Responsible Play

Know why you are playing

Play is at its best when it is a break from the day rather than an escape from it. If you find yourself reaching for the cards to avoid a worry, to fill a feeling of restlessness, or because stopping feels uncomfortable, take that as a signal worth listening to.

Set a length before you begin

Decide in advance how long a sitting will be — a set number of hands, or until the kettle boils. A timer on your phone does the job well. When it goes, finish the hand in front of you and close the tab.

Take a break

Stand up, look out of a window, drink a glass of water. Short pauses keep the game in proportion. If a break feels hard to take, a longer one is probably a good idea: a day, a week, or simply not coming back. Nothing here expires or needs your attention.

Watch for the warning signs

Losing track of time, playing late into the night, feeling irritable when you stop, or thinking about the game when you would rather be doing something else are all common early signs that a pastime is drifting. They are worth noticing in yourself and in the people around you.

Keep it away from younger readers

Heroufut is for adults. If you share a device with anyone under 18, close the site when you are finished, and consider the parental controls built into your browser or operating system.

Where to turn

If gaming or gambling of any kind is causing you concern, talk to someone you trust and look for a free, confidential support service in your own country — most regions have a national helpline or counselling service for exactly this. A local doctor can also point you towards help. You can always write to us at hello@heroufut.com and we will do our best to help you find the right place.