Responsible Gambling

Your wellbeing is our priority. Access support, tools, and resources for safe gambling from trusted UK organizations.

0808 8020 133

National Gambling Helpline • Available 24/7 • Free & Confidential

Trusted Support Organizations

These independent organizations provide free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling

BeGambleAware

Independent charity providing education, prevention, early intervention, and treatment for gambling harms across Great Britain.

Key Services:

• National Gambling Support Network
• Gambling harms assessment tool
• Service finder and local support
• Research and policy development

Visit BeGambleAware

GamCare

Leading UK charity providing support and treatment for gambling harm. Founder of the National Gambling Helpline.

24/7 Support Channels:

• Phone: 0808 8020 133
• Live Chat & WhatsApp
• Email and text support
• Online forums and chatrooms

Visit GamCare

GamStop

The national online self-exclusion scheme for Great Britain. Blocks access to gambling websites and apps with participating companies.

Self-Exclusion Options:

• 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
• Covers all participating operators
• Free and confidential
• Account management available

Visit GamStop

UK Regulatory Framework

Understanding the UK Gambling Commission's role in player protection

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

The regulator for gambling in Great Britain, ensuring operators meet high standards for player protection, fairness, and social responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Licensing and regulating gambling operators
Ensuring compliance with Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)
Protecting children and vulnerable people
Preventing crime and disorder
Ensuring gambling is fair and transparent

Operator Obligations

All UK-licensed operators must comply with strict requirements to protect players and promote responsible gambling.

Required Measures:

Age Verification: Verify customers are 18+ before gambling
Self-Exclusion: Participate in GamStop scheme
Responsible Gambling Information: Prominent display of help resources
Customer Interaction: Proactive monitoring for harmful patterns
Advertising Standards: Comply with UK Advertising Codes

Gambling Control Tools

Practical tools and strategies to maintain control over your gambling

🛡️ Blocking and Self-Exclusion

GamStop (Online Self-Exclusion)

Free service that blocks access to gambling websites and apps across all participating companies.

Single registration blocks multiple operators
Available for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
Cannot be undone during the exclusion period
Account management available to extend exclusion

Blocking Software (e.g., Gamban)

Device-level blocking software that prevents access to gambling websites and apps.

Works across all devices
Cannot be easily bypassed
Subscription-based service
Effective for those needing technical barriers

⚙️ Built-in Operator Tools

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your account.

Cannot be increased immediately
24-hour cooling-off period for increases
Can be set, reduced, or removed anytime

Time Limits and Reality Checks

Set time limits for gambling sessions and receive regular reminders.

Session time limits
Reality check notifications
Break reminders

Loss Limits and Staking Limits

Control how much you can lose or stake in a given period.

Daily/weekly loss limits
Maximum stake limits
Cooling-off periods for changes

Recognizing Problem Gambling

Know the warning signs and take action early

⚠️ Warning Signs

Behavioral Signs:

Spending more time or money gambling than intended
Chasing losses with bigger bets
Lying about gambling activities or spending
Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
Gambling despite negative consequences
Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling

Financial Signs:

Borrowing money to gamble
Using gambling to make money
Hiding financial problems caused by gambling
Gambling with money needed for essentials

✅ Self-Assessment Tools

GamCare Self-Assessment

Quick assessment tool to evaluate your gambling habits and identify potential problems.

PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index) questionnaire
Anonymous and confidential
Immediate results and personalized advice
Available on GamCare website

BeGambleAware Assessment

Gambling harms assessment tool providing tailored advice and support information.

Evidence-based assessment
Personalized recommendations
Links to local support services
Available on BeGambleAware website

Take Assessment

Additional Support Resources

More organizations and services available for help and support

Gambling Therapy

Global online support service offering counseling, advice, and forums for gambling problems.

Online support groups
Multi-language services
Free and confidential

Visit Website

NHS Support

NHS provides specialist treatment pathways for gambling addiction through NHS Talking Therapies.

Clinical support
Treatment referrals
Specialist pathways

NHS Resources

Citizens Advice

Free advice on debt and financial problems caused by gambling, including debt management plans.

Debt advice
Financial guidance
Local support services

Get Advice

Your Responsible Gambling Checklist

Simple steps to ensure gambling remains fun and under control

Before You Start

✓ Set a budget and stick to it
✓ Set time limits for gambling sessions
✓ Never chase losses with bigger bets
✓ Use deposit and loss limits
✓ Take regular breaks

Warning Signals

⚠️ Gambling affecting work, relationships, or finances
⚠️ Lying about gambling activities
⚠️ Feeling anxious when not gambling
⚠️ Gambling with money needed for essentials
⚠️ Borrowing money to gamble

If you're experiencing any warning signals, seek help immediately.

0808 8020 133

National Gambling Helpline • Available 24/7

Free, confidential support and advice • No judgment • Practical help