If gambling feels out of control, focus on the next few minutes rather than solving everything at once. Put distance between you and gambling, protect the money still available, and contact someone who can stay with you while you take the next steps.
Do these three things first
Start with actions that are simple and difficult to reverse in a moment of pressure.
- Stop access. Sign out of gambling accounts, close gambling apps and move away from the device you normally use. Do not make another deposit to try to recover money already lost.
- Protect your money. Move essential household money away from the account or payment method used for gambling. If possible, ask a trusted person to help you manage access temporarily.
- Tell someone. Call or message a person you trust. Be direct: say that gambling is causing harm and that you need help staying away from it today.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact local emergency assistance or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not remain alone with immediate danger.
A practical plan for the next hour
Use this checklist in order. You do not need to complete it perfectly; each barrier can make another gambling session less convenient.
| Time | Action | Practical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Right now | Sign out, close gambling apps and leave gambling-related chats or streams | Interrupt the immediate route back to gambling |
| Within 10 minutes | Contact a trusted person and explain what is happening | Bring another person into the situation |
| Within 20 minutes | Separate rent, food, transport and bill money from gambling funds | Reduce the risk to essential expenses |
| Within 30 minutes | Ask gambling businesses to exclude you and stop promotional contact | Create formal and practical access barriers |
| Within one hour | Call the RISE helpline at 1-888-991-4146 | Ask about support and the islandwide self-exclusion process |
Avoid replacing one gambling account with another. Opening a different account, changing devices or borrowing money keeps the cycle active instead of creating distance from it.
Stop access across every account
Self-exclusion is stronger when it covers every gambling account and venue you use, not only the account connected to the latest loss. Make a list from memory, bank records and payment notifications. Include accounts that seem inactive, because they may still offer an easy route back.
For each business, use its available support channel and state clearly that you want to be excluded from gambling. Ask for promotional messages to stop as well. Keep a note of the date, the account name and any confirmation received.
The VSEP information supplied by RISE describes an islandwide self-exclusion process and gives the RISE helpline as 1-888-991-4146. RISE Life Management executes Jamaica’s responsible gaming programme, according to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission. For broader information about controlling access, use the responsible gambling guide.
Self-exclusion is an access barrier, not a complete solution by itself. Combine it with money controls, support from another person and changes to routines that normally lead to gambling.
Protect money needed for daily life
Work out what must remain available for food, housing, electricity, transport, medicine and care responsibilities. Protect those amounts before dealing with gambling debts or trying to recover losses.
Remove saved payment details from gambling accounts where possible. Review recurring payments and recent transactions, and keep a written record of anything you do not recognise. Do not share passwords, security codes or full card details with a gambling business, a complaint forum or anyone offering to recover losses.
A trusted person may be able to help you plan spending or hold a payment card temporarily, but choose someone who will respect clear boundaries. Do not transfer control to a stranger or disclose banking credentials. Contact your bank or payment provider directly to ask what account controls are available; available controls may differ.
If a transaction or withdrawal is disputed, save statements, receipts and messages before changing or closing access. The payments guide explains how to organise a payment record without assuming what caused the problem.
Tell someone without minimising the problem
Secrecy can make it easier to return to gambling. Choose one person who is calm, reliable and unlikely to lend you money for further gambling. Tell them what you need rather than asking them to solve every consequence.
A simple message can be enough: “Gambling is causing me harm. I need help staying away from it today. Can you stay in contact while I block access and protect my money?”
Agree on a short plan for the rest of the day. This might include staying together, avoiding places associated with gambling, checking in at set times, or handing over a device while account restrictions are arranged. Be honest about debts and recent losses, but do not feel pressured to explain every detail immediately.
If the first person is dismissive, contact someone else. Support may come from a relative, friend, counsellor, health professional, faith leader or another trusted community contact.
Keep records and raise a complaint separately
Urgent harm reduction and a complaint are different tasks. Stop access and protect essential money first. Then organise the complaint when you can do so without placing another bet or deposit.
Create a timeline containing dates, transaction amounts, account identifiers, messages and the outcome you requested. Keep original files and screenshots. Describe what happened in neutral language and separate confirmed transactions from what you believe may have occurred.
The BG&LC responsible gaming code includes complaint-handling and exclusion practices for licensed sectors. That does not determine the outcome of an individual dispute. Use the complaints guide to prepare a clear record and identify appropriate next steps.
Consumer reports or response statistics on a complaint platform can provide context, but they do not establish whether a gambling business has Jamaican status. Do not treat report counts, ratings or replies as proof of local licensing, wrongdoing or a right to repayment.
Plan for tonight and tomorrow
The first barriers may weaken when stress, boredom or a payment notification brings gambling back to mind. Plan for those moments before they arrive.
For tonight, avoid alcohol or situations that usually lower your resistance to gambling. Mute gambling notifications, remove promotional emails and choose an activity that does not involve betting results. Keep contact with the person you told, especially around the time you would normally gamble.
Tomorrow, review whether every account was covered, whether essential money remains protected and whether further support is needed. Write down common triggers such as payday, sports events, arguments, loneliness or attempts to recover a loss. Beside each trigger, choose a different action: call someone, leave the location, take a walk, or wait before using money online.
A setback does not require another wager. Stop again, restore the barriers and tell your support person what happened. The immediate aim is not to win money back; it is to prevent further harm.
bglc.gov.jm · risejamaica.org · bglc.gov.jm · reclameaqui.com.br
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I feel like gambling right now?
Sign out, close the app or browser, move away from the device and contact someone you trust. Protect money needed for food, housing, bills and transport. Do not make another deposit to recover a loss.
What is the RISE helpline number?
The VSEP flyer gives the RISE helpline as 1-888-991-4146 and describes an islandwide self-exclusion process in Jamaica.
Should I exclude myself from only one gambling account?
Request exclusion from every gambling account and venue you use or may return to. Keep a record of each request and any confirmation. Combine exclusion with money controls and support from someone you trust.
What records should I keep for a complaint?
Keep a dated timeline, transaction records, account identifiers, messages, screenshots and the outcome you requested. Preserve original files and distinguish confirmed events from suspicions or assumptions.
Do online complaint reports prove that a business is licensed in Jamaica?
No. Consumer reports and response statistics can provide context, but they do not establish Jamaican status. Licensing or regulatory status requires the relevant official record.