⚠️ Important Health Warning

Gambling can be addictive and may cause serious financial and personal problems.

Before you start gambling, please consider the risks and remember that gambling should never be used as a way to make money or solve financial difficulties.

Responsible Gambling Guidelines

💰

Set Limits

Decide in advance how much money and time you can afford to spend gambling. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.

  • Set a budget before you start
  • Use deposit limits on gambling sites
  • Set time limits for gambling sessions
  • Never chase losses
🎯

Keep It Fun

Gambling should be entertaining, not a way to make money. Treat it as a form of entertainment, not an investment.

  • Gamble for fun, not profit
  • Accept that you may lose
  • Don't let gambling affect your mood
  • Take regular breaks
🚫

Know When to Stop

Recognize the warning signs of problem gambling and know when to seek help or take a break.

  • Stop if you're feeling stressed or upset
  • Don't gamble under the influence
  • Never borrow money to gamble
  • Take regular breaks from gambling
🛡️

Use Protection Tools

Take advantage of responsible gambling tools offered by licensed operators.

  • Deposit limits
  • Time limits
  • Self-exclusion options
  • Reality checks

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

Financial Signs

  • Spending more money than you can afford
  • Borrowing money to gamble
  • Hiding gambling expenses from family
  • Neglecting bills to fund gambling
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets

Behavioral Signs

  • Gambling for longer than planned
  • Lying about gambling activities
  • Gambling to escape problems
  • Feeling restless when not gambling
  • Neglecting work, family, or friends

Emotional Signs

  • Feeling anxious or depressed
  • Mood swings related to gambling
  • Feeling guilty about gambling
  • Irritability when not gambling
  • Loss of interest in other activities

Self-Exclusion Options

What is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a tool that allows you to restrict your access to gambling services for a specified period. This can help break the cycle of problem gambling.

Types of Self-Exclusion:

  • GAMSTOP: Excludes you from all UK licensed online gambling sites
  • Individual Site Exclusion: Exclude yourself from specific gambling sites
  • Venue Exclusion: Exclude yourself from physical gambling venues

How to Self-Exclude:

  1. Visit the GAMSTOP website for online exclusion
  2. Contact individual gambling operators directly
  3. Speak to staff at physical gambling venues
  4. Seek help from support organizations

Need to Self-Exclude?

If you feel you need to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion can help.

Visit GAMSTOP

Help for Family and Friends

Problem gambling doesn't just affect the gambler - it affects family members and friends too. If someone you know has a gambling problem:

What You Can Do

  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • Offer emotional support without judgment
  • Help them find treatment resources
  • Set boundaries around money
  • Take care of your own wellbeing

What to Avoid

  • Don't lend money or pay gambling debts
  • Don't enable their gambling behavior
  • Don't blame yourself for their problem
  • Don't try to control their gambling
  • Don't ignore your own needs

Resources for Families

GamCare and other support organizations also provide help for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling problem.

Get support for families →

🚫 Under 18? Gambling is Illegal

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble or attempt to gamble. This includes:

  • Online casino games
  • Sports betting
  • Poker and other card games
  • Any form of gambling activity

If you are under 18 and are concerned about gambling, speak to a trusted adult, teacher, or contact:

  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • Your GP or school counselor
  • A trusted family member

🆘 Need Immediate Help?

If you or someone you know is in crisis due to gambling problems, don't wait - get help now:

GamCare National Helpline

0808 8020 133

Free, confidential support 24/7

Samaritans

116 123

Free emotional support 24/7

Crisis Text Line

Text SHOUT to 85258

Free text support 24/7