Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity, but for some people it becomes harmful. This page explains how to recognise when gambling is becoming a problem, and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

Signs That Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem

Problem gambling does not always look like the dramatic situations portrayed in films. It often develops gradually, and many people do not realise they have a problem until it has significantly affected their life. The following signs are worth paying attention to:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended
• Chasing losses by placing larger or more frequent bets to try to recover money
• Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed when you are not gambling
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you have lost
• Borrowing money, using credit cards, or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Gambling interfering with work, study, or family responsibilities
• Using gambling as a way to escape stress, depression, or difficult emotions
• Repeatedly trying and failing to cut down or stop gambling
• Thinking about gambling constantly when you are not doing it

If any of these descriptions feel familiar, the resources below can help.

Setting Limits Before You Play

The most effective way to keep gambling under control is to set limits before you start, not while you are playing. When you are in the middle of a session, your judgement is compromised. Setting firm limits in advance removes the temptation to exceed them.

Practical limits to consider:

• Deposit limits - Most casinos, including many non-GamStop sites, allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits in your account settings. Set these to a figure you would be comfortable explaining to someone you trust.
• Loss limits - Some casinos allow you to set a maximum amount you can lose in a given period. Once you hit the limit, the site will stop allowing you to play until the period resets.
• Session time limits - You can set reminders or hard limits on how long each gambling session lasts. Taking regular breaks improves your awareness of how long and how much you have been playing.
• Reality checks - Many casinos offer pop-up reminders at regular intervals showing you how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost.

If a casino does not offer these tools, treat that as a warning sign about the operator's commitment to player welfare.

Self-Exclusion Options

GamStop

GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK. When you register with GamStop, all UK Gambling Commission-licensed operators are required to block your account and refuse to let you open new ones for the period you choose (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).

GamStop registration is permanent for the chosen period. You cannot simply cancel it if you change your mind. This is a feature, not a bug - it is designed to protect you during vulnerable moments.

It is important to understand that GamStop only covers UKGC-licensed casinos. Non-GamStop casinos, by definition, are not part of this scheme. If you have registered with GamStop, please think carefully before using the casinos reviewed on this site.

Self-Excluding Directly With Casinos

You can contact any casino's customer support and request a self-exclusion. A reputable operator will close your account immediately and refund any remaining balance. Keep a record of any correspondence confirming the exclusion.

Support Organisations

All of the following services are free and confidential:

• GamStop - Free national self-exclusion scheme covering all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites.
• GamCare - The leading provider of free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. Operates the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133, free, 24/7).
• BeGambleAware - Provides information and tools for safer gambling, and refers people to treatment and support services. Online chat available.
• Gambling Therapy - Free online support service available internationally, offering practical advice, forums, and live chat. Particularly useful for those who are not in the UK or who prefer online support.
• Gamblers Anonymous - Peer support group following the 12-step recovery programme. Meetings available across the UK.

When to Seek Help

There is no threshold you need to reach before seeking help. You do not need to have lost a significant sum of money, or have your life in disarray, before calling a helpline. If gambling is causing you any stress, anxiety, or financial worry, speaking to someone sooner rather than later is the right move.

The people who answer gambling helplines are trained, non-judgmental, and have usually heard every variation of the story. They are there to help, not to lecture.

Last updated: May 2026