Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money or recover financial losses. While most people gamble without serious problems, gambling can become harmful when it starts affecting finances, relationships, work or everyday life.

Our approach is to provide clear information about the risks as well as the entertainment side of online casinos. We encourage players to stay within their limits and use available responsible gambling tools whenever needed.

How to Gamble More Responsibly

Responsible gambling starts with keeping control over both the time and money spent playing.

Before gambling, set a clear budget that you can afford to lose and avoid using money intended for rent, bills, food or other essential expenses. It is also sensible to decide how long you plan to play and take regular breaks.

A few basic principles can help reduce risk:

• Set deposit, loss and spending limits before you start.

• Never borrow money to gamble.

• Do not chase losses by increasing deposits or bets.

• Avoid gambling when stressed, upset or under the influence of alcohol.

• Take regular breaks and keep track of how much time you spend gambling.

• Treat winnings as a possible outcome, never an expected source of income.

There is no gambling strategy that removes the risk of losing money.

Signs Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem

Gambling harm does not always appear suddenly. In many cases, changes in behaviour or spending develop gradually.

Warning signs can include spending more money or time gambling than originally intended, trying repeatedly to win back losses, hiding gambling activity from friends or family, borrowing money to continue playing, or feeling anxious when unable to gamble.

It may also be time to seek support if gambling is affecting your sleep, work, relationships or ability to pay everyday expenses.

GambleAware provides a gambling harms self-assessment designed to help people understand how gambling may be affecting them and identify appropriate support.

Deposit, Loss and Time Limits

Many gambling platforms provide tools that allow players to set limits directly on their accounts.

A deposit limit restricts how much money can be added during a chosen period, while loss and spending limits can help prevent gambling beyond a predetermined budget. Time reminders and session limits can also make it easier to recognise how long a gambling session has lasted.

Where these tools are available, setting them before starting to play is generally more effective than relying on decisions made during a gambling session.

Self-Exclusion and GamStop

Self-exclusion is designed for people who want to prevent themselves from gambling for a defined period.

GamStop Online is a free self-exclusion service for UK residents. Once registered, users are prevented from accessing or creating accounts with online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Available minimum exclusion periods include six months, one year and five years, with a five-year auto-renewal option also available.

All online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain are required to check GamStop when a person attempts to register or access an account.

Players currently registered with GamStop should not use non GamStop or offshore casinos as a way to bypass their self-exclusion. Doing so removes an important barrier that was deliberately put in place to help control gambling.

Blocking Gambling Websites and Apps

Website and app blocking software can provide another layer of protection, particularly when combined with self-exclusion.

Tools such as Gamban can restrict access to gambling websites and applications across supported devices, including some sites operating outside the regulated UK market.

GambleAware also provides information about gambling blocking tools, self-exclusion and ways to reduce exposure to gambling advertising online.

Getting Help With Gambling

If gambling is becoming difficult to control, confidential support is available. You do not need to wait until the situation becomes severe before speaking to someone.

National Gambling Helpline

GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and includes telephone and digital services for people affected by their own gambling or someone else's.

GambleAware

GambleAware provides information, self-assessment tools and a service finder for free and confidential gambling support throughout Great Britain. Its directory includes specialist treatment services as well as support for family members and friends.

GamStop

GamStop can be used by UK residents who want to exclude themselves from online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Once the selected minimum exclusion period begins, it cannot simply be cancelled early.

NHS and Other Support

Specialist gambling treatment is also available through NHS services in England, and GambleAware provides information about accessing suitable treatment and local support.

If gambling is linked to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek professional help immediately. Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, 24 hours a day.

Supporting Someone Else

Gambling harm can also affect partners, relatives and friends.

If you are concerned about somebody else's gambling, try to discuss the issue without blame and avoid lending money that could be used for further gambling. Support organisations can also help family members understand how to protect their own finances and wellbeing.

GambleAware provides dedicated guidance and support tools for people affected by another person's gambling.

Our Responsible Gambling Policy

We do not present gambling as a guaranteed way to earn money and we do not recommend chasing losses.

Our casino content aims to explain important conditions such as wagering requirements, withdrawal rules, licensing and player-protection measures alongside promotional offers.

Where we cover casinos operating outside the UKGC framework, we make that distinction clear. Offshore regulation does not provide the same UK-specific protections as a UK Gambling Commission licence, and players should consider that difference before registering.

You must be 18 or over to gamble in the UK. Gamble responsibly and seek support if gambling stops feeling controlled.