Home / Responsible play
Responsible play
Responsible play
Gambling should be something you choose to spend a set amount on, like a night out. These are the tools that keep it that way, the signs that it isn't, and where to get help. All of the support listed is free.
Need to talk to someone now? Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. It's free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, run by GamCare.
Before you start
- Pick an amount you can afford to lose completely. Money for rent, bills or debts isn't in it.
- Set a deposit limit in your account before the first deposit. UK-licensed casinos have to offer one.
- Decide on a time limit too, and use the reality-check reminders if the site offers them.
- Don't gamble to cheer yourself up, or after drinking.
- Remember that a welcome bonus is built to keep you playing. Wagering requirements are the mechanism.
Signs it's becoming a problem
Any one of these is worth taking seriously:
- spending more money or time than you meant to, more than once
- chasing losses, or depositing again straight after a loss
- borrowing, or using money meant for something else
- hiding how much you gamble from people close to you
- feeling anxious, low or irritable when you can't gamble
- opening accounts at new sites to get another bonus or get round a limit
- thinking about gambling when you're meant to be doing something else
Tools that work
Deposit limits
Daily, weekly or monthly. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising one involves a cooling-off wait.
Time-outs
A short break from one site, from a day up to several weeks, set from your account.
Self-exclusion with one operator
Closes your account for at least six months. Ask the casino, or use the option in your account settings.
GAMSTOP
One registration blocks you from every UK-licensed gambling website and app for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. gamstop.co.uk. Free.
Bank gambling blocks
Many UK banks and card providers let you block gambling transactions from the app. Some add a delay before you can switch the block off.
Blocking software
Apps such as Gamban or BetBlocker stop gambling sites loading on your devices, including offshore ones.
All five casinos on this site take part in GAMSTOP. If you're registered, you won't be able to open an account, and that's how it should work.
Free, confidential support
| GamCare | National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, live chat, counselling. 24/7. |
|---|---|
| BeGambleAware | Information, self-assessment and links to treatment services. |
| GAMSTOP | Self-exclusion from all UK-licensed online gambling. |
| Gamblers Anonymous UK | Peer support meetings, in person and online. |
| NHS gambling clinics | Specialist treatment in England, free; your GP can refer you, or you can self-refer. |
Worried about someone else? GamCare and the helpline support family members and friends as well as gamblers.
Under 18?
It's illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble at an online casino in Great Britain, and operators must verify age before any deposit. If a child uses your devices, parental controls or blocking software will keep gambling sites off them.