Free games are best as a small extra in a full life. These habits help keep them there.
Plan the session
Decide how long you will play and set a timer. Ten or fifteen minutes is plenty for a few themes.
Put people first
If a friend calls or wants to meet, the game can wait. The best part of social games is the company, and real company is even better.
Evenings
- Stop at least an hour before bed.
- Lower the screen brightness after dark.
- Avoid playing when tired, upset or after drinking.
Signs to take a longer break
- You often play much longer than you planned.
- You feel restless or irritable when you cannot play.
- You hide how much time you spend on games.
- You have moved from free games to gambling with real stakes and find it hard to stop.
Independent organisations offer free, confidential support — see our Responsible Play page.