Responsible Gambling: Setting Limits and Staying Safe

Gambling Responsibly: Why It Matters

For the vast majority of people, gambling is an enjoyable form of entertainment. However, for a minority, gambling can become problematic and cause serious harm to finances, relationships, and mental health. Understanding responsible gambling principles helps protect you and ensures gambling remains a positive experience.

The Golden Rules of Responsible Gambling

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose — Never use rent, bill money, or savings earmarked for essentials.
• Set a budget and stick to it — Decide your limit before you start and do not chase losses.
• Set time limits — Decide how long you'll play before you start.
• Never gamble when emotional — Gambling while stressed, depressed, or angry leads to poor decisions.
• Take regular breaks — Step away from the screen regularly during play sessions.
• Balance gambling with other activities — Gambling should be one of many leisure activities, not the primary one.

Responsible Gambling Tools at UK Casinos

All UKGC-licensed casinos must offer the following responsible gambling tools:

• Deposit limits — Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps. Increases must wait 24 hours; decreases take effect immediately.
• Loss limits — Cap how much you can lose in a given period.
• Wager limits — Restrict the size of individual bets.
• Session time limits — Set a maximum play session duration.
• Reality checks — Pop-up notifications reminding you how long you've been playing.
• Cooling-off periods — Temporarily pause your account for 24 hours to 6 weeks.
• Self-exclusion — Block access to your account for a minimum of 6 months.

Recognising Problem Gambling Signs

Warning signs that gambling may be becoming problematic include: gambling with money you can't afford to lose, chasing losses, lying to friends or family about gambling, gambling to escape problems or negative emotions, neglecting work or personal responsibilities, and feeling irritable when not gambling.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free help is available:

• GamCare — gamcare.org.uk | 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org | Free national helpline
• GamStop — gamstop.co.uk | Free national self-exclusion scheme
• Gamblers Anonymous — gamblersanonymous.org.uk

GamStop: National Self-Exclusion

GamStop is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators with a single registration. Once registered, you will be blocked from all participating sites for a minimum of 6 months. Exclusions can be set for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.