Updated: August 31, 2026
Poker should be entertainment. It should never put your finances, health, relationships or wellbeing at risk.
Poker Type is an independent poker publication covering poker news, tournaments, players, creators, poker sites and the wider poker industry.
Poker Type does not operate an online poker room, casino, sportsbook or other gambling service, and we do not accept wagers or hold player funds.
Some Poker Type pages may contain links to third-party poker operators. Anyone choosing to play online poker should do so only where it is legal for them to participate and with money they can afford to lose.
Poker Involves Financial Risk
Poker is a game in which skill can influence long-term results, but money played at the tables is always at risk.
No player, strategy, training method or previous result can guarantee future winnings.
Set limits before playing and avoid treating poker as a solution to financial problems or a guaranteed way to make money.
Play Within Your Means
Responsible poker starts with controlling how much money and time you spend playing.
Players should:
- Only play with money they can afford to lose
- Set spending and playing-time limits
- Avoid chasing losses
- Avoid borrowing money to gamble
- Avoid playing when gambling is affecting their judgment or wellbeing
- Take regular breaks
- Never allow poker to interfere with essential expenses or financial commitments
Recognizing Problem Gambling
Gambling can become harmful when it stops being entertainment or becomes difficult to control.
Possible warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Repeatedly chasing losses
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Gambling to escape financial or personal problems
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, distressed or irritable because of gambling
- Neglecting work, education, relationships or other responsibilities
- Finding it difficult to stop despite wanting to
- Continuing to gamble despite negative financial or personal consequences
Experiencing one or more of these signs can be a reason to reconsider your gambling and seek independent support.
Taking a Break
If poker is no longer enjoyable, stepping away can help.
Online poker operators may provide responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, loss limits, playing-time reminders, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion.
The exact tools available depend on the operator and jurisdiction.
If you are concerned about your gambling, consider using the responsible gambling controls provided by the operator and seeking support from an independent gambling-support organization.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion allows someone to restrict their access to gambling for a specified period.
Individual poker operators may provide their own self-exclusion systems. Some jurisdictions also operate broader schemes covering multiple gambling companies.
If you believe you need to stop gambling, contact the relevant operator or an independent gambling-support organization for information about the options available where you live.
Responsible Gambling Support
Independent organizations provide confidential information and support to people concerned about their own gambling or somebody else’s.
United Kingdom
GamCare provides information, advice and support for people affected by gambling harms.
GambleAware provides information about gambling risks and routes to support and treatment in Great Britain.
The National Gambling Helpline provides free support in Great Britain and is available 24 hours a day.
United States
The National Council on Problem Gambling provides information and resources relating to problem gambling in the United States.
Canada
The Responsible Gambling Council provides information about safer gambling and gambling-related harm in Canada.
Support services and regulations can also vary between Canadian provinces.
International
Gamblers Anonymous provides information about meetings and support for people seeking help with gambling problems in numerous countries.
Visitors outside the regions listed above should consult appropriate gambling-support services in their country or jurisdiction.
Gambling Age and Local Laws
Poker Type is intended for adults.
You must meet the legal gambling age applicable in your location before participating in real-money poker or other gambling.
The minimum legal age varies between countries and, in some jurisdictions, between individual states or provinces.
It is the player’s responsibility to determine whether online poker is legal and permitted where they are located.
Poker Site Links
Poker Type may review, compare or link to third-party online poker sites.
The presence of a poker operator on Poker Type does not remove the player’s responsibility to check that the operator can legally accept players from their location.
Some links to poker sites may be affiliate links through which Poker Type can receive compensation following qualifying activity.
Commercial relationships do not change our commitment to responsible gambling. Further information is available in our Affiliate Disclosure and Editorial Policy.
If You Are Concerned About Your Gambling
If gambling is causing financial, emotional or personal problems, stop gambling and seek appropriate support.
Poker Type provides the links above for informational purposes but is not a gambling treatment, counseling or healthcare provider.
For questions about Poker Type or this page, visit our Contact page.