Responsible Gambling
Safer gambling — tools and support
18+ only.Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. The house edge means that over time, losses are the expected outcome — any discussion of gambling that doesn't acknowledge this clearly is misleading you.
The UK market has some of the most comprehensive player protection requirements in the world, backed by the UK Gambling Commission. All licensed operators must offer a set of tools that give players genuine control over their activity. This page explains what those tools are and where to get help if gambling has become a problem.
Self-exclusion with GamStop
GamStop is the UK's national self-exclusion register. You register once, for free, at gamstop.co.uk, and you are blocked from all participating UKGC-licensed operators for a minimum of six months, up to five years. The exclusion cannot be reversed early — this is intentional. All UKGC-licensed casinos are required to participate. It does not cover unlicensed sites.
Visit GamStop →Deposit limits
Every UKGC-licensed operator must offer deposit limits that you can set on your account — daily, weekly or monthly. A limit takes effect immediately when reduced and can only be increased after a cooling-off period. This is a practical way to keep your spending within a budget you've decided in advance, rather than in the moment.
Reality checks and session reminders
UKGC-licensed operators are required to provide tools that notify you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. These reality checks are designed to interrupt automatic play behaviour and prompt a deliberate decision about whether to continue. You can set the frequency yourself.
Time-outs and temporary self-exclusion
If you want a break that's shorter than GamStop's minimum, most operators offer account time-outs from 24 hours up to several weeks. During a time-out, you cannot access your account. This is separate from GamStop and is managed directly with each operator.
Getting help — GamCare
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline: free, confidential, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 0808 8020 133. They also offer online chat and a forum. GamCare provides counselling referrals and practical support both for people who are gambling and for people concerned about someone else.
Visit GamCare →GambleAware — research and treatment referrals
GambleAware is an independent charity that funds research into gambling harms and commissions treatment services. Their website includes a self-assessment tool if you're unsure whether your gambling is becoming a problem, and they can direct you to treatment providers in your area.
Visit GambleAware →Questions to ask yourself
The following patterns are worth paying attention to: gambling with money you cannot afford to lose; chasing losses with larger bets; lying to people close to you about how much you gamble; finding it hard to stop when you planned to; gambling affecting your work, relationships or sleep. Any of these on their own doesn't mean you have a problem — but they are worth taking seriously.
Need help right now?
Call GamCare free on 0808 8020 133 — 24 hours, 7 days a week, completely confidential.