Responsible Gambling in the UK: Where to Get Free Help
Rachel Doughty
Updated
Many people think of gambling as a hobby where you can win or lose money and consider it entertainment. However, many people become vulnerable and begin to experience problems when they start seeing gambling as a means to make money. If you or someone you know is in such a situation, help is available, and the calls to the National Gambling Helpline are free and will be answered 24/7. Call 0808 8020 133 to speak to someone.
- 0808 8020 133National Gambling Helpline, free and open 24/7
- 18+the legal age to gamble in Great Britain
- 6 monthsthe shortest self-exclusion a UK casino can offer
- 5 yearsthe longest GamStop self-exclusion
Signs that gambling is becoming a problem
The following are some of the situations that warrant use of the resources listed to address problem gambling.
- Chasing losses
Continued gambling to recover prior losses.
- Spending more than you planned
Exceeding predetermined spending limits. Using funds for necessities to engage in gambling activities.
- Borrowing to gamble
Loans, overdrafts or money from friends to fund play or cover losses.
- Hiding it
Hiding gambling activities from family members and friends.
- It affects your mood
Loss of mood regulation and irritability.
Responsible gambling tools every UK casino must offer
These are available from all gambling establishment sites and apps licensed by the Gambling Commission.
- Deposit limits
- Daily, weekly or monthly. A lower limit works at once; a higher one waits. See deposit limits.
- Time-outs
- A short break from one casino, usually from 24 hours to 6 weeks.
- Self-exclusion
- At least 6 months away from one casino, which must close your account. See self-exclusion.
- Stake limits
- Online slots are capped at £5 a spin for adults aged 25 and over, and £2 for 18 to 24. See slot stake limits.
- Account history
- Every deposit, withdrawal and bet, so you can see what you have really spent.
- Reality checks
- Reminders of how long you have been playing, at many casinos on request.
How to block gambling in the UK
Three tools that work across every site at once. Using more than one makes a relapse harder.
- 1Register with GamStop
These are available for free. The resources reduce or eliminate the chances of an individual returning to gambling. The resources stop or block access to all UK licensed gambling websites. The resources offer blocking duration of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. gamstop.co.uk
- 2Install blocking software
While using Gamban or BetBlocker, you will be unable to access any gambling-related websites. Gamstop only limits access to betting and gambling websites.
- 3Ask your bank for a gambling block
Some UK Banks have apps to block card transactions to gambling establishments.
GamStop rules don’t apply to sites that call themselves “not on GamStop.” These sites are operating illegally in Great Britain and our guide to online casino scams explains the risks.
Free, confidential gambling support in the UK
No cost. You don’t have to be in crisis to use these services.
| Service | What it does | How to reach it |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline | Free information, support and counselling, run by GamCare | Call 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, or live chat |
| NHS gambling clinics | Specialist treatment from psychiatrists and psychologists in England | Through the NHS gambling addiction page |
| Gordon Moody | Residential and intensive treatment programmes | Online application |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support meetings | Local and online meetings |
| Gambling Therapy | Free online support and groups | Online chat and forums |
| Citizens Advice | Help with debt caused by gambling | Online, phone or in person |
If gambling negatively impacts your mental health, you can get mental health support from the NHS by calling 111.
If someone else's gambling is affecting you
There is support for the family and friends of someone who has a gambling problem. The National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 provides support for family members and friends. GamAnon provides support for family members and partners of people with a gambling problem. There is support for people grieving the death of someone who died by suicide because of gambling at Gambling with Lives. The support services listed above are listed by the NHS.
Gambling and under-18s
In Britain, you have to be 18 years old to enter a casino. All casino employees have the right to ask for your proof of age and ID. If you are sharing a computer with a person under 18, do adjust the parental controls to restrict access to gambling websites. Also use blocking software. Likewise, do not share your casino account information with anyone under 18.
This webpage is for people who are 18 years old or older.
Responsible gambling: questions
What is the UK gambling helpline number?
You can contact the GamCare National Gambling Helpline for free, at any time, by calling 0808 8020 133.
How long does GamStop last?
You can block every online gambling site licensed in Great Britain for a period of 6 months to 5 years.
Can I ask a casino to close my account?
Yes, you can take a break from gambling for a minimum of 6 months. During this time, the casino cannot allow you to gamble or keep your money.
Is gambling treatment free on the NHS?
Yes, the NHS provides treatment for gambling addiction at its facilities in England. Additional treatment is available from other organizations listed on the NHS website.
Rachel Doughty
Editor, Casino Warnings · Bristol
Rachel reads the Gambling Commission's registers and enforcement notices, and the terms casinos publish for British players, then writes them up in plain English.
- Sources
- The NHS gambling addiction page, GamStop, GamCare and the Gambling Commission's rules on safer gambling tools.
