Gambling should always remain a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape from problems. In Great Britain, all licensed operators are required to provide tools and information to help you maintain control over your gambling activity.
Set your limits before you start. Most gambling sites allow you to set deposit limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can also set time limits to receive notifications about how long you've been playing. These tools are free and easy to set up through your account settings.
Age restrictions are strictly enforced. You must be 18 or older to gamble in the UK. Licensed operators verify age and identity before allowing any deposits or play. If you're under 18, you cannot legally participate in any gambling activity, and sites will close your account if underage gambling is detected.
Know when to take a break. Self-exclusion schemes like GAMSTOP allow you to exclude yourself from all UK licensed gambling sites for a chosen period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. During this time, operators must remove your account and prevent you from opening new ones. After the exclusion period, you must actively contact the operator to reinstate your account.
Recognise the warning signs. Problem gambling can affect anyone. Warning signs include spending more money or time than you can afford, chasing losses, lying about your gambling, neglecting work or family responsibilities, or borrowing money to gamble. If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it's time to seek help.
Free help is available 24/7. The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 provides free, confidential support at any time of day. You can also use live chat services through GamCare or GambleAware websites to speak with trained advisors about your situation, without judgment and without cost.
