Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
Responsible gambling tools can help you stay in control. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money or solve financial problems. This page links to independent support. Services and legal requirements vary by location, so confirm current information on each organisation’s official website.
🛑 Before You Play — Set Your Limits
- Time limits: Decide how long you will play before you start and set a timer.
- Deposit limits: Deposit only money you can afford to lose without affecting essential costs.
- Loss limits: Set a maximum loss in advance and stop when it is reached. Never chase losses.
- Reality checks: Use account reminders that show how long you have played and how much you have spent.
⚠️ Warning Signs of Gambling Harm
- Spending more money or time on gambling than intended
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Hiding or lying about gambling activity
- Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed about gambling
- Chasing losses or gambling to recover money already lost
- Neglecting work, relationships or other responsibilities
🛠️ Time-Outs, Self-Exclusion and Blocking Tools
Available controls, minimum periods and removal rules vary by operator and jurisdiction. Use the casino’s responsible-gambling controls and the appropriate national service where available.
- Time-out: A short account break may be available. The permitted duration varies.
- Self-exclusion: A longer restriction can block account access for a selected minimum period. Do not assume it can be reversed early.
- Account closure: Closing an account is not always the same as self-exclusion. Ask specifically for self-exclusion if gambling is causing harm.
- GAMSTOP Online (UK): A free service for people in the UK that covers gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain. Current minimum periods include six months, one year, five years and five years with auto-renewal. An exclusion cannot be removed during its minimum period. Visit gamstop.co.uk.
- Blocking software: Tools such as Gamban are designed to block gambling websites and apps on supported devices. Combine blocking software with operator or national self-exclusion rather than relying on one control alone.
📞 Independent Support — Free and Confidential Options
| Organization | Support offered | Website or phone |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare / National Gambling Helpline (UK) | Free, confidential support and service information | gamcare.org.uk |
| National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) | Official help and treatment information connecting people with local resources | ncpgambling.org |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer-support meetings and recovery resources | gamblersanonymous.org |
| Gambling Therapy | Global online information and emotional support | gamblingtherapy.org |
Contact details can change. Verify the latest number, availability and eligibility on the organisation’s official website. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Legal Gambling Age
You must meet the legal gambling age in your location, which is commonly 18 or 21. We do not promote underage gambling. Operators may require identity and age verification, and local law determines eligibility.
If gambling is causing financial, emotional or relationship harm, stop gambling and contact an independent support service.