Getting help
Betting should be enjoyable. If it is causing you stress, financial strain, or affecting your relationships, please reach out to one of these free, confidential services:
Responsible betting tools
Every UKGC-licensed operator we review is required to offer the following tools. Use them proactively, not reactively:
- Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you deposit. Reductions take effect immediately; increases take 24 hours.
- Loss limits: Cap how much you can lose in a period. A key safeguard if deposit limits alone aren't sufficient.
- Time-out: A short break from your account — typically 24 hours to 6 weeks. You cannot re-open the account during this period.
- Self-exclusion: A longer-term break (minimum 6 months). Operators are required to honour this and must not send you marketing during the exclusion.
- Reality checks: Pop-up reminders of how long you've been betting and how much you've spent.
Signs that gambling may be a problem
- Spending more than you planned or can afford
- Chasing losses — betting more to recover money lost
- Neglecting work, family, or hobbies because of betting
- Borrowing money to fund betting
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not betting
- Lying to friends or family about your betting activity
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 — it's free and confidential.