Responsible Gambling
Gambling should only ever be entertainment — and only for adults who can afford to lose what they stake. This page explains the tools available to you and where to get help if gambling is causing harm.
Need help now? Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 802 0133 — free, confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support organisations
GamCare
Free helplineThe UK's leading provider of free gambling support. Helpline available 24/7.
BeGambleAware
National charityNational strategy for education, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms.
GAMSTOP
Self-exclusion schemeRegister once to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online casinos simultaneously.
UK Gambling Commission
Official regulatorThe official regulator of gambling in Great Britain. Licence verification and complaints.
Safer gambling controls
Every UK-licensed casino is legally required to offer these tools. Find them in your account settings, usually under "Responsible Gambling" or "My Limits".
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps directly in your casino account. Every UKGC-licensed site must offer this. Limits take effect immediately when you reduce them.
Session Time Limits
Set a maximum session length. You will be notified when your time is up and the session will end. This is one of the most effective tools for managing mobile play.
Reality Checks
Pop-up reminders at set intervals showing how long you have been playing and your net position in the session.
Cool-Off Period
Take a break from gambling for a set period — typically 24 hours to 6 weeks. Your account is temporarily suspended and you cannot deposit or play.
Self-Exclusion
A longer-term option: exclude yourself from a specific casino for a minimum of 6 months. Or use GAMSTOP to exclude from all UKGC-licensed sites at once.
Account Closure
You can close your account permanently at any time. Casinos must process closure requests promptly and cannot apply a cooling-off period to prevent it.
Warning signs of problem gambling
Problem gambling often develops gradually. Recognising these signs early — in yourself or someone you know — is the first step to getting help.
- Gambling more than you planned or can afford
- Chasing losses to try to win money back
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Keeping gambling habits secret from family or friends
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Gambling interfering with work, study, or relationships
- Using gambling to cope with stress, low mood, or boredom
If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out. GamCare offers free, confidential support with no judgment. Call 0808 802 0133 or chat online at gamcare.org.uk.
Self-exclusion with GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is a free service that lets you self-exclude from all UK-licensed online casinos and betting sites with a single registration. Exclusions last a minimum of 6 months, and you can choose 1 or 5 years.
Once registered, your details are shared with all UKGC-licensed operators, who are required by law to prevent you from gambling with them during your exclusion period.
GAMSTOP does not cover unlicensed overseas sites. If you are visiting such sites, please also contact GamCare for additional support.
Official UK regulator and safer gambling resources — direct links:
