By Margaret Thornbury, Regulation & Safer Gambling Lead. Last updated
Recognising the warning signs
Gambling harm often develops gradually. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply: spending more money or time than you planned, betting to win back losses, borrowing money or selling things to gamble, hiding your betting from family or friends, or feeling anxious, low or irritable about gambling. If one or more sound familiar, it is worth acting now.
Practical tools that help
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps how much you can deposit each day, week or month at one site |
| Time-outs | Blocks your account at one site for a short break |
| GAMSTOP | Free self-exclusion from all licensed online operators for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years |
| Bank gambling block | Stops your card or account being used for gambling payments |
| Blocking software | Prevents access to gambling websites and apps on your devices |
Free, confidential support
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, run by GamCare.
- BeGambleAware: information, self-assessment and referrals to treatment.
- Gambling Therapy: free online support and live chat.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK: peer support meetings nationwide.
- NHS gambling support: specialist clinics you can contact directly.
If you are worried about someone else, these services support family members and friends too.
Talking to someone you trust
Many people find the first conversation the hardest part. You do not need to have everything worked out before you speak to a helpline adviser, a GP or someone close to you. Advisers on the National Gambling Helpline are used to calls that begin with “I’m not sure if this is a problem”. If money worries are part of the picture, free debt advice charities can help you plan repayments and deal with creditors, and your bank can add a gambling block while you do.
Protecting under-18s
Gambling online is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. Licensed operators must verify age before any deposit or bet. If you share devices with children, use parental controls and keep betting apps behind a passcode or biometric lock.