problematic. Our commitment extends to preventing problem gambling, protecting vulnerable players, and ensuring all our services are delivered responsibly. We adhere strictly to the regulations set by our licensing authority, implementing tools and policies designed to support responsible play.

We believe that responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. While we provide the resources and support, players also have a role in maintaining control over their gaming habits. This page outlines the measures we have in place and offers guidance to help you manage your play effectively.

Problem gambling can manifest in various ways and affect individuals differently. It is important to be aware of the potential signs, both in yourself and in others. These signs are not always obvious, but recognising them early can help in seeking support. Some common indicators include:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford or intended.
• Feeling a need to be secretive about your gambling activities.
• Chasing losses, trying to win back money you have lost.
• Gambling affecting your relationships, work, or studies.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed after gambling.
• Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies due to gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently, even when not playing.

If you identify with several of these points, or if you are concerned about your gambling habits, we encourage you to use the tools available on Merkur Casino and consider seeking professional help.

Gambling should always be an enjoyable leisure activity. To ensure it remains so, consider the following principles for maintaining control:

• Gamble for entertainment, not as a source of income: View gambling as a form of recreation, similar to going to the cinema or playing a sport.
• Set a budget and stick to it: Decide how much money you can comfortably afford to lose before you start playing and do not exceed that amount.
• Set a time limit: Decide how long you will play and stop when that time is up, regardless of wins or losses.
• Never chase losses: Accept that losses are a part of gambling and do not try to win back money you have lost by gambling more.
• Balance gambling with other activities: Ensure gambling does not become your sole form of entertainment. Maintain a healthy balance with other hobbies and social activities.
• Avoid gambling when stressed or upset: Emotional states can impair judgment and lead to impulsive decisions.
• Do not gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs: These substances can also affect your judgment and control.

Merkur Casino provides various tools to help you adhere to these principles.

Merkur Casino offers robust tools to help you manage your spending and playing habits proactively. You can set personal limits on your account at any time. These limits are designed to help you control the amount of money you deposit, lose, or wager over specific periods.

• Deposit Limits: Restrict the total amount of money you can deposit into your account within a chosen timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Loss Limits: Control the maximum amount of real money you can lose within a set period (daily, weekly, or monthly). This limit applies to net losses, meaning stakes minus winnings.
• Wager Limits: Define the total amount you can wager over a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly).

You can adjust these limits through your account settings. Decreasing a limit takes effect immediately, helping you to quickly reduce your exposure. Increasing or revoking a limit will involve a cooling-off period, typically 24 hours or more, to allow for careful consideration before the change takes effect. This mechanism is in place to prevent impulsive decisions that might lead to increased gambling.

If you feel you need a short break from gambling, Merkur Casino provides Time-Out and Cool-Off options. These features allow you to temporarily restrict access to your account for a defined period without needing to self-exclude for a longer term.

• Time-Out: You can choose to take a break for periods ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks. During a Time-Out, you will not be able to log in, deposit, or play any games on Merkur Casino.
• Cool-Off Period: Similar to a Time-Out, this option allows you to pause your gambling activity for a specific duration.

Once you initiate a Time-Out or Cool-Off, it cannot be reversed until the chosen period has elapsed. This ensures that the break provides effective respite. Access to your account will automatically be restored once the period concludes.

For players who feel they need a more substantial break from gambling, or who are concerned about their gambling behaviour, Merkur Casino offers a comprehensive Self-Exclusion program. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily close your account for an extended period, preventing you from accessing our services.

• You can choose to self-exclude for periods of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years.
• During a self-exclusion period, you will be unable to log in, deposit, or play any games on Merkur Casino. We also take reasonable steps to prevent you from opening new accounts with us.
• We will remove your name from any marketing databases to ensure you do not receive promotional materials during your self-exclusion.
• Once a self-exclusion is activated, it cannot be reversed for any reason until the chosen period has fully expired.

To initiate a self-exclusion, please visit the Responsible Gaming section within your account settings or contact our customer support team. We encourage you to consider self-excluding from any other gambling sites you may use as well.

Merkur Casino is strictly committed to preventing underage gambling. Our services are intended solely for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or who have reached the legal age for gambling in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. We employ robust age verification procedures during the registration process and continuously monitor for any attempts by minors to access our platform.

• All new accounts undergo thorough age and identity verification checks.
• We reserve the right to request additional documentation to verify a player's age.
• Any account found to belong to a minor will be immediately closed, and any winnings will be forfeited.

We urge parents and guardians to take responsibility for preventing minors from accessing gambling sites. Consider using internet filtering software and maintaining the confidentiality of your account details. If you suspect a minor has accessed your Merkur Casino account, please contact us immediately.

To help you keep track of your playing time and spending, Merkur Casino provides Reality Checks. This feature allows you to set periodic reminders that will pop up during your gaming session.

• A Reality Check notification will appear on your screen at intervals you pre-select (e.g., every 30 minutes, 1 hour).
• This notification will inform you of the elapsed time since your session began and may also display your net winnings or losses during that period.
• You will then have the option to continue playing, review your account history, or end your session.

These reminders are designed to give you a clear overview of your activity, prompting you to take a break or stop playing if you have been online for an extended period. You can enable and customise your Reality Check settings in your account profile.

If you are unsure whether your gambling habits are becoming problematic, taking a self-assessment can be a helpful first step. This short questionnaire can provide insight into your behaviour and indicate whether you should consider making changes or seeking support. Please answer honestly.

• Have you ever neglected your work, studies, or family responsibilities due to gambling?
• Do you feel the need to bet increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement?
• Have you tried to control, cut back, or stop gambling, but failed?
• Do you become restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
• Do you gamble to escape from problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression?
• Have you ever lied to family members, friends, or others to conceal the extent of your gambling?
• Have you jeopardised or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling?
• Have you relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?

If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, it may indicate a potential gambling problem. We strongly recommend that you utilise the responsible gambling tools available on Merkur Casino, consider self-exclusion, and seek advice from professional support organisations.

If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available. These organisations are independent of this site and of any operator:

International support (any country)

• Gambling Therapy (free global online support in 30+ languages)
• GamCare, National Gambling Helpline · Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• Gamblers Anonymous (international 12-step fellowship, find local meetings)