Reality checks are timed session reminders mandated by the UK Gambling Commission. Players set their preferred interval (commonly 30, 60 or 120 minutes) and receive a pop-up summarising session duration, total amount staked, total amount won, and net session result.
The player must acknowledge the reality check and choose to continue, log out, or set deposit/loss limits. Reality checks have been credited with reducing problem session length in UKGC research.
Example usage
- 60-minute reality check (default at most UKGC operators)
Related terms
- Deposit limit — A cap players can self-impose on how much they deposit per day, week or month.
- Responsible gambling — A framework of operator and player tools to keep gambling within healthy limits — deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion.
- Self-exclusion — A formal request to be blocked from a casino account for a defined period — irreversible until the period ends.
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) — The independent regulator of all commercial gambling in Great Britain, established under the Gambling Act 2005.