Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to earn money or to fix money problems. If you play, decide before you start how much and how long, and stop when you reach that point. Most people who play never have a problem, but it helps to know early when play stops being fun.
If you think gambling is affecting your life, free and confidential support is available. The helplines listed above, GamCare and its National Gambling Helpline, speak to people about their gambling and can help you decide on next steps. You do not need to be in crisis to call, and you do not need to have decided to stop.
Warning signs and what to do about them
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you recognise some of the following:
- you spend more time or money on gambling than you meant to;
- you chase losses, playing on to win back what you have lost;
- you use money set aside for bills, rent or essentials to pay for gambling;
- you lie to family or friends about how much you gamble;
- you feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut down;
- you gamble to escape stress, worry or low mood.
If one or more of these sounds familiar, stop for now. Do not try to win back money in the same session or the next one. Take a break from gambling accounts and payment methods, and speak to someone you trust. The National Gambling Helpline run by GamCare is free and confidential, and advisers can talk through your options with you. You can also find information and support on the GamCare website. <<</FIX 1>>>
Tools every UK-licensed casino must offer
Every UK-licensed online casino must offer you tools to control your play. You can use them whether or not you think you have a problem.
- Deposit limits cap how much you can pay into your account over a day, week or month.
- Reality checks are reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent during a session.
- Time-outs let you take a break from your account for a set period.
- Self-exclusion blocks you from your account for a longer period, when you decide you need it.
You can also set up protection outside the casino. Many banks let you block gambling transactions on your card or in your banking app, and you can install blocking software on your phone or computer. These tools work best when you set them up before you need them, and they are not a cure on their own.
If you want to block all UK-licensed online casinos at once, you can register with GAMSTOP. Registration covers every UK-licensed online operator, so you do not need to contact each casino separately. Once registered, you cannot open or log in to accounts with those operators for the period you chose. Check the terms on GAMSTOP's site before you register, as the process is not quick to reverse.
If someone close to you is affected
If a partner, relative or friend is gambling in a way that worries you, it can help to start with a calm conversation at a quiet time, not during or straight after a session. Describe what you have noticed and how it affects you, without blame or ultimatums. Expect them to be defensive at first, and do not try to argue them out of their feelings. Offer to look at the helplines together.
Support is not only for the person gambling. The National Gambling Helpline and other services listed above also help family members and friends, who often need advice on what they can and cannot do.