Responsible Gaming
Comprehensive guidance on healthy play habits, recognising problem gambling, self-exclusion options, and UK support resources.
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Need Immediate Help?
If gambling is causing you or someone you know serious harm, please contact the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 — free, confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operated by GamCare.
Principles of Responsible Play
These principles are recognised by UK regulatory and support organisations as markers of healthy, controlled gaming behaviour.
Set Time Limits
Decide in advance how much time you will spend. Use platform tools to set session time limits, take regular breaks, and use reality check features that remind you how long you have been playing.
- Set a firm session end time before starting
- Take at least a 20-minute break every hour
- Enable reality check notifications on the platform
- Never play when tired or emotionally stressed
Financial Boundaries
Only ever use money you can genuinely afford to lose. Gambling should never be used as a way to recover losses or generate income.
- Set a deposit limit on your account
- Never chase losses by increasing stakes
- Do not borrow money to fund gambling
- Review your account history regularly
Use Platform Tools
Licensed UK operators are required to offer responsible gaming tools. Make use of all available features to maintain control over your activity.
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits to cap how much you can lose
- Cooling-off periods and temporary breaks
- Self-exclusion if needed
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Being aware of warning signs is the first step toward getting help. If you recognise any of the following in yourself or someone you know, consider seeking support from one of the organisations listed on this page.
- Spending more than intended, regularly
- Chasing losses to "win back" money
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses
- Concealing gambling activity from family
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress or problems
- Repeated failed attempts to cut back or stop
- Neglecting work, social life, or relationships
How to Self-Exclude
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that allows you to block yourself from accessing gambling sites for a set period. It is available free of charge in the UK.
GAMSTOP – National Self-Exclusion
GAMSTOP is a free service that lets you place a restriction on your online gambling activities. Once registered, all UK-licensed online gambling sites are required to block your access. You can self-exclude for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Visit gamstop.co.uk to register.
Self-Exclusion via Operators
Individual gambling operators are also required to offer self-exclusion directly on their platforms. You can usually find this in account settings under "Responsible Gaming" or "Player Protection". Contact the platform's customer support if you cannot locate this option.
Blocking Software
Software such as Gamban blocks gambling sites across all devices you install it on. This is an effective complementary measure alongside GAMSTOP. Available at gamban.com.
Banking Controls
Most major UK banks offer the ability to block gambling transactions through their app. This can be a useful additional barrier. Check your banking app settings or contact your bank for details.
UK Support Organisations
These organisations provide free, confidential, professional support for people affected by problem gambling.
A leading charity committed to minimising gambling-related harms. Provides information, resources, and treatment referrals through the National Gambling Treatment Service.
begambleaware.org
Founder of the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). Provides free, confidential support, advice, and counselling to anyone affected by gambling problems.
gamcare.org.uk
Provides residential and online treatment for people with severe gambling disorders. Offers intensive therapeutic support for those who need more than helpline services.
gordonmoody.org.ukAdditional Resources
Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support groups for people with gambling
problems.
gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GAMSTOP
Free national online self-exclusion scheme.
gamstop.co.uk
NHS Gambling Clinic
NHS specialist gambling treatment services.
nhs.uk