We want your time with us to stay enjoyable. This page explains the control tools we offer, the warning signs worth watching for, and where to get help in the UK if gambling stops feeling like entertainment.
Why responsible gambling matters
Gambling is a pastime, not a way to solve money problems or fill time when you're bored or upset. Most people play without trouble, but for some it can turn into something harder to manage. Recognising the signs early makes a real difference.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
These behaviours are worth paying attention to:
- Chasing losses — depositing more to win back what you've lost
- Lying to friends or family about how much you spend or how often you play
- Borrowing money, selling belongings, or skipping bills to fund a session
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you try to cut back
- Gambling to escape stress, sadness or loneliness rather than for fun
- Missing work, social plans or family time because of play
If any of these sound familiar, it's worth taking a step back.
Questions worth asking yourself
A short self-check can help you see where you stand. Answer honestly:
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more money to get the same excitement?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Do you gamble when you're feeling down, anxious or bored?
- Have you lied about your gambling to people close to you?
- Has gambling caused problems with your relationships, work or finances?
- Have you relied on others to help with money troubles caused by gambling?
One or two "yes" answers are worth thinking about. Three or more suggest it's time to talk to someone.
Our control tools
We provide several ways to manage your account and set boundaries that stick.
Deposit limits
Set a cap on how much you can deposit over a day, week or month by contacting our live chat support team. The limit applies immediately and helps you stay within a budget you've decided on in advance.
Session time limits
Cap how long you can play in one sitting by reaching out to support. When the time runs out, you're logged out automatically — a straightforward way to avoid losing track of hours.
Cooling off (standard account closure)
Freeze your account for a week, a month, three months or six months by contacting customer support. The freeze takes effect straight away, and you can't reverse it until the period ends. Use this when you need a proper break without closing your account permanently.
Self-exclusion
Email support to close your account for a minimum of six months. The exclusion activates within 24 hours of our receiving your request. During that time you can't deposit, play or reopen the account. This is the strongest tool we offer and the right choice if you need to step away for good.
Cool-down period for limit changes
Any request to increase a limit or reduce an exclusion period comes with a seven-day waiting period before it takes effect. This delay gives you time to reconsider rather than acting on impulse.
Practical limits that work
Here are steps that help people stay in control:
- Set a budget before you start — decide what you can afford to lose, and stop when you reach it.
- Never chase losses — accept a losing session and walk away rather than depositing more.
- Don't gamble on credit — use money you have, not money you'll need to pay back.
- Take regular breaks — set a timer and step away every hour, even if you're winning.
- Don't gamble when you're upset or drunk — decisions made under pressure or influence are rarely sound ones.
- Track your spending — check your account history weekly to see exactly where your money goes.
Where to get help in the UK
Free, confidential support is available around the clock if you're worried about your gambling or someone else's.
National helplines
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained advisers offer practical help, emotional support and referrals to local services. Visit gamcare.org.uk for live chat and self-assessment tools.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice and a treatment finder at begambleaware.org. Their site includes a budget calculator and a self-exclusion guide.
Self-exclusion schemes
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion service that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for six months, one year or five years. Register at gamstop.co.uk with your details, and the exclusion begins immediately across every participating operator.
Residential and online treatment
Gordon Moody offers residential treatment programmes and online courses for people struggling with gambling addiction. Their services are free and include one-to-one counselling and group support. Find out more at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software
Gamban (gamban.com) blocks access to gambling sites and apps across all your devices. It costs around £3 a month and works on phones, tablets and computers.
BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is free, open-source software that does the same job. It runs on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, and you can't uninstall it without contacting support first.
Protecting minors
You must be 18 or over (18+) to use our site. If you share a device with someone younger, consider installing parental control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio. These tools restrict access to gambling sites and monitor online activity, keeping underage users away from content they shouldn't see.
If you have questions about any of the tools above, email us at [email protected].
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it stops being fun, the resources on this page are here to help.
This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+). If gambling ever stops feeling like entertainment, free and confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.