Responsible Gambling Guide

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means treating gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money, and maintaining full control over how much time and money you spend. It involves making informed decisions, understanding the risks, and having the tools and awareness to stop when gambling is no longer enjoyable.

The vast majority of people who gamble do so without any problems. According to the UK Gambling Commission, over 44% of adults in Great Britain have gambled in the past four weeks, and for most of these individuals, it remains a harmless leisure activity. However, for a small but significant minority, gambling can become problematic and cause serious harm to their finances, relationships, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

Responsible gambling is not about abstaining entirely — it is about gambling within your means, recognising warning signs early, and knowing where to turn if you need help. Whether you bet on football at the weekend, place the occasional accumulator, or enjoy a game of poker, responsible gambling principles apply to everyone.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it is not always obvious — even to the person experiencing it. The following signs may indicate that gambling has moved from a harmless pastime to something more concerning:

Behavioural Signs

• Spending more time or money on gambling than you originally intended
• Chasing losses — continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money you have lost
• Betting with money you cannot afford to lose (rent, bills, food money)
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities because of gambling
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Returning to gambling after a period of abstinence, even when you promised yourself you would stop

Emotional Signs

• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative feelings
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about your gambling
• Experiencing mood swings related to gambling outcomes
• Feeling an increasing need to bet larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Feeling anxious or panicked about your gambling debts

Financial Signs

• Unexplained financial difficulties or debts
• Frequent withdrawals from savings accounts
• Overdue bills or missed payments
• Taking out loans or using credit cards to fund gambling
• Selling personal belongings to raise money

If any of these signs feel familiar, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed later in this guide. There is no shame in seeking help, and support is available free of charge and in complete confidence.

Self-Assessment Questions

The following questions are used by gambling support professionals to help identify problem gambling. Answer honestly — this is for your own benefit:

1. Do you ever spend more time or money gambling than you intended?
2. Have you ever gambled to win back money you previously lost?
3. Have you ever lied to family, friends, or colleagues about how much you gamble?
4. Have you ever borrowed money or sold anything to finance gambling?
5. Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling?
6. Have you ever gambled to escape worry, boredom, depression, or stress?
7. Has gambling ever caused you to lose sleep?
8. Have arguments, frustrations, or disappointments ever made you want to gamble?
9. Have you ever felt depressed or considered self-harm as a result of gambling?

If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, your gambling may be becoming problematic. We strongly recommend speaking with a trained adviser at BeGambleAware (0808 8020 133) or GamCare (0808 8020 133). These calls are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Setting Limits

One of the most effective ways to gamble responsibly is to set clear limits before you start. Most reputable betting sites — whether UKGC-licensed or offshore — offer tools to help you manage your activity:

Deposit Limits

Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit per day, week, or month. Once the limit is reached, you will be unable to deposit further funds until the next period. Choose an amount that you can genuinely afford to lose without it affecting your ability to pay bills, buy food, or meet other financial obligations.

Loss Limits

A loss limit caps the amount you can lose within a specified period. This is separate from a deposit limit and provides an additional safety net. If you deposit £100 and set a £50 loss limit, your account will be restricted once you have lost £50, even though you may still have deposited funds remaining.

Session Time Limits

These allow you to set a maximum duration for each gambling session. After the specified time, you will receive a notification or be logged out automatically. This helps prevent the common pattern of losing track of time while gambling.

Wagering Limits

Some sites allow you to set a maximum stake per bet, which prevents impulsive large wagers in the heat of the moment.

Reality Checks

Reality checks are periodic notifications that appear during a gambling session to remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost. These can be particularly effective at breaking the immersive nature of online gambling.

Self-Exclusion Tools

If setting limits is not enough, or if you want to take a complete break from gambling, several self-exclusion tools are available:

GamStop

GamStop is the UK’s free national self-exclusion scheme. Registration blocks you from all UKGC-licensed gambling websites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It is the most comprehensive single-step option for UK online gambling. Read our complete guide to GamStop for full details.

GamBan

GamBan is software you install on your devices that blocks access to over 48,000 gambling websites worldwide, including offshore sites not covered by GamStop. GamBan works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It offers a free initial period and subscription plans thereafter. This is particularly valuable if you want to block access to non-UKGC sites as well.

BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free, charity-run app that blocks access to over 84,000 gambling websites. Available on all major platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android), BetBlocker is entirely free with no subscription required. You can customise which categories of gambling to block and set blocking periods of your choosing.

SENSE (Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion)

If you need to self-exclude from land-based gambling premises (betting shops, casinos, bingo halls), SENSE allows you to register once and be excluded from all participating venues in your area. This covers the gap that GamStop does not address.

Net Nanny and Parental Controls

Net Nanny and similar parental control software can be configured to block gambling websites. While primarily designed for child safety, these tools can be useful for adults who want an additional layer of protection. Most internet service providers in the UK also offer built-in parental controls that can filter gambling content.

Bank Gambling Blocks

Many UK banks now offer the ability to block gambling transactions on your debit card. This is an underused but highly effective tool. Banks that currently offer this feature include:

• Barclays — toggle in the mobile app
• Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland) — via online banking or app
• HSBC — via mobile app
• Monzo — toggle in the app (with a 48-hour cooling-off period to re-enable)
• Starling Bank — toggle in the app
• NatWest Group — via online banking
• Chase UK — via the app

We recommend activating bank gambling blocks as a complement to other self-exclusion tools for maximum protection.

UK Support Organisations

The following organisations provide free, confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. All services are available at no cost.

BeGambleAware

• Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• Website: begambleaware.org
• Live chat: Available on the website
• Services: Free advice, treatment referrals, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. BeGambleAware also funds the National Gambling Treatment Service, which provides free, evidence-based treatment across England, Scotland, and Wales.

GamCare

• Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7 — the National Gambling Helpline)
• Website: gamcare.org.uk
• Live chat: Available on the website
• Services: Free counselling, group therapy, online support forums, and a comprehensive range of tools for anyone affected by gambling. GamCare also operates the Helpline and NetLine online chat service. They offer one-to-one support and can refer you to specialist treatment services.

Gambling Therapy

• Website: gamblingtherapy.org
• Services: Free online support including live chat with trained advisers, peer support groups via a dedicated app, an online self-help programme, and multilingual support. Gambling Therapy is particularly useful for those who prefer online support over phone calls.

National Gambling Helpline

• Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• Operated by: GamCare on behalf of the National Gambling Treatment Service
• Services: Immediate telephone support, advice, and referral to treatment services. Calls are free from all UK landlines and mobiles, and will not appear on your phone bill as a gambling-related call.

Citizens Advice

• Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
• Phone: 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
• Services: Free advice on debt management, benefits, legal issues, and other practical matters that may be affected by gambling. Citizens Advice can help with gambling-related debt, including negotiating with creditors, applying for debt relief orders, and accessing insolvency services.

Samaritans

• Phone: 116 123 (free, 24/7, 365 days a year)
• Email: [email protected] (response within 24 hours)
• Website: samaritans.org
• Services: Emotional support for anyone in distress or at risk of self-harm. While not a gambling-specific service, the Samaritans are an essential resource for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress related to gambling or any other cause.

Gordon Moody Association

• Website: gordonmoody.org.uk
• Phone: Contact via website (office hours)
• Services: Specialist residential treatment for severe gambling addiction. Gordon Moody operates treatment centres that offer intensive, abstinence-based programmes lasting 12–14 weeks. They also provide online group therapy and relapse prevention support.

Tips for Staying in Control

Whether you are a casual bettor or a regular punter, these practical strategies can help you maintain a healthy relationship with gambling:

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start, and treat it as an entertainment expense. When the budget is gone, stop.
2. Set a time limit. Decide in advance how long you will gamble. Set an alarm on your phone if needed, and stop when it goes off.
3. Never chase losses. This is the single most important rule. Chasing losses is the behaviour most strongly associated with problem gambling. Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and walk away.
4. Do not gamble when emotional. Avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset, angry, lonely, or intoxicated. These states impair your judgement and increase the risk of reckless betting.
5. Take regular breaks. Step away from your screen regularly. A 10-minute break every hour helps you maintain perspective.
6. Do not borrow to gamble. Never use credit cards, loans, or money earmarked for essential expenses to fund gambling. If you are considering borrowing to gamble, this is a strong warning sign.
7. Keep gambling in perspective. Gambling should be one of many leisure activities in your life, not the primary one. Maintain hobbies, social connections, and other interests.
8. Understand the odds. The house always has an edge. Over time, the mathematical advantage means you will lose more than you win. Occasional wins are exciting, but they do not change the underlying probabilities.
9. Use the tools available. Set deposit limits, loss limits, and time limits on your betting accounts. Use bank gambling blocks. These tools exist for your protection — use them.
10. Talk about it. If gambling is causing you concern, talk to someone you trust. Whether it is a friend, family member, or a trained adviser, sharing your concerns is often the first step towards regaining control.

How to Help Someone Else with a Gambling Problem

If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, it can be difficult to know what to do. Here is guidance from gambling support professionals:

Recognise the Signs

Problem gambling is often hidden. Look for changes in behaviour such as secrecy about finances, mood swings, unexplained debts, withdrawal from social activities, or irritability when unable to gamble. The person may become defensive if questioned about their gambling.

Start the Conversation

Choose a calm, private moment to express your concerns. Use “I” statements rather than accusations: “I’ve noticed you seem stressed about money lately” rather than “You’re gambling too much.” Be prepared for denial or defensiveness — this is common and does not mean you should stop trying.

Listen Without Judging

If the person opens up, listen without judging or lecturing. Shame and guilt are already powerful emotions for most problem gamblers, and adding to them can push the person further away from seeking help.

Encourage Professional Support

Suggest they contact BeGambleAware (0808 8020 133) or GamCare for confidential advice. You can offer to help them make the call or accompany them to an appointment. Professional support can make a significant difference.

Protect Your Own Wellbeing

Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be emotionally draining. Remember that you cannot force someone to change — they need to want it themselves. Protect your own finances and mental health, and consider seeking support for yourself. GamCare offers specific support for those affected by someone else’s gambling.

Do Not Enable the Behaviour

Avoid lending money, paying off gambling debts, or covering for the person. While it is natural to want to help, financial bailouts can prolong the problem by removing consequences and making it easier to continue gambling.

Non GamStop Sites and Responsible Gambling

We want to be honest and transparent about an important reality: non GamStop betting sites typically offer fewer responsible gambling protections than UKGC-licensed operators.

The UK Gambling Commission imposes strict requirements on licensed operators, including mandatory self-exclusion participation (GamStop), affordability checks, interaction requirements when problem gambling indicators are detected, and comprehensive responsible gambling toolkits. Non GamStop sites, while often reputable, are not bound by these specific requirements.

This means that if you choose to use non GamStop betting sites, the responsibility for gambling safely falls more heavily on you as an individual. Here is what this means in practice:

• Fewer automatic protections: UKGC-licensed sites are required to intervene if they detect signs of problem gambling. Offshore sites may not have the same obligations or systems in place.
• GamStop does not apply: If you have self-excluded through GamStop, non GamStop sites will not block your access. This is a significant gap in protection for vulnerable individuals.
• Variable responsible gambling tools: Some non GamStop sites offer deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options; others do not. We note the availability of these tools in our reviews.
• No UKGC dispute resolution: If you have a complaint about a non GamStop site, you cannot escalate it to the UK Gambling Commission or UK-based Alternative Dispute Resolution services.

We recommend that anyone using non GamStop betting sites takes additional steps to protect themselves:

• Set personal budget limits and track your spending manually
• Use bank gambling blocks alongside any site-level limits
• Install GamBan or BetBlocker if you feel you are losing control
• Take regular breaks and never chase losses
• Speak to a trained adviser if gambling is causing concern

Resources for Young People

Gambling among young people is a growing concern in the UK. While gambling is restricted to those aged 18 and over, young people are increasingly exposed to gambling through advertising, social media, video games (loot boxes), and peer influence.

For Young People

• Childline: 0800 1111 (free, confidential) — trained counsellors who can discuss any concern, including gambling
• GamCare YoungPeople: BigDeal.org.uk — specific resources for young people affected by gambling
• The Mix: themix.org.uk — support for under-25s on all issues including gambling

For Parents and Guardians

• Talk to your children about gambling and the risks involved
• Be aware that loot boxes in video games can normalise gambling behaviour
• Use parental controls to block gambling content on devices and home networks
• Monitor for signs of gambling activity, including use of a parent’s payment details
• Lead by example — your own gambling habits influence your children’s attitudes

For Educators

GamCare and BeGambleAware both offer free educational resources about gambling awareness for schools and youth organisations. These include lesson plans, workshop guides, and training materials that can be used to discuss gambling risks with young people in age-appropriate ways.