Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems. If gambling has stopped being fun, or if you are gambling more than you can afford, free help is available right now.
Need Help Right Now?
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact one of these free, confidential services:
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Behavioural Signs
- →Gambling with money meant for rent, bills, or food
- →Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money
- →Needing to bet increasing amounts for the same excitement
- →Lying to family or friends about gambling activity
- →Taking time off work or neglecting responsibilities to gamble
Emotional Signs
- →Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- →Using gambling as a way to escape problems or bad moods
- →Feeling guilt or shame after gambling sessions
- →Preoccupation with gambling — constantly thinking about it
- →Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Responsible Gambling Tools Available at Casinos
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Limits take effect immediately and can only be increased after a cooling-off period (typically 7 days or more under UKGC rules).
Session Time Limits
Restrict how long each gambling session can last. A reality check notification reminds you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
Loss Limits
Cap your maximum net losses in a given period. Once reached, you will be unable to place further bets until the period resets.
Self-Exclusion
Exclude yourself from a specific casino for a set period (typically 6 months minimum). All marketing must stop immediately. At UKGC casinos, exclusions are linked to GamStop.
Reality Check
Pop-up notifications during play that show you how long you've been gambling and your net session result. Helps maintain awareness of time and money spent.
Cool-Off Period
A shorter break from gambling — typically 1 to 90 days — without the long-term commitment of self-exclusion. Good for building a habit of mindful play.
Support Organisations
BeGambleAware
The leading source of information and advice about gambling harm in Great Britain. Funded by the gambling industry but independently managed.
begambleaware.org
GamCare
Provides a free national helpline, counselling, and online support for people affected by problem gambling. Available 24 hours a day.
0808 8020 133
GamStop
Free national self-exclusion scheme for UK online gambling. One registration excludes you from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for a minimum of 6 months.
gamstop.co.uk
Gamblers Anonymous
Fellowship of men and women who share their experience and help each other recover from problem gambling. Regular meetings across the UK.
gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Gordon Moody
Charity providing intensive residential treatment and online courses for people with severe gambling problems. Free places available for those who qualify.
gordonmoody.org.uk
Citizens Advice
If gambling debt is your primary concern, Citizens Advice provides free, independent advice on debt management and your legal rights.
citizensadvice.org.ukTips for Safer Gambling
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you open a casino. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment. Never gamble with money you need for bills, food, or rent.
It is easy to lose track of time while gambling. Set an alarm or use the casino's session timer to ensure you don't spend longer than intended.
Chasing losses is one of the most reliable warning signs of problem gambling. The house edge means you cannot reliably recover losses by betting more. Accept the loss and stop.
Alcohol and emotional states significantly impair decision-making and risk assessment. Gambling while under the influence can lead to poor decisions and larger losses.