You vs. You
Hey me, let's stick to our budget.
Set a budget and stick to it
Playing responsibly means knowing your limits. By setting a budget before you start and sticking to it ensures that gaming stays fun and stress‑free. A clear budget helps you spend only what you can afford to lose, keeping the experience enjoyable, balanced and firmly under your control.
GameSense can help!
Cost of Play
Slots can cost you. But how much?
Let's do the math.
Cost of Play Calculator
This represents the average cost of play. Actual results could be higher or lower. Dollar values have been rounded down.
Basic Assumptions
- 8% house advantage
- Bet 1 credit per line
- Play 1 hour per week
- Average speed of play - 12 spins per minute
1. Select Machine Cost
2. Number of Lines
-
Results
-
Total Bet
$0.10 -
Average Cost of Play Per Hour
$5.76 -
Average Cost of Play Per Year
$300.00
Set a Firm Limit Before You Play
- Decide how much money you can afford to lose — treat it like the cost of a night out.
- Keep gambling funds separate from essentials like rent, groceries, or bills.
Use Time Limits Alongside Money Limits
- Set a maximum amount of time you’ll spend gambling in one session.
- Pairing time limits with money limits reduces the risk of chasing losses.
Track Your Spending
- Keep a record of each session to see how quickly small bets add up.
- Many online platforms offer built‑in tools to monitor deposits and losses.
Avoid Chasing Losses
- Accept losses as part of the entertainment cost.
- Trying to “win back” money usually leads to overspending.
Walk Away When Limits Are Reached
- Once you hit your budget or time limit, stop playing — even if you’re ahead.
- This ensures gambling remains fun and doesn’t spill into financial stress.