Responsible gambling
Online casinos should stay fun. This page explains how to keep them that way, the early warning signs of harm, and where to get free, confidential help if gambling stops feeling like a choice.
Need help right now?
These services are free, confidential and answer 24/7.
- GamCare: 0808 8020 133
- GAMSTOP: gamstop.co.uk
- Samaritans: 116 123
Four habits of safer players
Most gambling-related harm starts with one or two small habits going unchecked. These four principles keep online casinos in their proper place.
Set a budget you can afford to lose
Decide on a fixed amount before you play and never top it up to chase a loss. Gambling is entertainment, treat it like the cost of any other night out.
Use deposit and time limits
Every UKGC casino offers daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits, plus session and reality-check timers. Set them at sign-up, before the excitement kicks in.
Never chase losses
The single biggest red flag. If you lose your budget, the session is over. Bigger bets do not undo bad luck, they just turn a small loss into a large one.
Keep gambling a small part of life
If gambling is starting to crowd out work, family time, sleep or other hobbies, that is the early warning sign. Step back and reset your limits.
How healthy is your gambling?
Nine quick questions based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Anonymous, free and processed entirely in your browser. We never see your answers.
Gambling Self Check Tool
9 quick questions, based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Anonymous, free and takes about 2 minutes. Answer honestly, this is for you alone.
1Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
2Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
3When you gambled, did you go back another day to try to win back the money you lost?
4Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
5Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
6Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
7Have people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem?
8Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
9Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
0 of 9 answered
Spot the early warning signs
Recognising the signs in yourself, or someone close to you, is the first step. If two or more of these feel familiar over the past 12 months, it is worth taking the self check above and reaching out for support.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you planned
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to keep playing
- Hiding the amount you gamble from family or friends
- Feeling restless, stressed or low when you cannot gamble
- Chasing losses by raising stakes or playing longer sessions
- Lying about wins, losses or the time spent on gambling
Safer gambling tools at every UKGC casino
Every casino we recommend offers these built-in tools. Set them up the day you sign up, before the first deposit.
Deposit limits
Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month. Increases take 24 hours, decreases apply instantly.
Session and reality checks
Pop-up reminders at intervals you choose, plus auto-logout after a set session length.
Time-out and cooling off
Take a break of 24 hours up to 6 weeks. The casino blocks login and marketing during that time.
Self-exclusion
Block your account for 6 months to 5 years. Combine with GAMSTOP to cover every UKGC site at once.
Free, confidential UK support
You do not need to be in crisis to call. These services help with any gambling concern, for you or someone close to you.
GamCare (National Gambling Helpline)
Free, confidential support 24/7 by phone, live chat and group sessions.
GAMSTOP
Self-exclude from every UKGC-licensed online casino and bookmaker for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
BeGambleAware
UK charity offering safer gambling tools, free counselling and advice for friends and family.
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Peer support meetings across the UK for anyone who wants to stop gambling.
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support if you are struggling to cope, including with gambling-related distress.
National Gambling Treatment Service
Free, specialist gambling treatment across England, Scotland and Wales via the NHS network.
Common questions about safer gambling
Is the self-check anonymous?+
Yes. The questionnaire runs entirely in your browser. We never see, store or share your answers.
What is GAMSTOP and is it free?+
GAMSTOP is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. Registration is free and blocks you from every UKGC-licensed casino and bookmaker for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
Can family members get help too?+
Absolutely. GamCare and BeGambleAware run dedicated support lines for partners, parents and friends of someone who gambles. You do not need permission from the gambler to call.
Will using these tools affect my credit score?+
No. Setting deposit limits, taking time-outs or registering with GAMSTOP has no impact on your credit file or any UK financial record.