Responsible Gambling

Gambling involves risk

All forms of gambling — online slots, table games, sports betting — involve financial risk. The odds are designed so that the operator profits over time. Gambling should never be treated as a reliable way to make money, a solution to financial difficulties, or a way to recover previous losses.

For most people, gambling is an occasional form of entertainment with a set budget. Problems can develop gradually, sometimes without a person realising. Knowing the warning signs and where to get help can make a real difference.

Signs that gambling may be becoming a problem

• Spending more than you can afford on gambling
• Borrowing money or selling belongings to fund gambling
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
• Chasing losses — continuing to gamble to try to win back money you've lost
• Keeping gambling a secret from family or friends
• Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities because of gambling
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling

If any of these apply to you, speaking to a professional is a practical and confidential step. GamCare's helpline is free and available 24 hours a day.

Tools available at UK-licensed operators

UK-licensed gambling operators are required by the Gambling Commission to offer player protection tools. These are typically found in the responsible gambling or account settings section of any licensed site:

• Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit in a day, week, or month
• Loss limits — cap how much you can lose in a given period
• Session time limits — set a maximum time per playing session
• Reality checks — pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing
• Self-exclusion — temporarily or permanently block yourself from the account
• Cooling-off periods — pause your account for a set period

We check that these tools are accessible when reviewing operators. If you're finding it difficult to control your gambling, using these tools is a practical first step.

GAMSTOP — self-exclusion from all UK-licensed sites

GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme. When you register, you are excluded from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain simultaneously. You can choose an exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once set, the exclusion cannot be reversed before the period ends.

Registering with GAMSTOP is straightforward and takes a few minutes. Visit gamstop.co.uk.

Parental controls

If you are concerned about a young person accessing gambling content, most internet service providers and devices include parental control tools that can block gambling websites. The UKGC also maintains guidance on protecting young people from gambling harms.