Responsible gambling – support, tools and UK resources

Direct routes to UK support, plus practical steps to control how you play

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money or fix financial problems. When it stops being entertainment, the right move is to stop playing and reach for support – not to switch to a different operator or chase losses.

GamStop

GamStop is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Sign up once and every UKGC-licensed casino, bookmaker and bingo site has to block your account for the duration you chose – six months, one year or five years. Register at gamstop.co.uk. GamStop does not extend to offshore non-GamStop casinos; if you need cover beyond UKGC operators, combine it with bank-side blocks and GamBan.

GamCare

GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133, free, 24/7) and offers free online and face-to-face counselling. If you are unsure whether your gambling is becoming a problem, an anonymous chat with a GamCare adviser is the fastest first step.

Gamban

Gamban is a paid app that blocks gambling websites and apps on your phone, tablet and computer. It complements GamStop for offshore sites that are not enrolled in the UK scheme. Once installed, the block is hard to remove without a cool-off period.

Gamblers Anonymous UK

Gamblers Anonymous is a free fellowship of people in recovery from problem gambling. Meetings run in cities across the UK and online. If group support fits you better than counselling, GA's twelve-step framework is one of the most established routes back.

NHS National Gambling Clinic

If gambling has caused serious financial, mental-health or relationship harm, the NHS provides specialist clinical care. The National Problem Gambling Clinic in London accepts self-referrals and the NHS now runs additional gambling clinics across England. Care is free at the point of use.

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) is the largest UK charity funding gambling research, treatment and harm prevention. The site explains harm signs, treatment routes and how to access GamCare's free 24/7 helpline.

Setting your own limits at non-GamStop sites

If you play at offshore casinos, UKGC-grade safer-play tools may not apply. Add your own controls: enable bank-side gambling blocks (most UK banks offer one), install GamBan, set strict deposit and time limits inside the casino account, and never use credit cards or borrowed money to fund play.

Spotting harm early

Signs include chasing losses, gambling longer than planned, lying about how much you gamble, borrowing to gamble, missing work or family commitments, and feelings of anxiety or guilt connected to gambling. If two or more apply to you, reach out – treatment is free and confidential.

How to start a conversation with family

If you are worried about a partner or family member, the most useful conversations are calm, factual and non-judgemental. GamCare publishes a free guide for affected others. The NHS Family Support service can also help.

If you are in crisis right now

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress: call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.