Safer Gambling
When the fun stops, stop.
Gambling is meant to be entertainment. If it stops feeling like fun, help is free, confidential and available around the clock across the UK.
National Gambling Helpline
Call 0808 8020 133 — free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Operated by GamCare. Live chat also available at gamcare.org.uk.
Signs it may be time to pause
- You're gambling with money set aside for bills or essentials.
- You're chasing losses to "get even".
- You hide how much time or money you spend gambling.
- You feel anxious, low or irritable when you can't play.
- Friends or family have voiced concern.
Practical tools that work
- Deposit limits — every UKGC-licensed casino must let you set daily, weekly and monthly caps.
- Reality checks — pop-ups that show how long you've been playing.
- Time-outs — cool-off for 24 hours to 6 weeks.
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from a single site for 6+ months.
- GAMSTOP — one form blocks you from every UK-licensed operator.
Free UK support organisations
- BeGambleAware →
Independent advice, self-assessment tools and a route into the free treatment network.
- GamCare →
Runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and free 1-to-1 treatment.
- GAMSTOP →
Free national self-exclusion — one registration covers every UK-licensed site.
- Gordon Moody →
Residential and online treatment for those most severely affected.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK →
Peer-support meetings across the UK.
18+ only. You must be 18 or over to gamble in the United Kingdom. Please play within your means. Every operator listed on this site is required by law to promote safer gambling and to honour GAMSTOP self-exclusion.