Safer Gambling

Responsible gambling guidance

Gambling is legal entertainment for adults in the UK — and for most people it stays that way. But gambling can become harmful, and knowing where the line is and what support exists is important information regardless of where you currently sit.

18+

Online gambling in the UK is only permitted for people aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, please leave this site. If you are a parent, tools such as GAMSTOP and device-level parental controls can help prevent access by minors.

Signs that gambling may have become a problem

Problem gambling does not always look like what people expect. It is not always about losing large sums — it can develop quietly across months or years. Some patterns worth being aware of:

Spending more time or money than you planned

Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back what you lost

Keeping your gambling secret from people close to you

Gambling when you feel stressed, anxious, or low

Borrowing money or selling items to fund gambling

Neglecting work, relationships, or other responsibilities

Practical tools available to you

All UKGC-licensed operators are required to offer certain responsible gambling tools. You do not need to have a problem to use these — they are there for anyone who wants more control over their play.

Deposit limitsSet a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. Limits take effect immediately and cannot be raised instantly — reductions take effect straight away, increases require a cooling-off period.
Loss limitsCap how much you can lose over a set time period. Available at most licensed operators.
Session time limitsSet a maximum session length. The operator will notify you when your time is up.
Reality checksPop-up reminders at intervals showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent or won.
Self-exclusion via the operatorYou can self-exclude directly from the operator's responsible gambling settings. This blocks your account for a set period.
GAMSTOP national self-exclusionBlocks you from all UKGC-licensed platforms in a single registration — not just one site.

UK support organisations

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is a free UK self-exclusion scheme. Registering blocks you from all UKGC-licensed gambling websites and apps — all in one step. You choose the exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).

Self-exclude free at gamstop.co.uk →

GamCare

GamCare offers a free, confidential helpline, online chat, and counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling — including family members. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133.

Visit gamcare.org.uk →

GambleAware

GambleAware funds education, prevention, and treatment for gambling harms. Their website includes a self-assessment tool and directory of specialist treatment services across the UK.

Visit gambleaware.org →

UK Gambling Commission

The UKGC regulates all commercial gambling in Great Britain. You can verify any operator's licence status, report concerns, or read guidance on consumer rights in gambling on their website.

Visit gamblingcommission.gov.uk →