Responsible Gambling

Gambling is entertainment. For most people it stays that way, but for some it can become a source of harm. This page sets out the practical tools, support services and self-exclusion options available to players in Great Britain — including those using sites that sit outside the UKGC-regulated ecosystem.

Know the Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognising a problem early makes it easier to act on. The following are common warning signs that gambling may have moved from leisure into something more harmful:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
• Chasing losses — increasing stakes to try to recover what was lost
• Lying to friends or family about how much you gamble
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when not gambling
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety or low mood
• Neglecting work, relationships or daily responsibilities
• Continuing to gamble despite wanting to stop

If several of these apply to you — or to someone you know — free, confidential support is available right now.

Free Support Organisations in Great Britain

These organisations offer confidential advice, counselling and crisis support at no cost. None of them require a referral.

What GAMSTOP Is — and What It Doesn't Cover

GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion scheme run in partnership with the UK Gambling Commission. When you register, all UKGC-licensed gambling websites are required to block your account for a chosen period of six months, one year or five years. The block covers all participating operators simultaneously — you do not need to contact each site individually.

However, GAMSTOP only applies to operators holding a UKGC licence. Casinos and betting sites licensed in other jurisdictions — such as Curaçao, Malta or Gibraltar — are not connected to the scheme and are under no obligation to honour it. Players who have registered with GAMSTOP can still access those sites unless they take additional steps themselves.

If you have self-excluded via GAMSTOP and are concerned about accessing offshore sites, the tools listed in the next section give you direct control.

Self-Exclusion Tools That Work Beyond GAMSTOP

Several independent tools let you restrict access to gambling content at the device or network level, regardless of where a site is licensed:

• Gamban — a paid software application (around £2.49/month) that blocks gambling websites and apps across all your devices. Widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive blocking tools available.
• BetBlocker — a free tool that blocks access to thousands of gambling domains. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Can be locked with a time delay to prevent easy removal.
• GamBlock — a subscription service with a strong track record, covering mobile and desktop devices and designed to be difficult to bypass.
• Net Nanny / parental controls — most broadband providers and operating systems include content filters that can be set to block gambling categories.

These tools complement GAMSTOP rather than replacing it. Using more than one layer of protection is generally more effective than relying on a single measure.

How to Self-Exclude Directly from a Casino

Every reputable operator — including those not connected to GAMSTOP — should offer a self-exclusion option within its responsible gambling settings. The typical process runs as follows:

1. Log in to your account at the casino.
2. Navigate to the Responsible Gambling, Player Protection or Account Settings section.
3. Select Self-Exclusion and choose a duration (many offer options from 30 days to permanent).
4. Confirm your decision — some sites require email verification.
5. Request that your remaining balance is returned before the exclusion takes effect.

If the self-exclusion tool is not clearly visible, contact customer support directly and request exclusion in writing. Keep a copy of the confirmation. A permanent self-exclusion, once confirmed, should not be reversible without a substantial cooling-off period.

Deposit Limits, Reality Checks and Session Controls

Short of full self-exclusion, most operators offer lighter-touch tools that many players find useful for staying in control:

• Deposit limits — set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on how much you can add to your account. Changes that reduce the limit should take effect immediately; increases usually require a waiting period.
• Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose within a set period, separate from deposits.
• Session time limits — the site will notify you or log you out after a set period of play.
• Reality checks — periodic pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and your net position for the session.
• Cool-off periods — a short break of 24 hours to several weeks, during which you cannot deposit or play, but the account is not permanently closed.
• Wagering history — reviewing your transaction and bet history can make patterns visible that are easy to overlook in the moment.

Playing Within Your Means — Practical Guidelines

These are not rules, but habits that most experienced gamblers apply to keep gambling enjoyable rather than harmful:

• Set a fixed budget before you start — money you are genuinely comfortable losing.
• Never gamble with money earmarked for rent, bills, food or savings.
• Treat bonuses as an added feature, not as funds you can rely on to cover losses.
• Don't chase losses. A losing session that ends on your own terms costs less than one extended by frustration.
• Take regular breaks, especially during longer sessions.
• Avoid gambling when under the influence of alcohol or when in a low emotional state.
• Keep gambling separate from your financial planning. It is not an income stream.

Legal Position for Players in Great Britain

In Great Britain, the Gambling Act 2005 governs gambling regulation, administered by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It is not illegal for adults in GB to access and play at offshore gambling sites. The legal restrictions under the Act apply to operators — specifically the requirement to hold a UKGC licence if they wish to advertise to or accept deposits from GB residents commercially.

Players who choose to use sites not covered by UKGC regulation should be aware that they sit outside the consumer protections that the UKGC framework provides. This includes access to the UKGC's dispute resolution process, the requirement for operators to participate in GAMSTOP, and the advertising standards that apply to licensed operators. Understanding that difference is part of making an informed decision. You can read more about how we review sites and what the distinction means in practice on our main non-GAMSTOP casinos page.

Protecting Young People

All gambling — including at unlicensed offshore sites — is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you share a device with younger people in your household:

• Use device-level parental controls or content filters to restrict gambling sites.
• Keep your account credentials private and never save passwords on shared devices.
• Consider using BetBlocker or a similar tool on any device a young person can access.
• Talk to younger family members about gambling in an age-appropriate way.

Getting Further Help

If anything on this page has prompted concern — about your own gambling or someone else's — the most effective next step is a direct conversation with one of the organisations listed above. GamCare's helpline (0808 8020 133) is free, confidential and available around the clock.

If you have a question about anything covered on this site, you are also welcome to reach out via our contact page. We are not a counselling service, but we can point you toward the right resources.

All site content is produced for readers aged 18 and over. Gambling involves risk. Never wager more than you can afford to lose.