Loss limits are a powerful responsible gambling tool that caps how much money you can lose over a specific period. Unlike deposit limits, which control how much you can add to your account, loss limits track your actual losses—the difference between what you deposit and what you withdraw. When you reach your loss limit, the casino blocks further play until the period resets. This guide explains exactly how loss limits work, how to set them, and why they're essential for protecting your bankroll.
What Is a Loss Limit?
A loss limit is a self-imposed cap on your net losses within a chosen time frame—daily, weekly, or monthly. The casino calculates your losses by tracking deposits minus withdrawals and any winnings. Once your losses reach the limit you've set, you can no longer place bets until the time period resets. For example, if you set a $100 weekly loss limit and you've lost $100 by Thursday, the casino will block you from playing any games until the following week begins. Loss limits are mandatory at all UK-licensed casinos. You'll find them in your account settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Safer Gambling Tools."
How Loss Limits Work
Here's how loss limits function in practice: -
You set a limit: Choose a daily, weekly, or monthly loss cap based on what you can afford to lose. -
The casino tracks your losses: The system calculates your net position—total deposits and bets minus any withdrawals and winnings. -
Play stops at the limit: When your losses reach the cap, the casino blocks you from placing further bets. -
The limit resets automatically: After the time period ends, your loss limit resets and you can play again.
Example Scenario
You set a $200 monthly loss limit. Over the first two weeks, you deposit $300 and withdraw $150. Your net loss is $150. You deposit another $100 and lose it all. Your total loss is now $250, which exceeds your $200 limit. The casino blocks further play until the next month begins.
How Loss Limits Differ from Deposit Limits
Both tools control your spending, but they work in different ways:
Deposit Limits
- Control how much money you can add to your account - Don't account for winnings or withdrawals - Useful for preventing overspending at the start
Loss Limits
- Control how much you can actually lose - Account for deposits, withdrawals, and winnings - More accurate reflection of your financial risk
Which is better? Ideally, you should use both. Deposit limits prevent you from putting too much money at risk, while loss limits protect you from losing more than you can afford.
Types of Loss Limits
Most casinos offer three types:
Daily Loss Limit
Resets every 24 hours. Best for players who gamble regularly and want tight daily control over their losses.
Weekly Loss Limit
Resets every 7 days. Good for players who gamble a few times a week and prefer weekly budget management.
Monthly Loss Limit
Resets every 30 or 31 days. Ideal for players who gamble less frequently and want a broader loss cap. You can set multiple loss limits simultaneously. For example, a $50 daily limit, a $150 weekly limit, and a $400 monthly limit. The first limit you hit will be enforced.
How to Set a Loss Limit
Setting a loss limit is straightforward: - Log into your casino account - Go to "Account Settings" or "Responsible Gambling" - Find the "Loss Limits" option - Choose your limit type (daily, weekly, or monthly) - Enter the maximum amount you're willing to lose - Confirm your choice - The limit takes effect immediately Some casinos may send a confirmation email or require additional verification before the limit is active.
Can You Change or Remove a Loss Limit?
Yes, but there are important restrictions designed to protect you:
Decreasing a limit: Takes effect immediately. If you realize your current limit is too high, you can lower it right away.
Increasing a limit: Requires a cooling-off period of 24 to 72 hours. You'll submit the request, but the new limit won't activate until after the delay. This prevents impulsive decisions during a losing streak.
Removing a limit: Also requires a cooling-off period, similar to increasing a limit. The delay is intentional. It gives you time to step back and reconsider whether increasing your limit is truly a good idea or if you're just chasing losses.
Why Loss Limits Are Essential
Even experienced players benefit from loss limits. Here's why they're worth setting: -
Stops chasing losses: Once you hit your limit, you're forced to stop instead of trying to win back what you've lost. -
Protects your bankroll: You can't lose more than you've decided is acceptable, no matter how tempting it is to keep playing. -
Reduces emotional gambling: When you're frustrated or desperate to recover losses, the limit steps in and prevents bad decisions. -
Works automatically: Once set, it requires no willpower or discipline on your part—the casino enforces it. -
Creates clear boundaries: You know exactly how much you can afford to lose, which makes gambling less stressful. Loss limits are particularly useful during losing streaks. It's easy to convince yourself that the next bet will turn things around, but the limit forces you to stop before the damage gets worse.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Setting limits too high: If your limit is close to your entire budget, it won't offer meaningful protection. Start conservative. -
Not using all three types: Consider setting daily, weekly, and monthly limits to cover different scenarios. -
Ignoring wins: Some players forget that loss limits account for net losses, not just deposits. If you win, your effective loss limit adjusts. -
Requesting increases impulsively: Don't raise your limit during a losing streak. Wait at least 24 hours and reassess. -
Using multiple casinos to bypass limits: This defeats the purpose and increases your overall risk.
What to Do If You Frequently Hit Your Limits
If you consistently reach your loss limits and feel frustrated or tempted to increase them, it may be a sign that gambling is becoming a problem. Consider these steps: -
Review your limits: Are they realistic based on your income and budget? -
Use additional tools: Combine loss limits with session time limits, reality checks, or cooling-off periods. -
Take a break: Consider a temporary self-exclusion to reset your relationship with gambling. -
Seek support: Organizations like GamCare and BeGambleAware offer free, confidential help. Hitting your limit isn't a failure—it's proof the tool is working. But if it's happening regularly, it's worth taking a closer look at your gambling habits.
How Casinos Calculate Losses
Different casinos may calculate losses slightly differently, but the general formula is:
Net Loss = (Total Deposits + Total Bets) - (Total Withdrawals + Total Winnings)Some casinos track only deposits and withdrawals, while others include bets and winnings in real time. Check your casino's terms to understand exactly how they calculate your losses.
Loss Limits vs. Reality Checks
Loss limits and reality checks serve different purposes: -
Loss limits stop you from losing more than a set amount -
Reality checks remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent Both tools work well together. Reality checks give you regular prompts to assess your session, while loss limits enforce a hard cap on your losses.