Keeping gambling safe and in control
Gambling can be enjoyable, but it carries real risk. This page covers practical steps and the official UK support that's there if you need it.
18+ only. Gambling involves risk and is never a reliable way to make money. Only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose, and treat any winnings as a bonus rather than income.
Practical ways to stay in control
- Set a deposit or spending limit before you start, and keep to it.
- Set a time limit too — it's easy to lose track when you're playing.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back money is how small losses become big ones.
- Don't gamble to escape stress, boredom or low mood.
- Take regular breaks and keep gambling as one part of a balanced routine.
- Use the operator's own tools — deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion.
Signs it might be becoming a problem
It may be time to seek support if you're spending more than you planned, borrowing money to gamble, hiding it from people close to you, or feeling anxious about it. None of these are things to face alone, and free confidential help is available.
Official UK support and resources
These are independent, official organisations. The links open their own sites in a new tab.
Self-exclusion
GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain in one place, for a period you choose. Most operators also offer their own self-exclusion and account-closure options if you want to step away from a single site.
If you need to talk to someone now
The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, offers free, confidential support. You can find current phone and live-chat details on the GamCare website linked above.
Last updated: 1 June 2026