Think of gambling as a leisure expense, like a cinema ticket, rather than a source of income or a route to recovering losses. Our pages are written for people aged 18 and over, and we do not point anyone younger towards casinos or betting sites.

Problems build quietly. Trying to win money back, betting above your budget, borrowing in order to play, keeping spending secret and losing interest in old pastimes are all signs that gambling is doing harm. Spot two or three in yourself and it is time to stop and speak to someone. A friend, a relative or the services below will listen without judgement.

Tools That Help

Every licensed operator must offer deposit limits, session breaks, reality checks and self-exclusion. Setting a deposit limit before you start is the most effective step, and it is best done while you are calm. If you want to shut yourself out of all Great Britain-licensed sites at once, the national self-exclusion scheme does exactly that.

Free, confidential help in the UK

  • National Gambling Helpline — 0808 8020 133, open 24 hours a day, free from UK landlines and mobiles
  • BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org
  • GAMSTOP national self-exclusion — gamstop.co.uk
  • GamCare — gamcare.org.uk

You must be 18 or over to gamble in the UK.