Consumer Protection
Responsible Gaming Guide
Gambling should never cause harm. This page provides guidance on healthy play habits, available tools, and where to find free, confidential support.
Warning signs to watch for
Gambling problems can develop gradually. Being aware of the warning signs is an important first step towards seeking help.
Spending beyond your means
Gambling with money intended for essential expenses such as rent, food, or bills is a significant warning sign.
Chasing losses
Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money already lost is a common sign of problematic gambling behaviour.
Impact on relationships
Hiding gambling activity from family or friends, or experiencing conflict over gambling, are serious indicators of harm.
Emotional dependence
Gambling to relieve stress, anxiety, or depression, or feeling restless and irritable when unable to gamble.
Inability to stop
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back, control, or stop gambling despite wanting to do so.
Borrowing to gamble
Taking out loans, borrowing money, or selling possessions to fund gambling activity.
Time management & healthy habits
If you choose to gamble, these practices can help you maintain control and keep it as a form of entertainment rather than a source of harm.
Set time limits before you start
Decide in advance how long you will play and use an alarm or timer. Most platforms offer session time reminders you can configure in account settings.
Set a strict budget
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits on your account and treat any losses as the cost of entertainment.
Track your spending regularly
Review your account transaction history regularly. Most UKGC-regulated platforms are required to provide accessible gambling history records.
Never chase losses
If you have lost your set amount, stop immediately. Attempting to win back losses is one of the most harmful gambling behaviours.
Take regular breaks
Step away from the screen frequently. Prolonged play sessions impair judgment and can lead to impulsive decision-making.
Talk to someone you trust
Discussing your gambling with a friend or family member can provide perspective and accountability.
Self-exclusion tools
Self-exclusion allows you to block yourself from gambling sites for a set period. It is a powerful tool for regaining control.
GamStop
GamStop is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GamStop blocks you from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
- Free to use, takes only minutes to register
- Covers all UKGC-licensed online operators
- Cannot be reversed before the chosen period ends
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Operator Self-Exclusion
In addition to GamStop, all UKGC-licensed platforms must offer self-exclusion directly through your account. You can typically find these options under Account Settings or Responsible Gambling.
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and wagering limits
- Session time limits and reality checks
- Account cooling-off periods
Contact the platform's customer support team to activate these features immediately.
External support organisations
The following organisations provide free, confidential support to anyone affected by gambling harm — whether you are a gambler or a concerned family member.
GamCare — National Gambling Helpline
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline and provides free information, advice, and support to anyone affected by gambling problems. Call 0808 8020 133 (free, 8am–midnight daily) or access their 24/7 LiveChat service at gamcare.org.uk. GamCare also offer structured counselling programmes and a dedicated Young People service.
GambleAware is a leading charity committed to reducing gambling-related harms. Their website offers self-assessment tools, treatment directories, and educational resources. They fund research and awareness campaigns and can connect individuals with appropriate treatment services across the UK.
Gordon Moody provides specialist residential and online treatment programmes for people with severe gambling disorders. They offer the most intensive level of gambling addiction treatment available in the UK, including residential rehabilitation and therapeutic communities. Their services are available to people who have not benefited from other forms of treatment.
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling disorder. Meetings are available throughout the UK. Their website includes a self-assessment questionnaire to help identify whether gambling may be a problem.