18+ SAFER-GAMBLING SUPPORT · UPDATED 12 AUGUST 2026
Gambling should never be treated as a way to make money
If gambling is causing stress, debt, secrecy or loss of control, stop. Support and exclusion tools are available without needing to continue playing.
Set limits first
Choose time and money limits before gambling, not after a loss.
Never chase losses
Increasing stakes to recover money is a warning sign, not a strategy.
Use a hard stop
Time-outs and self-exclusion can remove immediate access while you seek support.
WARNING SIGNS
When entertainment becomes harm
Warning signs include spending money needed for essentials, hiding activity, borrowing to gamble, feeling unable to stop, chasing losses and gambling to escape stress. Any one of these is enough reason to pause.
- Leave the account and payment page.
- Tell someone you trust.
- Contact a support service.
- Use bank blocks, time-outs or self-exclusion.
IMMEDIATE CONTROLS
Use limits before relying on willpower
UK-licensed operators provide tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. GAMSTOP can block access to online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain for the chosen exclusion period.
GAMSTOP self-exclusion ↗CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT
Speak to a trained adviser
GamCare provides information, advice and support for people affected by gambling harms. If there is immediate danger or a risk of self-harm, contact emergency services now rather than waiting for an online response.
GamCare support ↗REGULATOR GUIDANCE
Know the controls operators should provide
The UK Gambling Commission publishes player guidance on safer gambling, account controls and complaints. Use the official source for current requirements.
UKGC public and player guidance ↗