Responsible Gaming Support
Gambling should be enjoyable entertainment, not a problem. If gaming is no longer fun or you're concerned about your gambling habits, help is available. We're here to provide resources, support, and guidance for safer gambling practices.
Self-Assessment Quiz
This brief quiz can help you understand if your gambling habits might be problematic. Answer honestly for the most helpful results.
This quiz is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you're concerned about your gambling, please contact a support organization.
Prevention & Control Tools
Take control of your gambling with these practical tools and strategies.
💰 Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on casino accounts. Most UK casinos allow you to set these limits in your account settings.
How to set limits:
- Log into your casino account
- Go to 'Responsible Gaming' or 'Account Settings'
- Set realistic limits based on your budget
- Remember: limits can be lowered immediately but increases have cooling-off periods
⏰ Time Limits
Limit how long you spend gambling each day or week. Set alarms and use casino session timers.
Effective time management:
- Set a timer before you start playing
- Take regular breaks (e.g., 15 minutes every hour)
- Avoid gambling when tired or stressed
- Use casino reality check features
🚫 Self-Exclusion
Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites. GamStop provides free self-exclusion across all UK licensed operators.
Self-exclusion options:
- GamStop: Exclude from all UK licensed sites (6 months to 5 years)
- Individual sites: Self-exclude from specific casinos
- Software blocking: Use apps like Gamban or Bet Blocker
- Bank restrictions: Block gambling transactions
📱 Blocking Software
Install software to block access to gambling sites on your devices.
Recommended blocking tools:
- Gamban: Free app for phones, tablets, and computers
- Bet Blocker: Free software for multiple devices
- Net Nanny: Comprehensive parental control software
- Router settings: Block sites at network level
💳 Financial Controls
Use banking tools to control your gambling spending.
Financial protection strategies:
- Set up a separate account for entertainment spending
- Use gambling block features offered by banks
- Remove payment details from gambling sites
- Ask someone you trust to help manage finances
🧘 Mindfulness & Breaks
Practice mindfulness and take regular breaks to maintain control.
Mindful gambling practices:
- Check in with your emotions before gambling
- Avoid gambling to escape problems
- Practice deep breathing during sessions
- Keep a gambling diary to track patterns
Get Professional Support
These organizations provide free, confidential support for gambling problems.
GamCare
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling problems. Offers counselling, support groups, and practical advice.
Services Available:
- Free counselling sessions
- Support groups nationwide
- Practical debt and financial advice
- Support for families and friends
- Online treatment programs
GambleAware
Leading charity providing information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.
Resources Available:
- Educational materials and guides
- Treatment finder tool
- Research and prevention programs
- Safer gambling tools information
- Family and friends support resources
Gordon Moody Association
Specialist residential treatment and ongoing support for people with gambling addictions.
Specialist Services:
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient support
- Aftercare and relapse prevention
- Family counselling services
- Educational workshops
Additional Resources
NHS Support
Contact your GP for NHS gambling addiction services in your area.
NHS Gambling Support →Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent gambling from becoming a serious problem.
🧠 Mental & Emotional Signs
- Constantly thinking about gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
- Mood swings related to wins and losses
- Anxiety or depression when unable to gamble
💰 Financial Signs
- Betting more money than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying about how much you've spent
- Missing bill payments due to gambling
- Using credit cards or loans for gambling
👥 Behavioral & Social Signs
- Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities
- Lying to friends and family about gambling
- Losing interest in other activities
- Unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
- Becoming isolated from loved ones
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone else:
Don't wait for the problem to get worse. Reach out for help today. Early intervention is more effective and can prevent serious consequences.
Safer Gambling Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to keep gambling fun and under control.
✅ Do
- Set time and money limits before you start
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Take regular breaks during gambling sessions
- View gambling as entertainment, not investment
- Keep track of how much time and money you spend
- Gamble only when you're in a positive mindset
- Use responsible gambling tools available
- Seek help if gambling becomes a problem
❌ Don't
- Chase your losses with bigger bets
- Borrow money to gamble
- Gamble when upset, angry, or depressed
- Use gambling to solve financial problems
- Drink alcohol or use substances while gambling
- Gamble to escape problems or negative feelings
- Lie about your gambling to family or friends
- Gamble when you should be doing other things