Responsible Gambling

Last Updated: March 2025

Gambling should be a form of entertainment — never a way to solve financial or personal problems. These guidelines and resources can help you keep control of your time and budget.

1. What Responsible Gambling Means

  • Playing for fun and setting clear budget limits
  • Keeping track of time spent and taking regular breaks
  • Recognising warning signs and acting early

2. Warning Signs

Financial

  • Spending more than you can afford
  • Borrowing or selling items to gamble
  • Missing bills or essentials

Behavioural

  • Gambling more often or longer than planned
  • Hiding or lying about gambling
  • Using gambling to escape negative feelings

Social & Emotional

  • Arguments with family or friends about gambling
  • Guilt, anxiety or low mood after sessions
  • Neglecting work, study or relationships

3. Risk Factors

  • Young age, existing mental health conditions
  • Substance misuse or social isolation
  • Easy access to gambling platforms

4. Setting Limits

Money

  • Set daily/weekly/monthly deposit and loss limits
  • Use only disposable income
  • Never chase losses

Time

  • Limit session duration and take breaks
  • Avoid forming daily habits

Balance

  • Keep hobbies and social time outside gambling
  • Don’t let it affect work or relationships

5. Self‑Exclusion & Blocking

GAMSTOP (UK)

  • Free national self‑exclusion for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years
  • Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

Casino Tools

  • Self‑exclusion, time‑outs and limits available via account settings

Blocking Software

  • Gamban, BetBlocker, Cold Turkey

6. Getting Help

UK Services

NHS

Free treatment including gambling clinics and therapy. Speak to your GP or visit www.nhs.uk.

For Families

GamAnon offers support for those affected by someone else’s gambling — www.gamanon.org.uk.

7. Safe Play Checklist

  • Set a budget and time limit
  • Avoid play when stressed or under the influence
  • Stop immediately if you feel out of control

8. Licensed & Secure Play

Use UKGC‑licensed sites, enable two‑factor authentication and review account activity regularly.

9. Emergency Help

  • GamCare: 0808 8020 133
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • NHS 111 (non‑emergency medical advice)