Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to make money or solve money worries, and the result of any bet is random. If you want safer gambling help, or gambling is causing you worry, free and confidential support is available. The services are listed at the top of this page, and you can contact them without having to explain yourself first.
You do not need to be in crisis to use them. Many people call or chat online simply to talk through habits that are starting to bother them.
Warning signs and what to do
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you:
- spend more time or money than you planned
- chase losses by playing again to get money back
- use money meant for bills or rent to gamble
- hide your gambling or feel you have to
- feel anxious, irritable or low when you are not playing
- find that gambling is affecting work or relationships
Recognising one or two of these does not mean you have done something wrong. It is a good moment to pause. Step away from the account, talk to someone you trust and contact one of the services above. Setting a limit or taking a break now is easier than doing it later.
Tools that put you in control
Every UK-licensed operator must offer deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. You can set these in your account, and they apply to that site only. A limit can usually be lowered straight away, while raising it normally takes longer.
To exclude yourself from every UK-licensed online gambling site at once, register with GAMSTOP. It is free, and you choose how long the exclusion lasts.
Two further steps work outside the casino. Many banks let you block gambling payments from your account or card through their banking app, which adds a barrier that does not depend on a single site. Blocking software can also stop gambling sites and apps from loading on your phone, tablet or computer.
No single tool solves everything. They work better alongside support from people around you and the services listed above, including GamCare, which runs the National Gambling Helpline.
If someone close to you is affected
Choose a calm moment to raise it, and describe what you have noticed rather than blaming. Listen more than you advise. Family members and friends can also get support for themselves from the same services, and you do not need the person gambling to agree to talk to them. If the conversation does not go well the first time, you can try again later, and the services above can help you plan what to say.