Stay safe, stay in control
Gambling should always be entertainment — never a way to make money or escape problems. These tools help you stay in control, and support is here whenever you need it.
Play for fun, not for profit
The house always has an edge over time. Treat any money you gamble as the cost of entertainment — like a cinema ticket — not an investment. Never gamble with rent, bills or borrowed money.
UK-licensed casinos must offer tools to help you stay in control. They are free, confidential and available the moment you need them. Using them is a sign of good judgement, not weakness.
Tools on every licensed site
Set these up before your first deposit.
Set limits first
Every UKGC-licensed casino lets you cap what you spend and how long you play. Set these before your first session — not after a loss.
Timeout or self-exclude
Short cool-offs and longer self-exclusion are available on request. Use them freely — they're there to protect you, not punish you.
GamStop
Self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites in one step, for a period you choose — from six months to five years.
Reality checks
Turn on in-session reminders so you always know how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
Loss limits
Some operators let you cap net losses over a day, week or month. Pair this with a deposit limit for stronger guardrails.
Take a break
Step away when play stops feeling fun. A short walk, a different activity, or a full day off can reset your perspective.
Warning signs to watch for
If any of these feel familiar, pause play and reach out. Early action makes recovery easier.
- Spending more than you planned or chasing losses
- Hiding gambling from friends or family
- Borrowing money or skipping bills to play
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Needing bigger bets to get the same buzz
Where to get support
These organisations are independent, free and confidential. You do not need to be in crisis to call.
- BeGambleAwarebegambleaware.org · 0808 8020 133Free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling.
- GamCaregamcare.org.uk · National Gambling HelplineCounselling, live chat and forums for players and families.
- GamStopgamstop.co.uk · self-exclusion schemeBlock yourself from all UK-licensed online gambling in one registration.
- Gamblers Anonymousgamblersanonymous.org.ukPeer support meetings across the UK, in person and online.
You must be 18 or over to gamble in the UK.