Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be an enjoyable pastime, not a source of stress or financial harm. This page sets out the tools, organisations and practical steps available to anyone who wants to stay in control — or to step back entirely. Whether you are reassessing your habits or looking for immediate support, the information below is here to help.
18+ only. Everything on this site is intended for adults. If you are under 18, please leave now.
Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is not simply about how much money someone spends. It can involve chasing losses, gambling to escape stress or low mood, hiding activity from friends and family, or feeling unable to stop even when you want to. These patterns can develop gradually and affect anyone, regardless of income or background.
Common signs that gambling may be becoming harmful include:
- Spending more than you planned, more often than you planned
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, relationships or other responsibilities
- Feeling irritable or anxious when not gambling
- Returning to win back money already lost
- Being secretive about how much time or money you spend gambling
If any of these feel familiar, the organisations listed below offer free, confidential support.
Free Support Organisations in the UK
These services are independent of any casino operator and available at no cost to anyone in GB.
| Organisation | What they offer | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare | Free counselling, online chat and a 24/7 helpline for anyone affected by gambling harm | 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) |
| Gamblers Anonymous UK | Peer support meetings across the UK, plus an online community | 0330 094 0322 |
| BeGambleAware | Information, self-assessment tools and referrals to specialist treatment | 0808 8020 133 |
| Gordon Moody | Residential and online treatment programmes for severe gambling disorder | 01384 241292 |
| National Gambling Helpline | Confidential advice and referrals, run by GamCare on behalf of the NHS | 0808 8020 133 |
What Is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GAMSTOP places a block across all online gambling operators that hold a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence. A single registration can cover a period of six months, one year or five years. During that time, UKGC-licensed sites are required to refuse access to your account.
GAMSTOP is free to use and can be set up at gamstop.co.uk. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, email address and postal address. The exclusion takes effect within 24 hours across participating operators.
Important: GAMSTOP applies only to UKGC-licensed operators. International casinos that hold licences from other regulators — such as those listed on our main international casinos page — are not part of the scheme and are not bound by it. Players should be aware of this distinction when deciding which platforms to use.
Self-Exclusion at International Casinos
Casinos that operate outside the UKGC framework are not enrolled in GAMSTOP, but most reputable international operators offer their own responsible gambling tools. These typically include:
- Self-exclusion: Closing your account for a defined period or permanently. Contact the casino's support team directly and request this in writing.
- Deposit limits: Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on how much you can deposit.
- Loss limits: Restrict how much you can lose in a given period.
- Session time limits: Set a maximum duration for each gambling session.
- Reality checks: On-screen reminders that appear at intervals to show how long you have been playing.
- Cool-off periods: A short temporary break — typically 24 hours to 30 days — without full account closure.
To apply any of these, log in to your account and look for a "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection" section in your account settings, or contact the support team via live chat or email. Reputable operators will action self-exclusion requests promptly; if a site makes this process difficult, treat that as a serious warning sign.
You can also use third-party blocking software such as Gamban or Betfilter to prevent access to gambling sites across all your devices, regardless of which licence a site holds.
Budgeting and Practical Limits
Responsible gambling starts with deciding in advance what you are comfortable spending — and treating that figure as entertainment expenditure, not an investment. A few practical habits that help:
- Set a firm budget before you start and do not top it up once it is gone
- Never gamble with money earmarked for bills, rent or essentials
- Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, upset or under the influence of alcohol
- Take regular breaks — stand up, have a drink of water, do something else
- Keep a written record of wins and losses over time; memory tends to emphasise wins
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities
Protecting Young People
All gambling services covered on this site are strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If there are children or young people in your household, consider:
- Using parental control software such as Net Nanny or Bark to restrict access to gambling sites
- Keeping devices with active casino accounts password-protected
- Logging out fully after each session rather than leaving accounts open
- Storing payment cards securely so they cannot be used without your knowledge
About This Site's Approach
Best Online Casinos reviews and compares international online casinos for adult players in GB. We earn commission when readers sign up through our links — this is explained in our terms and conditions. Commercial relationships do not determine rankings or editorial assessments.
We do not encourage anyone to gamble beyond their means, and we do not present gambling as a way to generate income. If you have questions about anything on this site, you can reach us via the contact page.
If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else's, please contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 — free, confidential, available around the clock.