Safer Gambling
Responsible Gambling
Gambling is not a way to make money. It carries financial risk, and for some people it causes serious harm. If that applies to you or someone you know, the resources below are practical and free.
Self-exclusion: GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the UK national self-exclusion register. You register once and are blocked from all UK Gambling Commission-licensed online operators simultaneously. Exclusion periods start at six months and go up to five years or indefinitely. Registration takes around five minutes.
Free support: GamCare
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are free from UK landlines and most mobiles. They also offer live chat on their website and a structured online self-help programme called GameChange.
Advice and treatment: GambleAware
GambleAware funds the National Gambling Treatment Service, which provides free specialist treatment for problem gambling. Their website has a self-assessment tool, advice for families affected by someone else's gambling, and direct referral paths to treatment services.
UKGC player protections
All UK-licensed operators are required by the UKGC to offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, reality checks and a cooling off period. These are in the “Safer Gambling” or “Responsible Gambling” section of your account at any licensed site. You do not need to justify setting them — operators cannot push back. If an operator is making it difficult to set limits or self-exclude, that is a UKGC breach and can be reported at gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
Signs gambling is becoming a problem
- Gambling with money needed for rent, bills or food
- Chasing losses — continuing to play to win back what you have lost
- Borrowing money or selling items to fund gambling
- Lying to friends or family about how much you gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed when not gambling
- Gambling taking priority over work, relationships or other commitments
If any of these describe your situation, GamCare (0808 8020 133) or GambleAware can help without judgment.