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Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment you can afford, not a way to make money or escape problems. Casinos outside GamStop have fewer built-in safeguards than UK-licensed sites, so it's even more important to set your own. This page explains how, and where to get free help.

If You've Self-Excluded

If you've registered with GamStop, please don't use offshore casinos. They won't enforce your exclusion, and the reasons you signed up haven't gone away. Keep the exclusion in place, and consider adding blocking software so you're protected on every device.

Warning Signs

  • Spending more money or time than you planned.
  • Chasing losses or depositing again straight after a loss.
  • Borrowing, using credit cards or selling things to gamble.
  • Hiding gambling from people close to you.
  • Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you're not gambling.
  • Gambling to escape stress, boredom or other problems.

If any of these sound familiar, it's worth talking to someone now rather than later.

Practical Tools

Deposit and loss limits

Set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits in your casino account before your first deposit. Choose a figure you'd be comfortable losing entirely.

Blocking software

Gamban and BetBlocker block access to gambling sites and apps, including offshore ones, across your phone and computer.

Bank gambling blocks

Most UK banking apps — including Monzo, Starling, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest — let you block card payments to gambling merchants. Some add a cooling-off period before the block can be removed.

Time limits and breaks

Set an alarm for the end of each session, avoid gambling when tired or after drinking, and take regular days off.

Free, Confidential Support

  • GamCare — National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133, 24/7, and live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
  • BeGambleAware — advice and self-assessment tools at begambleaware.org.
  • GamStop — free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling sites at gamstop.co.uk.
  • Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support meetings across the country.
  • NHS gambling clinics — specialist treatment, including for people affected by someone else's gambling.
  • Ireland: Gambling Care (gamblingcare.ie) and Extern Problem Gambling offer free support.

Helping Someone Else

If you're worried about a friend or family member, GamCare and GamAnon offer support for affected others. Talk openly, without blame, and encourage them to reach out for help.

Our Commitment

We only publish content for adults, we include safer gambling information on every page, and we never encourage anyone to get around a self-exclusion. If you think any page on our site falls short of that, please let us know.