Decide your limit and your finishing time before the first hand, and treat any money you stake as the price of an evening out rather than income. If gambling stops being fun, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit BeGambleAware.org. Both are free and confidential.
Decide what you’re happy to spend before you sit down, and treat it as the price of a night out. Take cash you can afford to lose, and set a time to leave as well as a limit to spend.
Take breaks, keep the drinks in check, and never chase a loss — the next hand doesn’t know what the last one did. If you’re not enjoying it, that’s the moment to stop.
Every venue in this guide is strictly for over-18s, and you’ll be asked for valid photo ID. If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, these free services can help, day or night: