Is case opening gambling?
Yes. You pay money for a random result that is worth less than you paid on average. Every case opening site has a house edge, which is the share of all money it keeps over time. See house edge explained for how it works.
You must be 18 or older, or the legal gambling age where you live, to use these sites. Our case opening section is age-gated and blocked in some countries.
What are the warning signs?
- You spend more money or time than you planned.
- You open more cases to win back what you lost.
- You borrow money, sell things or use money meant for bills.
- You hide how much you play from friends or family.
- You feel stressed, low or angry when you cannot play.
If any of these sound familiar, it is a good time to talk to someone.
How can you keep it under control?
- Set a budget for the month before you start, and stop when it is gone.
- Never chase losses. A loss is the cost of the game, not a debt to win back.
- Use the deposit limits, cool-off and self-exclusion tools on any site you use.
- Take breaks, and do not play when you are upset or have been drinking.
- Try our free case simulator to see the real odds without spending anything.
Where can you get free help?
These services are free, confidential and independent from CSRated. We checked each link on 24 September 2026. Phone numbers can change, so use the number shown on the service's own site.
| Where you are | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Anywhere | Gambling Therapy (online support and forums, many languages) | gamblingtherapy.org |
| Anywhere | Gamblers Anonymous (meetings in person, online and by phone) | gamblersanonymous.org |
| United States | National Council on Problem Gambling helpline (call, text or chat) | ncpgambling.org/help-treatment |
| United Kingdom | GamCare (National Gambling Helpline) | gamcare.org.uk |
| United Kingdom | GambleAware (free help 24/7 and local services) | gambleaware.org |
| Australia | Gambling Help Online | gamblinghelponline.org.au |
| Canada | ConnexOntario (Ontario, free 24/7, 1-866-531-2600) | connexontario.ca |
Can you block gambling sites?
Yes. Blocking software can stop gambling sites loading on your devices. BetBlocker is free and works on phones, tablets and computers. Gamban is a paid app that does the same job. Many banks also let you block gambling payments in their app.
A note for parents
CS2 cases and skins are popular with players under 18. Steam's Family View lets you limit an account's access to the store, community and other features behind a PIN. Our case opening section is not meant for anyone under 18.