Responsible Gaming

Gambling should be fun and entertaining. Learn how to stay in control and get help if you need it.

⚠️ Important: 18+ Only

You must be 18 or over to gamble in the UK. All UK-licensed betting sites and casinos verify your age before allowing you to place bets or play games.

If you are under 18, gambling is illegal and you should not attempt to access betting sites or casinos.

Setting Limits

All UKGC-licensed operators must provide tools to help you control your gambling. These limits can be set in your account settings:

  • Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month
  • Loss Limits: Limit how much you can lose in a set period
  • Session Time Limits: Set alerts or automatic logouts after a certain time
  • Spending Limits: Control how much you can wager on specific games or sports

Limits can usually be decreased immediately but require a cooling-off period (typically 24-48 hours) before they can be increased, helping prevent impulsive decisions.

Self-Exclusion with GamStop

GamStop is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites simultaneously. This is a powerful tool if you feel you need a break from gambling.

How it works:

  • Register at gamstop.co.uk
  • Choose an exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
  • Once registered, you cannot access any UK-licensed gambling sites
  • The exclusion cannot be reversed until the chosen period ends

GamStop is completely free and confidential. It's an important tool for anyone who feels gambling is becoming a problem.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling becomes a problem when it stops being fun and starts causing harm. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
  • Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back money
  • Lying to family or friends about gambling
  • Neglecting work, relationships, or responsibilities due to gambling
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
  • Feeling unable to stop or control your gambling

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's time to seek help.

Getting Help

Free, confidential help is available 24/7. You don't have to face problem gambling alone:

BeGambleAware

Free support and advice for anyone affected by problem gambling.

📞 0808 8020 133

begambleaware.org

GamCare

Free information, advice, and support for problem gambling.

📞 0808 8020 133

gamcare.org.uk

Gambling Therapy

Global service offering support and advice in multiple languages.

gamblingtherapy.org

Tips for Responsible Gambling

  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
  • Set a budget before you start and stick to it
  • Never chase losses - accept that losing is part of gambling
  • Take regular breaks and don't gamble when emotional
  • Don't gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Keep gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money
  • Use the tools available (limits, self-exclusion) if needed
  • Balance gambling with other activities and interests

Remember

Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being enjoyable or starts causing problems in your life, it's time to take action.

Help is always available, and there's no shame in asking for support. Taking control of your gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness.