Gambling is a paid-for pastime. The house has an edge on every game, which means that over time you will spend more than you win. That is fine if it is money you set aside for fun. It is not fine if it is rent, or if you are playing to win back what you lost yesterday.
This page sets out the tools every licensed casino in Britain has to give you, and where to get free help if you want it.
Need to talk now? The National Gambling Helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day: 0808 8020 133. It is run by GamCare, who also offer live chat on their website.
Signs it is getting out of hand
A gambling problem tends to creep up. These are the usual signals:
- Spending more money or time than you meant to, more than once
- Chasing losses, or raising stakes to get the same feeling
- Hiding gambling from your partner, family or friends
- Borrowing, selling things or missing bills to play
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you try to stop
If two or three of those sound familiar, it is worth acting today while it is still easy.
Tools inside every licensed casino account
Deposit limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on what you can pay in. Since 31 October 2025 casinos have had to prompt you to set a limit before your first deposit. Lowering a limit takes effect at once. Raising it only applies after a cooling-off period, so a bad evening cannot undo it.
Reality checks and session reminders
A pop-up at intervals you choose, showing how long you have been playing and how much you are up or down.
Time-outs
A short break from one casino, from a day up to six weeks. Your account is locked for the period you choose.
Self-exclusion from one operator
A longer block of at least six months at a single casino. The operator must close your account and return your balance.
Blocking everything at once
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme. You register once and are blocked from every online gambling site licensed in Great Britain for six months, one year or five years. All licensed operators must take part. Our guide to what GAMSTOP is and how it works goes through the process.
Gambling blocks from your bank
Most UK banks let you switch off gambling payments in the app. Transactions to gambling merchants are then declined, and turning the block off again usually involves a delay. It works well alongside GAMSTOP.
Blocking software
Apps such as Gamban and BetBlocker stop gambling sites and apps opening on your phone and computer, including unlicensed ones that GAMSTOP cannot reach.
Free help and treatment
- GamCare: the helpline above, live chat, and free counselling
- NHS gambling support: specialist NHS clinics you can refer yourself to
- Gamblers Anonymous: local and online meetings run by people who have been there
- Gordon Moody: residential treatment and online support
If someone else's gambling is affecting you, GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous both support family and friends as well.
Under 18
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble at an online casino in Britain, and casinos must verify age before any deposit. If you share a device with children, use the parental controls on it and never leave an account logged in.
Our part
We only review casinos licensed by the Gambling Commission, we do not publish material aimed at getting round self-exclusion, and we do not present gambling as a way to make money. If you think something on this site falls short of that, tell us.