Safer gambling
Responsible Gambling
Betting is only for adults aged 18 and over. It should be entertainment, not a source of income. This page lists free UK support resources and practical guidance on gambling more safely.
Need help now?
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with gambling, free, confidential support is available today.
Signs that gambling may be a problem
Gambling problems can develop gradually. These are some signs worth being honest with yourself about:
Spending more than you planned or can afford
Gambling to recover money you have lost
Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
Hiding gambling activity from friends or family
Borrowing money or selling items to fund gambling
Gambling affecting work, relationships, or health
Finding it hard to stop once you've started
Using gambling as a way to escape stress or problems
Free UK support resources
GamCare offers free, confidential information, advice, and counselling for people affected by gambling problems. Their helpline operates around the clock.
GambleAware provides help, guidance, and treatment referrals for those concerned about gambling. Their website includes self-assessment tools and local treatment service directories.
GAMSTOP is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme. Registering will restrict your access to all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps for a minimum period of your choosing.
The UKGC is the official regulator for gambling in Great Britain. Their website includes guidance on responsible gambling, licensing information, and how to report concerns about a gambling operator.
Operated by GamCare, the National Gambling Helpline is the primary free telephone and chat support service for anyone in the UK affected by gambling.
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other to solve their common problem with gambling and help others do the same.
Practical safer gambling steps
Most UK-licensed operators are required to offer account management tools. If you are registered with a betting platform, these tools are typically available in your account settings:
- Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month. Once set, limits can usually only be reduced immediately; increasing limits is subject to a cooling-off period.
- Time limits and reality checks: Set how long you spend in a session. Some platforms send regular reminders of time spent.
- Self-exclusion: You can self-exclude from a single operator for a set period. For a comprehensive exclusion from all UK-licensed sites, register with GAMSTOP.
- Cooling-off periods: Some operators allow you to take a short break from your account without full self-exclusion.
- Account closure: You can request that your account be permanently closed. Contact the operator directly.
If an operator is not responding to your requests to apply these tools, you can escalate to the UK Gambling Commission.
18+ only — strictly
All betting in the UK is restricted to persons aged 18 and over. No content on this site is directed at anyone under the age of 18. If you believe a minor has access to a gambling account, contact the operator immediately. Consider using parental control tools such as those listed by GamCare.