Responsible gambling
If gambling is causing you stress, financial difficulty, or relationship problems, the most important thing on this page is the phone number below. Everything else can wait.
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
Free. Confidential. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Should you be gambling?
Before reading any casino review on this site, honestly ask yourself these questions. If you answer "yes" to any of them, we would encourage you to speak to someone before playing.
- Do you spend more on gambling than you can afford to lose?
- Have you ever borrowed money or sold possessions to gamble?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness or anxiety?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
- Has gambling caused any arguments with family or friends?
- Do you feel guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
- Have you ever lied to family members, friends, or others to hide gambling?
These questions are adapted from recognised problem gambling screening tools. They are not a diagnosis — but if they resonate, please reach out to one of the services below.
UK help and support services
GambleAware
Free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling.
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites. Choose 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
GamCare
Free counselling, advice, and support. Live chat and forum available.
Gambling Therapy
Free online support and counselling for people affected by gambling.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on debt and financial problems caused by gambling.
Your GP
Your doctor can refer you to NHS gambling addiction services and provide confidential support.
How to protect yourself
Set deposit limits before you start
All UKGC-licensed casinos let you set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Set these before your first deposit — it is much harder to do objectively once you are playing.
Never chase losses
If you have lost money, the odds have not changed. Gambling more to recover losses almost always leads to greater losses.
Set a time limit
Use reality check features (available at all UKGC casinos) to remind yourself how long you have been playing. Set a timer on your phone as a backup.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
Gambling is entertainment, not income. Never gamble with rent money, bill money, or money you have set aside for essentials.
Do not gamble when emotional
Making decisions about money when stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol significantly increases the risk of harmful gambling.
Use bank-level blocks
Many UK banks (including Monzo, Starling, Barclays, and Lloyds) offer gambling transaction blocks. This adds another layer of protection.
Common questions
What is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is a free service that lets you self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once registered, all participating gambling sites must prevent you from gambling with them.
How do I set deposit limits at online casinos?
All UKGC-licensed casinos are required to offer deposit limits. You can usually find these in your account settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection". You can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in the UK?
The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) is free and available 24/7. You can also visit GambleAware.org, GamCare.org.uk, or speak to your GP. For immediate self-exclusion from all UK gambling sites, register at GAMSTOP.co.uk.
Can my bank block gambling transactions?
Yes. Many UK banks offer gambling transaction blocks that prevent payments to gambling companies. Check with your bank — Monzo, Starling, Barclays, and Lloyds all offer this feature in their apps.
Pages that lead away from gambling
Sometimes the best thing is to do something else entirely.