Responsible Gambling

Gambling is not a way to make money. This UK-focused page explains common limit and self-exclusion tools, plus where to find free support if gambling is causing harm.

UK sources checked 13 September 2026. Services and rules differ elsewhere.

01 · Stay in control

The signs it's no longer just fun

Chasing losses, spending more than planned, borrowing to gamble, hiding gambling from people close to you or feeling anxious about it are reasons to pause and seek support. The NHS page below lists further warning signs and routes to treatment.

02 · Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion — a firm break

Self-exclusion lets you ask an operator — or a whole national scheme — to block your access for a set period. The duration and whether an exclusion can end early depend on the scheme and jurisdiction; read the official terms before choosing a period.

  • With a single operator. In Great Britain, licensed businesses must have self-exclusion procedures. Other markets set their own rules.
  • Across multiple operators. Some jurisdictions have national or multi-operator schemes. Coverage is scheme-specific. GAMSTOP applies to online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain; it is not a worldwide block.

03 · Deposit & time limits

Deposit, loss & time limits

Limit tools vary by operator and jurisdiction. Common examples include:

  • Deposit limits. Cap how much you can pay in per day, week or month. Check how the operator defines the period and how limit changes take effect.
  • Loss & wager limits. Some operators let you cap loss or staking over a period. Definitions and availability vary.
  • Session & reality checks. Some services provide time limits or pop-up reminders to show how long you have been playing.
  • Cooling-off & take-a-break. Some services offer a shorter pause as well as formal self-exclusion.

Our one piece of guidance: decide your limit before you play, set it as low as you can live with, and never raise it in the heat of a session.

04 · Where to get help

Helplines & support

These resources are UK-focused. Check each provider's eligibility, coverage and privacy information. Outside the UK, use an official local public-health service or gambling regulator.

Last checked 13 September 2026. Phone numbers, hours and scheme coverage can change; confirm them on the linked official site.

05 · Sources

Official references