Reality check
A safer-gambling tool that interrupts play after a set time to show how long you've been playing and how much you've won or lost, so you can decide whether to carry on.
What you'll see
A pop-up appears over the game after the interval you've chosen, often every 30 or 60 minutes. It usually shows how long the session has lasted and your net result, with buttons to keep playing, view your history or log out. Some sites pause the game until you respond.
Why it works
Time is hard to judge during slot and live casino play. Rounds are quick, there are few natural breaks, and wins and losses blur together. A reality check gives you a moment to step out of that. It's a small interruption, but often enough to stop "one more spin" from turning into another hour.
How to set one
- Look in your account settings under responsible gambling, safer gambling or player protection.
- Pick an interval shorter than you think you need. You can always dismiss it.
- If the site only offers a reminder by contacting support, ask for one in writing.
Rules vary. Some regulators require operators to offer reality checks, and in some markets they're on by default. Many internationally licensed casinos don't offer them, and their responsible-gaming page may only list outside help organisations. That's worth knowing before you sign up.
Use it with other limits
A reality check tells you what's happening, while a deposit limit or time-out stops it. They work best together. Set a deposit limit before your first deposit, use reality checks to keep track during play, and take a time-out or self-exclusion if the checks keep showing you sessions you didn't plan.
Related
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Set limits before you play, and see our responsible gambling guide if it stops being fun.