When it stops being fun

We sort games by how much of an evening they want because time is the thing they really cost. Most people play these games for years without trouble. A few find that a game has started playing them.

Signs worth noticing

• Setting alarms to collect something, or waking to check a timer.
• Spending money you had not planned to, or hiding what you have spent.
• Feeling anxious when you cannot log in, rather than simply missing it.
• Skipping sleep, meals or people for a round.

Things that help

Pick a band on our home page that matches the week you actually have, not the week you wish you had. Turn off push notifications. Decide a monthly spend before you open a shop, if you spend at all. Take a fortnight off and see whether you miss the game or the habit.

Free support

• Game Quitters: resources for people who feel gaming has taken over, and for their families.
• Gambling Therapy: free, multilingual support for anyone worried about spending on games or gambling.
• Find a Helpline: verified free helplines by country.
• In the UK, GamCare runs a free helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Tall Candle does not review gambling products. If a game you found here has started to feel like one, we would like to know: tell us.