This page sits alongside our review of Bonusstrike and looks specifically at responsible gambling – something we think matters more than any bonus figure. We're an independent information portal, not the operator, so nothing here reflects Bonusstrike's official policy; it's our own editorial guidance for anyone who plays there or anywhere else. Read it before you register, not after a rough session.
Gambling as entertainment, not income
Slots, table games and sports bets at Bonusstrike are built for entertainment. They are not a way to top up a wage or dig out of a financial hole, and no wagering requirement or free spins offer changes that. If a session starts feeling like a job rather than a bit of fun, that's the moment to stop and take stock.
When it stops being fun
Gambling tips over from a hobby into a problem gradually, not overnight. Common warning signs include:
- Chasing losses with bigger stakes to "win it back"
- Spending more time or money than you'd planned, repeatedly
- Borrowing, or using money set aside for bills, to keep playing
- Feeling irritable, anxious or secretive about your betting
- Lying to friends or family about how much you play or spend
Any one of these on its own isn't a diagnosis, but several together are worth taking seriously.
A short self-check
Ask yourself these honestly – no one else needs to see the answers:
- Have you tried to cut back and found it harder than expected?
- Do you gamble to escape stress, boredom or low mood?
- Have you missed work, sleep or time with family because of gambling?
- Do you feel the need to hide your spending from people close to you?
- Have you gambled with money meant for essentials?
- Do you feel restless or short-tempered when you try to stop?
Answering yes to two or more is a reasonable trigger to take a break and look at the support options below.
Limits you can set with the operator
Many gambling platforms let account holders set their own deposit caps, session reminders or a cooling-off period directly in account settings, and it's worth checking whether Bonusstrike offers the same before you deposit. Whatever tools are or aren't there, you don't have to rely on the operator alone – national self-exclusion and blocking tools below work independently of any single site, which matters if you play across more than one.
Setting your own boundaries
Even without operator-side tools, you can set a personal budget before logging in, decide a stop-loss figure in advance, and avoid depositing again "to chase" once that figure is hit. Treat 18+ age verification and any deposit limit you choose as non-negotiable, not a suggestion.
National help lines
Free, confidential support is available across the UK, independent of any operator:
- GamCare – gamcare.org.uk; National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
- BeGambleAware – begambleaware.org
- Gordon Moody – gordonmoody.org.uk, residential and online treatment programmes
- GamStop – gamstop.co.uk, free self-exclusion across UK-licensed sites
Blocking software
If self-exclusion alone isn't enough, device-level blocking software adds a further layer: Gamban and the free BetBlocker both stop gambling sites loading on a phone, tablet or computer, and they work across whichever platform you'd otherwise be tempted to open.
Talking to someone
None of this needs to be handled alone. A phone call to GamCare's helpline, a message to BeGambleAware, or simply telling a friend or family member can be the hardest step and the most useful one. If you share a device with a child, parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can help keep gambling sites out of reach – access to this page and to Bonusstrike itself is restricted to those aged 18+.
Questions about this page can be sent to [email protected]; we reply within a couple of days. Gambling should stay entertainment, not a chore.
This page is provided for information and marketing purposes only. We are not a casino operator, bookmaker or organiser of gambling of any kind. Access is restricted to those aged 18 and over (18+). If gambling stops feeling like fun, free and confidential support is available at BeGambleAware.org.