Responsible Gambling
Gambling is entertainment, and keeping it that way depends on staying in control. This page sets out the practical tools and support resources available to players in Great Britain — including those who use casinos not covered by the GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme. 18+ only.
Knowing When It May Be Becoming a Problem
Most people gamble without difficulty. But certain patterns are worth taking seriously:
- Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses to recover money
- Gambling with money set aside for bills, rent or food
- Feeling irritable or anxious when you are not gambling
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Borrowing money specifically to fund gambling
- Finding it hard to stop once you have started
Recognising these signs early makes a genuine difference. None of them mean you cannot get support — they mean the right moment to act is now.
Free Support in Great Britain
The following organisations offer confidential help at no cost:
| Organisation | What they offer | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare | Free counselling, online chat and a 24/7 helpline | 0808 8020 133 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support meetings across the UK | 0330 094 0322 |
| GamAnon | Support for families and partners affected by gambling | 08700 50 88 80 |
| National Gambling Helpline | Advice and referral, available around the clock | 0808 8020 133 |
| BeGambleAware | Online self-assessment tools and treatment referrals | begambleaware.org |
Practical Tools You Can Use Right Now
- Deposit limits — most sites let you set daily, weekly or monthly caps. Apply one before your next session, not during it.
- Session time reminders — use an in-built timer or your phone's alarm to signal when a session should end.
- Reality checks — pause regularly and ask whether the session is still enjoyable and within your planned budget.
- Cool-off periods — a short voluntary break of 24 hours to 30 days, available at most casinos on request.
- Self-exclusion — a longer-term block, typically six months to five years or permanent, that prevents you from opening your account.
Self-Exclusion: GAMSTOP and Beyond
GAMSTOP is the UK's national self-exclusion register. Registering at gamstop.co.uk blocks you from all UKGC-licensed operators simultaneously. It is free, takes a few minutes, and is the fastest way to put distance between yourself and UK-regulated sites.
Casinos listed on this site's non-GAMSTOP casino guide operate under licences issued outside Great Britain and are not connected to the GAMSTOP register. If you wish to self-exclude from one of those sites, contact its customer support team directly and request a self-exclusion in writing. Keep a copy of the confirmation. You can also use blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker — both work across all devices and are not limited to UKGC-licensed platforms.
Blocking Software
- Gamban — paid software (low annual fee) that blocks gambling sites across all browsers and apps on your devices.
- BetBlocker — free to download, blocks access to thousands of gambling domains and can be set for periods between 24 hours and five years.
- GamStop browser extension — adds an extra layer of protection on top of the main GAMSTOP registration.
Setting Limits That Actually Work
The most effective limits are set when you are not in the middle of a session. Decide on a monthly gambling budget — an amount you are genuinely comfortable losing — and set your deposit cap to that figure before you log in. If a site allows you to increase a limit instantly, consider using a site that enforces a cooling-off period on increases instead.
If you have questions about this site or want to raise a concern, you can reach us via the contact page. Our terms and conditions also set out how we operate as an independent comparison service.
Gambling should always be a choice made freely, within a budget you have set in advance. If it stops feeling that way, the organisations listed above can help — no cost, no judgement.