The content of this site is written to explain the mechanics of casino games, not to encourage you to play them. Gambling is intended for adults 18 years and older; it works best when viewed as paid entertainment — such as a cinema ticket — instead of a method for making money.
When it stops being fun
Periodically assessing your own behaviour is useful. A few indicators that gambling may be becoming an issue include:
- Using more money or time than you intended.
- Trying to recover lost funds by chasing losses.
- Selling possessions or borrowing money to continue gambling.
- Concealing your gambling habits from those close to you.
- Experiencing irritability, low mood or anxiety when not gambling.
- Neglecting sleep, work or relationships because of gambling.
It is worth stopping and asking for help if a few of these seem familiar.
Practical limits you can set
- Establish a budget before playing, and consider that money gone.
- Create a time limit as well as a financial one.
- Do not gamble using funds intended for food, bills or rent.
- Don't play to escape stress or after consuming alcohol.
- Pause frequently, and use the time and deposit limits most sites provide.
Where to get help in the UK
National Gambling Helpline — operated by GamCare, free at 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours daily, every day of the year. This same number is accessible via phone, WhatsApp or live chat, and a forum and moderated chatrooms are also available. You can also call the free NHS Wales helpline on 0808 2819 265 in Wales.
GAMSTOP — a free self-exclusion service that blocks apps, online gambling sites and services licensed in Great Britain. To sign up, you provide your email, home address, mobile numbers, date of birth and name, then confirm your identity and email. You select an exclusion period of at least six months, one year, five years, or five years with auto-renewal. It's usually active within 24 hours, although that can't be guaranteed. Reach the team at 0800 138 6518 or [email protected].
GambleAware — you can use its service finder to find free, confidential support from more than 30 providers throughout Great Britain. Go to gambleaware.org.
If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, call the Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night, at any time.