Gambling should be something you choose to spend a limited amount of money and time on, the way you might spend on a night out. When it stops feeling like that, it's time to pause. This page sets out the warning signs, the tools every UK casino must give you and where to find free, confidential help.
Signs that gambling is becoming a problem
- Spending more money or time than you planned, more often.
- Chasing losses, or gambling to win back money you need.
- Borrowing, using savings or missing bills to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from people close to you.
- Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you try to cut down.
- Gambling to escape problems or difficult feelings.
If any of these sound familiar, talk to someone. Problems are easier to deal with early.
Tools at every UK-licensed casino
Deposit limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising one involves a cooling-off period.
Reality checks and session reminders
Pop-up reminders tell you how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost.
Time-outs
Block your account for a short period, from 24 hours up to six weeks.
Self-exclusion
Close your account with one operator for at least six months. During that time it must not market to you or let you open a new account.
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is free and lets you self-exclude from every online gambling business licensed in Great Britain at once, for six months, one year or five years.
Other practical steps
- Switch on the gambling block offered by many UK banks and card issuers.
- Install blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker on your devices.
- Unsubscribe from gambling marketing and turn off notifications.
- Keep gambling money separate and never use money meant for bills.
Free, confidential support
- National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, or live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
- BeGambleAware: information and self-assessment tools at begambleaware.org.
- Gambling Therapy: online support in several languages at gamblingtherapy.org.
- NHS: specialist gambling clinics across England; search "NHS gambling support" for referral details.
- GamAnon: support for family and friends of people affected by gambling.
Under 18s
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in Great Britain. All casinos we list must verify age and identity before you can deposit or play. If children use your devices, consider parental controls or filtering software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio, and never share account details.
Our commitment
We don't list operators without an active UK licence, we never feature sites that advertise themselves as outside GAMSTOP, and we show safer-gambling information on every page. If you are trying to stop gambling, please don't use the links on this site. We are not affiliated with any of the organisations above.