18+ · Gambling is only for adults · If you need support, help is free and confidential
Responsible gambling
Gambling should be an occasional form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape problems. This page covers practical tools and resources available to anyone in the UK.
Gambling is designed to make money for operators
All casino games have a built-in house edge. Over time, the operator expects to profit from your play. This is the mathematical reality, and no strategy, system, or promotional offer changes it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not being honest with you.
This does not mean gambling cannot be enjoyable — for many people it is, when treated as entertainment with a fixed budget. The problem arises when gambling stops being recreational and starts affecting finances, relationships, or mental health.
Warning signs to watch for
Spending more than you planned or can afford
Chasing losses — gambling more to recover what you've lost
Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
Borrowing money or selling items to fund gambling
Hiding your gambling from people close to you
Feeling irritable or anxious when not gambling
Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities
Finding it difficult to stop once you have started
If any of these apply to you, please contact GamCare or BeGambleAware. Support is free and confidential.
Tools available on licensed UK sites
Deposit limits
All UKGC-licensed sites must offer deposit limit tools. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits from account settings. Limits take effect immediately when reduced.
Session reminders
Many licensed operators provide time-limit alerts and session reminders. These help you keep track of how long you have been playing.
Reality checks
Some sites display a summary of your session — how long you have played and your net position — at regular intervals. This can be a useful reality check.
Self-exclusion
You can self-exclude from individual operators directly through their responsible gambling section. For a broader exclusion, GAMSTOP covers all UK-licensed sites.
Cooling-off periods
If you want a short break without committing to full self-exclusion, most UKGC-licensed sites offer a cooling-off period of 24 hours to 6 weeks.
Support contacts
The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. Staffed by trained advisers from GamCare.
Support organisations
National charity providing information, advice, and support about problem gambling. Helpline available 24/7.
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Provides free information, support, and counselling for anyone affected by gambling problems in the UK.
GamCare Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Free national self-exclusion scheme. Register once and restrict yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites.
The official regulatory body for gambling in Great Britain. Maintains the register of licensed operators.
Under 18? Gambling is not for you.
Gambling is legal only for adults aged 18 and over in the UK. All licensed operators are required to verify customer ages. If you are concerned about a young person accessing gambling sites, the following resources can help: