Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be fun, not a source of stress or financial hardship. We're committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing resources for those who need support.
Safe Gambling Tips
Following these guidelines can help ensure gambling remains an enjoyable activity rather than a problem.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Never gamble with money you need for essential expenses like rent, bills, or food.
Set Time Limits
Decide in advance how long you'll play and stick to it. Set an alarm if needed. Take regular breaks to stay in control.
Don't Chase Losses
Accept that losses are part of gambling. Trying to win back lost money often leads to bigger losses. Walk away when you've reached your limit.
Gamble for Fun, Not Profit
Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money. The odds are always in the house's favour. Never rely on gambling as income.
Avoid Gambling When Upset
Don't gamble when you're stressed, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These conditions impair judgement and self-control.
Balance Your Life
Don't let gambling dominate your time. Maintain a healthy balance with work, family, friends, and other hobbies and interests.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Recognising the warning signs early can help you or someone you care about get help before things get worse.
Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford or intended
Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
Repeatedly trying but failing to control, cut back, or stop gambling
Thinking about gambling constantly and planning the next session
Chasing losses by returning to gamble again after losing money
Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of gambling
Borrowing money or selling possessions to finance gambling
Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling
Important
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and effective treatment is available. You're not alone, and there's no shame in asking for support.
Self-Assessment
Answer the following questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to several of these, you may want to consider seeking advice or support.
Quick Self-Assessment Questions
- Do you spend more time or money gambling than you intend to?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop gambling but couldn't?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve negative feelings?
- After losing, do you feel you must return to win back your losses?
- Have you lied to family or friends about how much you gamble?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to gamble?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships or work?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when not gambling?
- Do you think about gambling constantly, even when doing other things?
- Have you committed or considered committing illegal acts to fund gambling?
Results: If you answered "yes" to 4 or more questions, this may indicate a gambling problem. We strongly encourage you to contact one of the support organisations listed below for a confidential chat. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Self-Exclusion Options
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that can help you take back control. By excluding yourself from gambling sites, you create a barrier between yourself and the temptation to gamble.
GamStop - Free Self-Exclusion Service
Register once to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites
GamStop is a free service that enables individuals to restrict their online gambling activities across all licensed GB gambling companies. Once you register with GamStop, gambling companies will take measures to prevent you from accessing gambling websites and apps.
Register Online
Visit gamstop.co.uk and fill in the registration form
Choose Duration
Select 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years self-exclusion
Verify Identity
Confirm your details to complete registration
Get Protected
Your exclusion becomes active within 24 hours
Important Note About Non-GamStop Casinos
GamStop only covers UK-licensed gambling operators. If you're registered with GamStop but still wish to avoid gambling, you'll need to take additional steps for offshore/non-GamStop sites, such as using website blocking software, contacting casinos directly to request exclusion, or seeking support from organisations like GamCare.
Other Self-Exclusion Tools
Gambling Blocking Software
Tools like Gamban, BetBlocker, and NetNanny can block access to gambling sites on your devices. These work regardless of where the casino is licensed.
Bank Card Blocks
Many UK banks now offer the option to block gambling transactions on your debit cards. Check with your bank about their gambling block features.
Direct Casino Contact
You can contact any casino directly and request to be permanently excluded from their platform. Reputable casinos will honour such requests.
Deposit & Time Limits
Most casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits and session time reminders. Use these tools proactively before problems develop.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support and advice.
GamCare
Leading UK provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling.
BeGambleAware
Free treatment, support, and advice for anyone who is harmed by gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of people who share their experience to help each other recover from gambling addiction.
Find a Meeting Peer SupportGamban
Software that blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across all your devices.
Get Gamban Blocking SoftwareNHS Gambling Clinic
Specialist NHS treatment service for people experiencing gambling problems.
Learn More NHS ServiceGam-Anon
Support group for family members and friends of people with gambling problems.
Find Support Family SupportFrequently Asked Questions
Problem gambling is gambling behaviour that causes negative consequences in a person's life, including financial difficulties, relationship problems, mental health issues, or an inability to control gambling habits despite wanting to stop. It's a recognised behavioural addiction that affects people from all backgrounds.
Warning signs include spending more money or time gambling than intended, chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, neglecting responsibilities, lying about gambling habits, feeling restless when trying to stop, and gambling to escape problems or negative feelings. If you're concerned, try the self-assessment above or speak to a professional.
GamStop is a free self-exclusion service that allows UK residents to restrict their online gambling activities with all UKGC-licensed operators for a chosen period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once registered, you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain.
Help is available from organisations like GamCare (0808 8020 133), BeGambleAware (www.begambleaware.org), Gamblers Anonymous, and the National Gambling Helpline. These services offer free, confidential support 24/7. You can also speak to your GP about treatment options including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Yes, software like Gamban and BetBlocker can block access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across all your devices. Many banks also offer the option to block gambling transactions on your cards. These tools create helpful barriers between you and the temptation to gamble.
Approach them with compassion rather than judgement. Express your concerns calmly and offer to help them find support. Organisations like Gam-Anon provide support specifically for family and friends. Avoid enabling gambling behaviour by lending money, and look after your own wellbeing too.
Our Commitment
While we provide information about non-GamStop casinos, we take responsible gambling extremely seriously. We believe that everyone should be able to make informed choices about their gambling activities.
Honest Information
We never downplay the risks of gambling or encourage excessive play
Visible Resources
Every casino review includes responsible gambling resources and warnings
Support Links
We prominently display helpline numbers and support organisation links
Age Verification
Our content is strictly for adults 18+ and we emphasise this throughout