Responsible gambling: tools and support

Where can you get help now?

Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day. GamCare also provides online support. You don’t need to wait until losses reach a particular amount.

Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money or repay debt. You can lose everything you spend. If you’re in immediate danger or cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. The NHS urgent mental health guidance explains further help.

What signs suggest gambling is harming you?

Changes in your spending, mood or daily life can signal harm, even without a large debt. Take these signs seriously. The NHS guidance on gambling problems describes support and treatment routes.

• Trying to recover losses by gambling again, or increasing stakes to get the same feeling.
• Borrowing, selling possessions or using money needed for bills to fund gambling.
• Hiding spending, missing commitments or finding it difficult to stop when you planned.
• Feeling anxious, guilty or unable to sleep because of gambling.

What can limits and breaks do?

Limits and breaks can reduce opportunities to spend, but they can’t make gambling harmless. A deposit limit restricts money added within a stated period. Check how the operator calculates it and which accounts it covers before relying on it.

A £20 limit at each of 3 separate accounts could still allow £60 in deposits. It isn’t a shared £20 budget. Protect money needed for essentials and don’t borrow to gamble.

Reality checks remind you how long you’ve played. A time-out suspends access for a selected period. If you’ve repeatedly exceeded your intentions, contact support and consider self-exclusion rather than relying only on reminders.

How does self-exclusion work?

Self-exclusion means asking a gambling business to prevent you from gambling with it. The Gambling Commission explains self-exclusion arrangements. Request confirmation and retain the agreement.

Don’t assume an exclusion covers every physical venue or gambling activity. Ask the operator or venue about the relevant arrangements. Combine exclusions with device and payment blocks, and seek support if you still feel an urge to gamble.

Why does a casino network matter for exclusions?

The responsible operator, the business running the gambling service, matters more than a matching website design. Shared ownership or software alone doesn’t confirm coverage. Ask that operator for written confirmation of all brands and accounts covered by your agreement.

Don’t assume an unconfirmed brand is covered, and don’t attempt to gamble there to check. Ask the operator to clarify your agreement instead. Our proposed assessment method explains why protection claims need evidence.

How can you block access and payments?

Blocking software adds another barrier on your devices. GamCare’s blocking guidance lists tools including Gamban and BetBlocker. Check device compatibility and install protection on each device you use.

Ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks, their coverage and any delay before removal. Payment blocks don’t catch every payment route. Keep other protections in place, remove saved payment details and unsubscribe from gambling marketing.

Who supports families and people under 18?

GamCare supports people affected by someone else’s gambling too. You can seek help independently. Protect essential household money, seek debt advice and speak with someone you trust rather than taking responsibility for another person’s losses.

Online casino gambling is illegal for under-18s in Great Britain, as the Gambling Commission’s age guidance explains. Use parental controls, secure adult accounts and keep payment details inaccessible to children. If a young person is gambling, seek specialist support through GamCare or a GP.

What other support is available?

GambleAware (BeGambleAware) provides gambling harm information. You can also explore Gambling Therapy and Gamblers Anonymous for further support. Check each service’s current arrangements directly.

Casino Networks provides information, not treatment or emergency help. Read about our editorial role for its limits. Contact a support service directly when you need personal help.