Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be fun and entertaining. We are committed to helping you stay in control and gamble responsibly.

Need Help Right Now?

If gambling is causing you distress, call the free national helpline — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

GamCare: 0808 802 0133 Self-Exclude with GamStop

What Is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means gambling in a way that remains fun and within your means. It means treating gambling as entertainment — not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. For most people, gambling is an enjoyable leisure activity. However, for some, it can become problematic.

Responsible gambling is about making informed choices, setting limits, and knowing when to stop. The golden rule: only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.

The Golden Rules of Responsible Gambling

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Set a Budget

Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Once you reach your limit, stop — even if you feel like you're about to win.

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Set Time Limits

Decide how long you'll play before you start. Set an alarm if it helps. Step away when the time is up.

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Never Chase Losses

If you lose, accept it and move on. Chasing losses by gambling more is one of the most common signs of problem gambling.

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Don't Gamble When Emotional

Avoid gambling when stressed, depressed, or upset. Emotional states lead to poor decisions and higher risk-taking.

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Take Regular Breaks

Step away from the screen regularly. Long unbroken gambling sessions increase the risk of impulsive decisions.

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Balance With Other Activities

Gambling should be one of many leisure activities — not your primary hobby or stress reliever.

Recognising Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. The following are warning signs that gambling may have become a problem:

Gambling with money meant for bills or essentials

Chasing losses with bigger bets

Lying to family or friends about gambling habits

Borrowing money to gamble

Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling

Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities

Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling

Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative feelings

Spending more time gambling than intended

Losing interest in hobbies due to gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out — support is available for anyone who is worried.

Responsible Gambling Tools at UKGC Casinos

All UKGC-licensed online casinos are required to offer the following player protection tools. Look for them in your account settings:

Deposit Limits

Cap the amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Reductions apply immediately; increases require a 24-hour cooling-off period.

Loss Limits

Set a maximum amount you can lose in a given period. Once reached, you cannot play until the period resets.

Wager Limits

Restrict the size of individual bets, preventing large single losses.

Session Time Limits

Set a maximum duration for each gambling session. The casino will automatically end your session when the limit is reached.

Reality Checks

Pop-up notifications at set intervals reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.

Cooling-Off Period

Temporarily pause your account for 24 hours up to 6 weeks. A brief pause that takes effect immediately.

Self-Exclusion

Permanently or temporarily block yourself from a casino for a minimum of 6 months. Register with GamStop to self-exclude from ALL UKGC casinos at once.

GamStop

Self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online casinos with one registration. Available for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

Visit GamStop

BeGambleAware

Free tools, advice, and support for anyone concerned about their gambling or a loved one's gambling.

Visit BeGambleAware

GamCare

National helpline and online chat, available 24/7, completely free and confidential.

0808 802 0133 Visit GamCare