Responsible gambling

Gambling is entertainment with a built-in house edge — not a reliable way to earn money. Licensed UK operators must offer deposit limits, reality checks, timeouts and self-exclusion tools from registration.

GamStop self-exclusion

GamStop lets you block yourself from all UKGC-licensed operators participating in the scheme for six months, one year or five years. Registration is free at gamstop.co.uk.

Before you play

• Set a deposit limit you can afford to lose entirely.
• Decide a time limit and stick to it — phones make sessions easy to extend.
• Never chase losses; tomorrow's session starts fresh, not in debt.
• Keep gambling separate from bills, rent or borrowing.

Warning signs

Hiding play from family, borrowing to gamble, or feeling restless when not playing are signals to pause and seek help. GamCare offers free confidential support by phone, chat and forum.