HomeResponsible Gambling

18+UK Safer Gambling Information

Responsible
Gambling

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to make money or escape problems. This page provides honest information about staying in control and where to find help if you need it.

Gambling is only suitable for adults

Under UK law, you must be 18 or over to participate in any form of gambling. UKGC-licensed operators are required to verify your age before allowing real-money play. Attempting to access gambling services as a minor, or allowing minors to use your account, is illegal.

Always gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never borrow money to gamble. Never use gambling to pay debts or manage financial difficulties. Set a strict personal budget before you start playing and stick to it, regardless of whether you win or lose.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Recognising the signs early is the most important step towards getting help.

Spending more money than you intended or can afford

Chasing losses by placing larger bets to try to win back what you have lost

Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions

Lying to friends or family about how much you gamble

Missing work, social events, or responsibilities because of gambling

Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling

Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling

Feeling guilt or remorse after gambling sessions

If any of the above apply to you or someone you know, free confidential help is available right now.

Get Help at BeGambleAware

Safer Gambling Tools

All UKGC-licensed operators are required to offer these tools under the Social Responsibility Codes. You can access them in the account settings of any licensed casino.

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit at any UKGC-licensed casino. Limits take effect immediately; increases require a 24-hour cooling-off period.

Reality Checks

Regular on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. All UK operators are required to offer this feature.

Cooling-Off Periods

Take a short break from gambling — from 24 hours to several weeks — without fully closing your account. The break is applied immediately and cannot be reversed until it expires.

Self-Exclusion via GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. A single registration blocks you from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for a minimum of six months.

UK Support Organisations

These organisations offer free, confidential help to anyone in the UK affected by gambling harm. All links below go directly to the official organisation websites.

BGABeGambleAware

Free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Available 24/7.

National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)

GCGamCare

Free counselling, support, and information services for people with gambling problems and those affected by them.

National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)

GSGAMSTOP

The UK's free national online self-exclusion scheme. Register once to be excluded from all participating operators.

UKGCUK Gambling Commission

The official UK gambling regulator. Use their register to verify operator licences and report unlicensed gambling activity.

GTGambling Therapy

Free online support for problem gambling available globally. Live chat support and self-help resources.

GMGordon Moody

Residential treatment and online therapy for people with severe gambling problems. Part of the National Problem Gambling Clinic network.

18+

Always Gamble Responsibly

Gambling is entertainment. Never gamble to recover losses. Always set limits on your time and money. If gambling stops being fun, stop playing and seek support. The National Gambling Helpline is available free of charge at BeGambleAware.org or on 0808 8020 133.