Betting should be something you choose to do with money you can afford to lose. If it stops feeling that way, the tools and help on this page are for you. SportsBetLink is for adults aged 18 and over.
Signs that betting is becoming a problem
- Betting more than you planned, or more than you can afford.
- Chasing losses with bigger or more frequent bets.
- Borrowing money or selling things to bet.
- Hiding how much you bet from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you are not betting.
Tools to use at your bookmaker
Deposit limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on what you can deposit.
Time-outs
Lock your account for a short period, from a day to several weeks.
Self-exclusion
Close your account for months or years. A licensed bookmaker should not reopen it early.
Licensed bookmakers usually offer these tools in the account settings. If you cannot find them, ask support, and treat a bookmaker without them as a warning sign.
Where to get help in Malaysia
These services are free and confidential. In an emergency, call 999.
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur
03-7627 2929
Emotional support by phone, 24 hours a day. Email sam@befrienders.org.my.
The numbers above are listed by Find A Helpline for Malaysia and on each organisation’s own site.
Help in other countries
- Help in Singapore, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
- Help in Thailand, including the 1300 and 1323 hotlines.
- Help in Vietnam, including two emotional support hotlines.
- Help in Indonesia, and the emergency number.
- Anywhere else: findahelpline.com lists services by country.
Blocking gambling sites
Blocking software on your phone and computer can stop access to betting sites, which helps during the first weeks after you stop. Many banks also let you block gambling transactions on your card; ask yours.
Sources
- Find A Helpline: gambling support in Malaysia. findahelpline.com
- Befrienders Kuala Lumpur: services. www.befrienders.org.my