Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be enjoyable but it can also become a problem. This page is a short, practical guide to staying in control — plus links to the free, confidential UK services that can help if things go wrong.

Free, confidential UK support

• BeGambleAware — national helpline (0808 8020 133), online chat, treatment finder. Free and 24/7.
• GamCare — treatment, peer-led groups, an active forum, and live chat. Free and confidential.
• GAMSTOP — a single, free service that lets you self-exclude from every UK Gambling Commission-licensed online operator at once. The most effective practical tool for stopping.
• Gamblers Anonymous — mutual-support meetings (in-person and online).
• NHS gambling clinics — free specialist treatment via the National Gambling Treatment Service.

Practical habits that help

• Set a deposit limit before you bet, not after — every UKGC-licensed operator must offer this
• Track every bet over a month, not a session — short-run runs of luck can hide long-run losses
• Don't chase losses — increasing stakes after a losing streak is the single biggest predictor of harm
• Take regular breaks — set a session timer if your operator offers one (most do)
• Keep gambling for entertainment, not income — if you're betting to pay bills, stop and call BeGambleAware

Warning signs to watch for

You may have a problem if you find yourself:

• Betting more than you can comfortably afford
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund bets
• Hiding the amount you gamble from people who care about you
• Feeling restless or irritable when you can't bet
• Returning to win back losses, often increasing your stakes
• Bet-related sleep loss, anxiety, or low mood

Recognising any of these is a good time to take a break and talk to someone. BeGambleAware's helpline is free and confidential — they will not judge.

Self-exclusion

GAMSTOP is a single sign-up that excludes you from every UKGC-licensed online gambling site for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It's free, fast, and reversible only after the period you choose. If gambling has stopped being fun, GAMSTOP is the most direct lever you can pull.

Our policy

We do not feature operators that target vulnerable customers or impose restrictive terms on winning bettors. Every page on this site that contains gambling advertising shows 18+ messaging and links to BeGambleAware. We do not personalise partner offers based on user behaviour, and we don't use retargeting.

For friends and family

If you're worried about someone else, BeGambleAware and GamCare both offer support for affected family and friends — including dedicated helplines, live chat, and treatment referrals. You don't have to wait for the gambler to ask for help.