Responsible gambling

Gambling can be enjoyable when it's done in moderation, with money you can afford to lose and clear limits in place. It is not a way to make money, and it does carry real risk. This page lists practical tools and free UK support services if you ever feel things are slipping.

Set limits before you play

Every UK-licensed casino is required to offer responsible-gambling tools. Most useful ones to set up first:

• Deposit limits — daily, weekly and monthly.
• Loss and wagering limits.
• Reality checks that pause the session at fixed intervals.
• Time-out periods (a short break of 24 hours up to six weeks).
• Self-exclusion (a longer cooling-off period of six months or more).

Signs to take seriously

• Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses.
• Hiding gambling from family or friends.
• Borrowing money to gamble or to recover losses.
• Feeling restless or low when you're not playing.
• Gambling interfering with work, sleep or relationships.

Free, confidential UK support

• UK Gambling Commission — Regulator.
• GAMSTOP — Self-exclusion.
• GamCare — Support.
• GambleAware — Information.
• National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare): 0808 8020 133, free and available 24/7.

Self-exclusion

GAMSTOP is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. A single registration applies across all licensed online operators in Great Britain for the period you choose (six months, one year or five years). It's a useful step if you want a hard stop rather than relying on individual site limits.

Age restriction

Online gambling in the UK is restricted to people aged 18 or over. Operators are required to verify age and identity before allowing real-money play.

If you're worried about someone else

GamCare runs a confidential helpline and online support for friends and family members affected by someone else's gambling. You don't need to be the person gambling to ask for help.