Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be entertainment — something you do for enjoyment, with money you can afford to spend. When it stops being that, help is available, and it is free.
Warning signs of problem gambling
Problem gambling rarely announces itself. It tends to creep in gradually. These are the signs that gambling may be becoming a problem rather than staying as entertainment.
Signs in yourself
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back what you have lost
- Lying to family, friends, or employers about your gambling
- Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when you try to cut down
- Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities to gamble
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling depressed or hopeless after gambling sessions
- Using gambling as a way to escape stress or difficult feelings
- Making repeated failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Continuing despite serious negative consequences to your finances or relationships
Signs in someone you know
- Unexplained debts or money going missing
- Secretive behaviour around their phone, computer, or finances
- Sudden and unexplained mood swings or irritability
- Withdrawing from family activities and social events
- Frequently asking to borrow money
- Selling personal items without explanation
- Lying about how they spend their time or money
- Appearing preoccupied, distracted, or anxious
Recognising these signs and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. If you see yourself in any of these, GamCare is a good first call.
Safer gambling tools
All UK-licensed casinos are legally required to offer the following tools under UKGC regulations. If a casino makes them hard to find, that itself is a red flag.
Deposit Limits
Set a maximum amount you can deposit each day, week, or month. Once the limit is reached, the casino will block further deposits until the period resets. Changes that reduce your limit take effect immediately.
Loss Limits
Cap how much you can lose in a given period. When your net loss hits the limit, you cannot continue playing until it resets. A useful safeguard if you find it easy to keep depositing after a bad run.
Session Time Limits
Set a maximum session length before you are automatically logged out. Time flies when you are in the zone — a session limit prevents what feels like 20 minutes becoming three hours.
Reality Checks
Regular on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and your net result. UK casinos are required to offer these by law.
Self-Exclusion
Block yourself from a specific casino for a chosen period — or from all UK-licensed casinos simultaneously via GamStop. Once activated for a minimum period, the exclusion cannot be reversed.
Cool-Off Period
Take a short break from a casino (typically 24 hours to 6 weeks) without permanently closing your account. Good for when you need a break but are not sure you want to self-exclude permanently.
Free support organisations
Every organisation listed here is completely free. None of them will judge you for calling, and all of them have supported thousands of people in exactly the situation you might be in.
GamCare
The leading UK charity for problem gambling. Free confidential support, counselling, and advice for anyone affected by gambling — whether that is you or someone close to you.
BeGambleAware
An independent charity providing information and practical tools to help people make safer gambling decisions. Their website has a live chat and extensive self-help resources.
GamStop
The UK self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GamStop excludes you from all UK-licensed online gambling sites simultaneously. It is free, takes a few minutes, and cannot be reversed during the chosen period.
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women sharing their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from compulsive gambling. Support group meetings across the UK.
NHS Gambling Clinic
Free specialist NHS treatment for gambling disorder is available across England. You do not need to reach rock bottom to access it — ask your GP for a referral.
Samaritans
If gambling is affecting your mental health or you are having thoughts of self-harm, Samaritans provide confidential support around the clock. No judgement, just someone to talk to.
Common questions
Our commitment
We are an affiliate site — we make money when people sign up to casinos through our links. We acknowledge the conflict of interest that creates. Here is what we commit to doing about it:
- We only list casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission — no exceptions
- Every page on this site carries responsible gambling messaging
- We link to free support organisations from our header, footer, and this page
- We do not use misleading bonus claims or hide wagering requirements
- We do not target or market to anyone who may be vulnerable
- We support self-exclusion and limit-setting tools, and explain how to use them
- We review and update our content when the situation at a casino changes
Questions about our approach? Get in touch.