Support organisations
UK Gambling Commission
The regulator for gambling in Great Britain. The UKGC licences gambling operators, enforces standards for player protection, and provides guidance on gambling law and dispute resolution.
Visit UK Gambling Commission →
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GAMSTOP blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps for a period you choose (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).
Visit GAMSTOP →
GamCare
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133, free, 24/7) and provides confidential counselling. You can reach them by phone, live chat, or in-person appointments.
Visit GamCare →
GambleAware
A national charity providing information, advice, and support to anyone affected by gambling harm. The BeGambleAware campaign is run from here, along with a full directory of treatment services.
Visit GambleAware →
Safer gambling tools explained
UK-licensed operators are required to offer a range of player protection tools. Here is what each tool does and when to use it.
Deposit limits
Set a maximum daily, weekly, or monthly deposit to control your spend. Most UK-licensed operators are required to offer this.
Loss limits
Restrict the maximum amount you can lose over a set period. Different from deposit limits — covers your net betting position.
Session time limits
Limit how long you can be active on a platform in a single session. Useful for managing time spent as well as money.
Reality checks
Prompts that appear at set intervals reminding you how long you have been playing and how much you have wagered.
Self-exclusion
A formal request to prevent access to your account for a set period. Cannot be reversed during the exclusion period. GAMSTOP operates nationally across UK licensees.
Cool-off period
A short temporary break — typically 24 hours to 6 weeks — that gives you time away without a full self-exclusion.
Signs gambling may be causing harm
- ⚠Spending more than you can afford
- ⚠Chasing losses — betting more to try to recover money lost
- ⚠Hiding betting activity from family or friends
- ⚠Borrowing money to gamble
- ⚠Feeling anxious, stressed, or low because of gambling
- ⚠Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, contact GambleAware or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.