Gambling as Entertainment, Not Escape
City88 takes responsible gambling seriously — not because we are required to, but because we genuinely care about the people who play on our platform. Whether you are following an EPL match on our sportsbook from Kuala Lumpur or playing a few rounds of live Baccarat in Penang after work, gambling at City88 should feel like exactly what it is: a leisure activity.
Gambling with real money carries inherent financial risk. It should never be used as a way to earn income, recover financial losses, or cope with personal difficulties. The moment gambling stops being enjoyable and starts feeling compulsive, stressful, or out of control, it is time to step back — and City88 provides the tools to help you do exactly that.
We have built a range of responsible gambling tools directly into the City88 platform — accessible through your Account settings at any time, without any need to contact support. These include deposit limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, and permanent self-exclusion. Our team is also trained to recognise and sensitively respond to signs of gambling-related distress.
City88's Core Responsible Gambling Principles
Take Control of Your Play
All responsible gambling tools are accessible directly from your City88 Account settings. No waiting, no approval required — just straightforward controls designed to keep you in charge.
Deposit Limits
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposit amount to cap your total spend. Once a limit is in place, it takes effect immediately. Increases to an existing limit are subject to a 7-day cooling period to prevent impulsive decisions.
Session Time Limits
Define how long you wish to play in a single session. Once your limit is reached, City88 will notify you and — if you choose — automatically log you out. This is a simple, effective way to prevent extended play without awareness.
Reality Checks
Enable periodic on-screen reminders that display how long you have been playing and how much you have wagered during your current session. Reality checks help maintain perspective during play, particularly on live casino tables.
Cooling-Off Period
If you need a short break, you can place your City88 Account into a cooling-off period for a defined duration (minimum 24 hours, maximum 6 weeks). During this time, you cannot log in or make deposits. The period cannot be shortened once set.
Self-Exclusion
If you feel you need a more serious break, you can permanently self-exclude from the City88 Platform. Self-exclusion requests are processed within 24 hours and are irrevocable for a minimum period of 6 months. During exclusion, you will be blocked from accessing your Account and removed from marketing lists.
Account Closure
If you decide you no longer wish to use City88, you may request permanent Account closure at any time. All verified funds will be returned to you following a standard review. Account closure for responsible gambling reasons is flagged to ensure you are not targeted by re-engagement campaigns.
How to Access These Tools: Log in to your City88 Account and navigate to Account Settings > Responsible Gambling. All tools listed above are available there. If you need assistance activating any of these tools, our 24/7 support team is available via live chat in English, Bahasa Melayu, and Chinese.
How City88 Protects Its Players
Strict Age Verification
City88 requires all new players to confirm they are 21 or above at registration. Account holders are subject to KYC verification, which may require submission of a Malaysian identity document (MyKad or Passport) to confirm age eligibility before withdrawals are processed.
Behaviour Monitoring
City88 uses automated monitoring to identify patterns of play that may indicate problem gambling — such as sudden large increases in deposit frequency, extended session lengths, or rapid escalation of bet sizes following a losing streak. Flagged accounts are reviewed by trained staff.
No Credit Facilities
City88 does not offer credit, loans, or any form of deferred payment to players. All gameplay must be funded by real money deposits from the player's own verified accounts. This policy protects players from gambling beyond their immediate financial means.
Responsible Marketing
City88's promotional communications are designed to entertain, not to target vulnerable individuals. We do not send bonus offers to players who are on cooling-off periods, self-exclusion lists, or who have indicated they are experiencing gambling difficulties.
Trained Support Team
Every member of City88's customer support team — available 24/7 in English, Bahasa Melayu, and Chinese — receives training in responsible gambling awareness. They are equipped to handle sensitive conversations with empathy and to direct players to appropriate tools and resources.
Transparent Information
City88 provides clear information about game rules, return-to-player (RTP) percentages, the odds of winning on all betting markets, and how the house edge operates. We believe informed players make better decisions — and that transparency is a form of player protection.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. It often develops gradually and is not always easy to recognise from the inside. The following are common warning signs that gambling may be becoming problematic. If you recognise several of these patterns in yourself or someone close to you, it is worth seeking support.
- Spending more money or time gambling than you originally intended
- Chasing losses — continuing to play in an attempt to win back money lost
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using savings to fund gambling
- Lying to family, friends, or employers about gambling habits or losses
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling
- Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or personal problems
- Unsuccessful repeated attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Experiencing guilt, shame, or regret after gambling sessions
Ask Yourself These Questions
This is not a clinical assessment — it is a personal reflection tool. If you answer "yes" to three or more of the following, consider speaking with City88 support or an independent helpline.
Have you ever gambled with money that was meant for essential expenses such as rent, food, or bills?
Have you felt the need to gamble with increasingly large amounts to get the same level of excitement?
Have you tried to cut down on gambling but found it difficult or impossible to follow through?
Has gambling caused conflict with your family, partner, or close friends in the past 12 months?
Do you feel a strong urge to gamble when you are stressed, bored, or emotionally overwhelmed?
Have you ever felt the need to hide your gambling activity from others in your life?
Remember: Recognising a potential problem is the first and most important step. City88's self-exclusion and deposit limit tools are available immediately in your Account settings. Help is also available 24/7 from our support team.
21+ Age Policy
Gambling on City88 is strictly restricted to individuals who are 21 years of age or older. This is not merely a platform rule — it reflects a fundamental commitment to protecting young people from the potential harms of gambling.
Our 21+ Policy in Practice
Every City88 registration requires the User to confirm they are 21 or above. This confirmation is followed by identity verification (KYC) before any withdrawal can be processed — a process that requires submission of a government-issued Malaysian identification document (MyKad, Passport, or Driver's Licence). Any Account found to belong to an underage user is immediately suspended and all associated funds are withheld pending investigation.
If you are a parent or guardian living in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Johor Bahru, Shah Alam, or anywhere across Malaysia, and you are concerned that a young person under your care may be accessing gambling platforms, we recommend the following practical steps:
- Use parental control software to restrict access to gambling websites on shared devices
- Keep online banking apps and payment platforms password-protected and separate from shared devices
- Speak openly with young people about the risks and realities of online gambling
- Contact City88 support immediately if you suspect a minor has registered an Account
Responsible Gambling FAQ
Talian Kasih: 15999 — Malaysia's 24-hour national welfare and counselling helpline. Free to call from any Malaysian number.
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur — Emotional support helpline providing non-judgmental listening for those experiencing distress.
GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) — International responsible gambling support organisation offering online chat, phone counselling, and self-help tools.
Gamblers Anonymous — A fellowship of men and women who share experience, strength, and hope in recovering from problem gambling.
Please note these are text-only references — contact details can be found by searching these organisation names directly.
Support Resources for Malaysian Players
You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. Early conversations about gambling habits can prevent problems from escalating. The resources below are confidential, non-judgmental, and free.
Talian Kasih
Malaysia's national welfare helpline, operated by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development. Available 24/7 for counselling, referrals, and welfare assistance.
15999 (Malaysia)Befrienders KL
Kuala Lumpur's confidential emotional support helpline. Provides listening and support for anyone experiencing distress, including gambling-related emotional difficulties.
Befrienders Kuala LumpurGamCare
International organisation providing free information, support, and counselling for anyone harmed by gambling. Online chat and phone support available. Well-established resource used globally.
gamcare.org.ukGamblers Anonymous
A global peer support fellowship for individuals recovering from compulsive gambling. The programme uses a 12-step approach and is supported by local groups and online meetings.
gamblersanonymous.orgCity88 Support: Our 24/7 support team can also help you activate responsible gambling tools, process self-exclusion requests, or simply talk through your concerns — contact us via live chat at any time. Email: [email protected] (plain text only).