Safer Gambling Guide
Gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial difficulty. This guide provides information about gambling responsibly, recognising when gambling might be becoming a problem, and where to find help if you need it. Remember: you must be 18 or over to gamble in the UK.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or income level. It often develops gradually, and the signs may not always be obvious. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it may be time to seek support:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or having thoughts of self-harm related to gambling
Tools to Help You Stay in Control
UK-licensed gambling websites are required to offer tools that help you manage your gambling. These features can help you stay within your limits and take breaks when needed:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once you reach your limit, you cannot deposit more until the next period.
Loss Limits
Cap the amount you can lose within a specified timeframe. This helps prevent chasing losses during a losing streak.
Session Time Limits
Set a maximum duration for your gambling sessions. You will receive alerts when your time is approaching or has been reached.
Reality Checks
Receive periodic notifications showing how long you have been playing and your net wins or losses during the session.
Cooling-Off Periods
Take a short break from gambling (typically 24 hours to 6 weeks) without closing your account permanently.
Self-Exclusion
Exclude yourself from a gambling site for a longer period. GAMSTOP allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once.
Where to Get Help
If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else's, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
BeGambleAware
Provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. Their National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7.
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 | www.begambleaware.org →
GamCare
Offers counselling, treatment, and support through their helpline, online chat, and network of local services across the UK.
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 | www.gamcare.org.uk →
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion service that allows you to restrict your access to all UK-licensed online gambling sites for a chosen period.
www.gamstop.co.uk →
NHS
The NHS provides information about gambling addiction and can refer you to specialist treatment services through your GP.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support →
Advice for Friends and Family
If someone you care about has a gambling problem, it can be difficult to know how to help. Here are some suggestions:
- Talk to them calmly and without judgement—express concern for their wellbeing
- Encourage them to seek professional help from organisations like GamCare
- Do not pay off their gambling debts, as this may enable continued gambling
- Look after your own mental health—support is available for affected others too
GamCare and BeGambleAware both offer support services specifically for friends and family members of people with gambling problems.
Gambling is for Adults Only
You must be 18 years or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. It is illegal for gambling companies to accept bets from anyone under 18. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling websites or services.