Stay in control · 18+
Responsible gambling
Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, but it should always be entertainment you can afford — never a way to make money or chase a loss. Here are practical tools and the free UK services that can help.
Everyday tools
Simple habits that keep it safer
None of these stop the fun — they just keep you in charge of it. Most are built into licensed operators’ account settings.
Set limits before you play
Decide a deposit and time limit in advance and apply it in your account settings. Licensed UK operators are required to offer these controls.
Use reality checks
Turn on session reminders so you get a prompt after a set period. It’s an easy way to notice when a quick session has stretched on.
Take a time-out
Need a short break? A time-out locks you out for a chosen period — from 24 hours up to several weeks — without closing your account.
Self-exclude across UK sites
GAMSTOP lets you block yourself from all GAMSTOP-registered UK gambling sites for six months, one year or five years, in one step.
Free UK support
Organisations that can help
These are independent of any operator and of this site. Each link opens the official organisation directly.
Gambling CommissionThe statutory regulator for gambling in Great Britain. Check whether an operator holds a current licence.Open the public register →
GAMSTOPFree national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to UK-licensed gambling sites for your chosen period.Register to self-exclude →
GamCareConfidential advice, the National Gambling Helpline and live chat for anyone affected by gambling.Talk to an adviser →
GambleAwareIndependent guidance and a self-assessment tool to help you keep your gambling under review.Find free support →Spotting the warning signs
It might be time to take a break or seek support if you’re gambling more than you can afford, chasing losses, borrowing to play, hiding it from people close to you, or feeling anxious about it. None of that means anything is wrong with you — it just means help is worth a call.
Talk to someone today
The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133, with live chat on their website. You can also use GambleAware for free advice and a quick self-assessment, and GAMSTOP to self-exclude across UK-licensed sites.