Responsible gambling: tools and free help

Gambling should be something you choose to do for entertainment, with money you can afford to lose. Every site we list is licensed by the Gambling Commission, which means it must check your age and identity, offer deposit limits and time-outs, and block anyone who has self-excluded through GAMSTOP.

Tools every UK site must offer

• Deposit limits – set a daily, weekly or monthly cap when you register.
• Reality checks and time-outs – reminders of how long you have been playing, and short breaks of a day to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion – close your account for six months or more; GAMSTOP extends this to every licensed British site at once.

Signs it may be time to stop

• Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses.
• Borrowing money or hiding play from people close to you.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you are not playing.

Where to get free, confidential help

• GambleAware.org – advice, self-assessment and links to local treatment.
• GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline – call 0808 8020 133, any time.
• GAMSTOP – free national self-exclusion from online gambling.

Most UK banks also let you block gambling transactions from your banking app.