Responsible Gambling
Last updated: 7 July 2026
Gambling should only ever be treated as entertainment. It should not be used as a way to make money, escape pressure, recover losses, solve debt, or cope with stress.
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This page explains practical ways to stay in control, signs that gambling may be becoming harmful, and where to find support if you need it.
Need help now?
If gambling is affecting your mood, money, relationships, work, sleep or wellbeing, support is available. You do not need to wait until things feel impossible before asking for help.
You can contact GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or use live chat through GamCare. Support is free and confidential.
If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123.
Keeping gambling in perspective
For many adults, online gambling is occasional entertainment. For others, it can become stressful, expensive, isolating or difficult to stop. The safest approach is to set clear boundaries before you play, then step away if those boundaries no longer feel easy to keep.
Gambling always involves risk. Casino games, bingo, slots, live dealer games and sports betting are designed so that the operator has a mathematical advantage over time. Winning is never guaranteed, and past wins do not make future wins more likely.
If gambling stops feeling like entertainment, take that seriously. You do not have to wait for a crisis before using limits, taking a break, self-excluding or asking for support.
Safer gambling tools to look for
UK-licensed gambling websites should provide safer gambling tools. These can help you control time, spending and access.
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Deposit limits: set a maximum amount you can deposit over a chosen period, such as a day, week or month.
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Reality checks: receive reminders while playing so you can see how long you have been logged in.
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Time-outs: take a short break from an account, often for a day, a week, a month or another fixed period.
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Self-exclusion: block yourself from using a gambling website for a longer period if you need to stop.
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Transaction history: review deposits, withdrawals, bets and account activity so you can see your actual gambling behaviour more clearly.
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Game controls: some products include controls around autoplay, stake size, loss limits or session behaviour.
Questions to ask yourself
If you are unsure whether gambling is becoming a problem, it can help to answer these questions honestly. A single “yes” does not automatically mean you have a gambling disorder, but it may be a sign that you should slow down, set limits or speak to someone.
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Do you gamble for longer than you planned?
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Do you spend more than you can comfortably afford to lose?
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Do you chase losses by gambling again to try to win back money?
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Do you feel irritable, anxious, restless or low because of gambling?
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Do you hide your gambling from people close to you?
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Have you borrowed money, sold possessions or missed bills because of gambling?
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Have you tried to cut down or stop before, but found it difficult?
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Do you gamble to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other problems?
What to do if gambling feels out of control
Being honest with yourself is a strong first step. Gambling harm is nothing to be ashamed of, and support services deal with these issues every day.
If you think gambling may be causing problems, consider taking practical action today rather than waiting for things to become worse.
Practical steps you can take
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Set deposit limits before you play, not after you have already spent more than planned.
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Take a time-out if you find yourself chasing losses, playing emotionally, or gambling for longer than expected.
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Use Gamstop Online if you need to block access to online gambling accounts with operators licensed in Great Britain.
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Ask your bank whether gambling transaction blocks are available on your account or card.
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Talk to someone you trust. Keeping gambling secret often makes the pressure worse.
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Contact GamCare, the National Gambling Helpline, the NHS or another support provider if you need help making a plan.
Support organisations and useful links
The following organisations and resources may be useful if you are worried about your own gambling, or someone else’s gambling.
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GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline: free, confidential gambling support by phone and live chat.
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Gamstop Online: free online self-exclusion for gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain.
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UK Gambling Commission: public information about gambling safety, licensed operators and self-exclusion schemes.
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NHS gambling support: advice and treatment information for people affected by gambling-related harm.
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Samaritans: free emotional support if you feel overwhelmed, distressed or unable to cope.
What SisterSite.com can and cannot do
We can publish safer gambling information, highlight useful tools, explain licensing issues and link to support organisations. We can also take account of player-facing risks when reviewing casino operators and sister-site networks.
We cannot provide counselling, legal advice, financial advice, treatment, emergency support, account support or direct help with casino disputes. If you need urgent help, please contact a support service directly.
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