Responsible Gaming
Information for Great Britain — reviewed 2026. Gambling should be a form of paid entertainment, never a way to earn money, pay bills, clear debts or solve financial problems. Casino games have a built-in house advantage, and losses should be expected. Only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose, never borrow money to gamble, and set firm limits on your spending and time before you start.
Age Verification: 18+
You must be at least 18 years old to use online casino or betting services in Great Britain. Licensed operators are required to verify a customer’s age and identity. Never provide false details, attempt to bypass verification, or allow someone under 18 to use your account or payment methods.
Parents and carers should keep gambling accounts, devices and payment details secure, and consider using parental controls where appropriate.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling harm can affect anyone and is nothing to be ashamed of. Consider whether any of these signs feel familiar:
- Chasing losses or increasing stakes to try to win money back.
- Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
- Hiding gambling activity, transactions or losses from other people.
- Lying about how often you gamble or how much you have spent.
- Borrowing money, using credit, selling possessions or missing bill payments to fund gambling.
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression or other difficult feelings.
- Constantly thinking about gambling or planning the next opportunity to play.
- Neglecting work, education, sleep, relationships or family responsibilities.
- Feeling restless, irritable or distressed when trying to cut down.
- Repeatedly trying and failing to stop, reduce or control your gambling.
- Continuing to gamble despite financial, emotional or relationship harm.
You do not need to recognise every sign to seek support. If gambling no longer feels enjoyable or under your control, taking a break and talking to someone can help.
Self-Help and Player-Protection Tools
Use available controls before gambling, and do not raise a limit in order to chase losses:
- Deposit limits: Restrict how much money you can add to an account over a daily, weekly or monthly period.
- Loss limits: Set a maximum net loss for a chosen period where this tool is available.
- Session limits and reality checks: Use reminders showing how long you have been playing, and take regular breaks away from the screen.
- Time-outs: Take a short break from an account when gambling stops feeling recreational.
- Self-exclusion: Block access to an operator’s services for a longer period. For broader protection across participating GB-licensed online operators, register with GamStop.
- Additional barriers: Ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks and consider reputable device-blocking software. These measures work best alongside personal or professional support.
Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals and time spent gambling. Never treat winnings as guaranteed income, and avoid gambling when upset, intoxicated or under financial pressure.
Important Information About Non-GamStop and Offshore Sites
GamStop self-exclusion applies to participating online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain. It does not block Curaçao-licensed or other offshore websites. If you have self-excluded, do not use non-GamStop or offshore sites to continue gambling or bypass your protection. Contact GamCare or another support service instead.
Offshore operators may not provide the same safeguards, complaints procedures or consumer protections as operators licensed by the Great Britain Gambling Commission. You can check a GB licence on the Gambling Commission’s public register.
Support Organisations
- GamCare — Free, confidential information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day. Live chat and other support options are available through the website.
- GamStop — A free service that helps you self-exclude from participating GB-licensed online gambling operators. You can register for six months, one year or five years.
- NHS gambling support — Information about gambling addiction, its effects and routes to treatment. Services and referral arrangements may vary between England, Scotland and Wales.
- Gamblers Anonymous — Peer-support meetings for people who want to stop gambling, including online and in-person options.
If Gambling Is Causing You Harm, Seek Help Now
If gambling is affecting your money, health or relationships, stop gambling, put practical barriers in place and tell someone you trust. Contact GamCare for confidential support—even if you are unsure whether your gambling counts as a problem. Asking for help is a positive step, and you do not have to wait until you reach a crisis.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe or are thinking about self-harm, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department. You can also contact Samaritans free on