Safer Gambling
Gambling should be fun and entertaining. Learn how to gamble responsibly and find support if you need help.
Responsible Gambling Tips
Follow these guidelines to ensure gambling remains a fun and safe activity:
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start gambling. Never chase your losses or borrow money to gamble.
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you want to spend gambling and stick to it. Take regular breaks and don't let gambling interfere with other activities.
Set Loss Limits
Decide in advance how much you're prepared to lose and stop when you reach that limit. Never try to win back losses.
Don't Gamble When Emotional
Avoid gambling when you're upset, angry, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These can impair your judgment.
Keep Gambling Separate
Don't let gambling interfere with work, relationships, or other important areas of your life.
Seek Help Early
If you're concerned about your gambling, seek help immediately. Early intervention can prevent problems from getting worse.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these signs that may indicate a gambling problem:
Financial Warning Signs
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Selling possessions to fund gambling
- Lying about gambling losses
- Neglecting bills and other financial responsibilities
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or social activities
- Becoming irritable when not gambling
- Lying to family and friends about gambling
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
Emotional Warning Signs
- Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money
- Experiencing restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, these organizations can help:
GambleAware
Provides information, advice, and support to help people make informed choices about gambling.
Website: begambleaware.org
GamCare
Offers confidential support and advice to anyone affected by problem gambling.
Website: gamcare.org.uk
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion service that allows you to block your access to all online gambling sites.
Free Service
Gambling Therapy
Offers online counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling.
Online Support
Gambling Regulators
These organizations regulate gambling in the UK and ensure fair play:
UK Gambling Commission
Regulates commercial gambling in Great Britain
Malta Gaming Authority
Regulates online gambling operators
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Regulates gambling in Gibraltar
Curacao Gaming Authority
Regulates online gambling in Curacao
🚨 Need Immediate Help?
If you're experiencing a gambling crisis or need immediate support:
GambleAware National Gambling Helpline
Available 24/7 - Free and Confidential
Self-Exclusion Options
If you need to take a break from gambling, several self-exclusion options are available:
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain. Once registered, you cannot access online gambling sites for the duration of your exclusion period.
Local Self-Exclusion
You can also self-exclude from physical gambling venues like betting shops and casinos. Contact the venue directly to arrange this.
Banking Controls
Many banks offer gambling transaction blocking services. Contact your bank to see what options are available.
Supporting Family and Friends
If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
How to Help
- Express your concern in a non-judgmental way
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Offer emotional support and understanding
- Help them access support services
- Take care of your own mental health
What Not to Do
- Don't bail them out financially
- Don't cover up for them
- Don't take on their responsibilities
- Don't ignore the problem