This page is for anyone who gambles online in the UK. HS Criminal Law publishes information about UK criminal law, and this section covers safer gambling practices and where to find support if gambling stops being enjoyable.
Gambling as entertainment, not income
Gambling is designed as entertainment. It is not a way to earn money, pay bills or recover losses. The odds favour the house over time, and chasing losses nearly always deepens them. Setting a budget before the first bet and treating any win as a bonus rather than expected income keeps the experience in proportion.
When gambling starts to feel like an obligation, or when the thought of stopping causes anxiety, the activity has shifted away from entertainment. Recognising that shift early makes it easier to reset boundaries or seek help.
When it stops being fun
Several patterns suggest gambling may no longer be recreational. These include spending more time or money than planned, borrowing to gamble, hiding gambling activity from people close to you, or feeling irritable when not gambling. Missing work, neglecting responsibilities or lying about losses are clearer warning signs.
Gambling to escape stress or low mood, rather than for enjoyment, is another signal worth noticing. If the urge to gamble feels urgent or difficult to resist, it may be time to take a break and reassess.
A short self-check
The following questions can help you reflect on your gambling habits. Answering yes to one or more does not mean you have a problem, but it may be worth considering a change.
- Have you spent more money gambling than you intended to in the past month?
- Have you gambled with money set aside for bills, rent or other essentials?
- Do you find yourself thinking about gambling when you are doing something else?
- Have you borrowed money or sold belongings to fund gambling?
- Has gambling caused arguments with family or friends?
- Have you lied about how much time or money you spend gambling?
- Do you gamble to forget worries or feel better when you are down?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop gambling but found it difficult?
If any of these resonate, the support organisations listed below offer confidential advice at no cost.
Deposit and time controls
Gambling sites licensed by the Gambling Commission must offer tools to help players control their activity. A deposit limit sets a ceiling on how much you can add to your account over a day, week or month. The limit applies as soon as you set it. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately; raising one involves a delay to give you time to reconsider.
A time-out, sometimes called a cooling-off period, temporarily blocks access to your account for a set period—often between 24 hours and six weeks. You cannot reverse it once activated, and the account reopens automatically when the period ends. Self-exclusion is longer, typically six months to five years, and blocks your access completely during that time. It cannot be undone early.
GamStop is a free national scheme that lets you self-exclude from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once. You choose the duration when you sign up, and the exclusion applies across every participating site. Visit gamstop.co.uk to register.
National help lines
Several organisations in the UK offer free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling. GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free from landlines and mobiles. Online chat and email support are also available at gamcare.org.uk.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice and referrals to treatment services. Visit begambleaware.org for guidance and links to local support.
Gordon Moody offers residential and online treatment for people severely affected by gambling. More information is available at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Talking to someone
Speaking to a friend, family member or counsellor can make a significant difference. Many people find it difficult to talk about gambling, especially if they feel ashamed or worried about judgment. Starting the conversation does not commit you to anything—it simply opens a line of support.
If you are not ready to speak to someone you know, the helplines above are staffed by trained advisers who understand gambling-related harm and will not judge you. All conversations are confidential.
Taking a break
Stepping away from gambling, even briefly, can help you regain perspective. A time-out or self-exclusion removes the immediate option to gamble and gives you space to consider whether the activity still fits your life. During a break, consider what you were hoping to gain from gambling and whether those needs might be met another way.
Blocking software can prevent access to gambling sites on your devices. Gamban is a paid subscription service that blocks gambling sites and apps across phones, tablets and computers. Visit gamban.com for details. BetBlocker is free and works on multiple platforms; download it from betblocker.org.
Protecting minors
Online gambling is for people aged 18 and over. If you share a device with someone under 18, consider using parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to restrict access to gambling sites. Keeping accounts logged out and passwords private also reduces the chance of unintended access.
This is an information site. We do not sell any goods or services. Gambling is restricted to those aged 18 and over (18+). If you or someone you know needs support with gambling, free and confidential help is available from the organisations listed above, including BeGambleAware.org.
Frequently asked questions
How does a deposit limit work?
A deposit limit sets a maximum amount you can add to your account over a chosen period—daily, weekly or monthly. The limit applies immediately when you set it. You can lower it at any time, and the new limit takes effect straight away. Raising a limit involves a delay, usually 24 hours or more, to give you time to reconsider.
What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?
A time-out temporarily blocks your account for a set period, often between 24 hours and six weeks. You cannot reverse it once activated, and the account reopens automatically when the time is up. Self-exclusion is longer—typically six months to five years—and cannot be undone early. Both prevent you from depositing, wagering or logging in during the exclusion period.
How does GamStop work?
GamStop is a free national scheme that lets you self-exclude from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once. You choose the duration when you register—six months, one year or five years—and the exclusion applies across every participating site. Visit gamstop.co.uk to sign up.
What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
Contact one of the free support organisations listed on this page. GamCare's National Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. BeGambleAware and Gordon Moody also offer confidential advice and treatment referrals. All services are free, and no one will judge you for reaching out.
Can I block gambling sites on my phone?
Yes. Gamban and BetBlocker are two options. Gamban is a paid subscription service that blocks gambling sites and apps across all your devices. BetBlocker is free and works on phones, tablets and computers. Both prevent access to gambling sites once installed.
How can I protect children from gambling sites?
Use parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to restrict access to gambling sites on shared devices. Keep your accounts logged out, use strong passwords and do not save payment details in browsers. Online gambling is for people aged 18 and over, and these steps reduce the chance of unintended access.
Is talking to someone confidential?
Yes. Every support organisation listed on this page treats your information as confidential. Advisers at GamCare, BeGambleAware and Gordon Moody are trained to help with gambling-related concerns, and they will not share your details without your permission. Calls to the National Gambling Helpline are also free and will not appear on your phone bill as a gambling-related call.