Staying in control
Gambling is a legal leisure activity for adults in the UK, and for most people it stays that way — something done occasionally and within comfortable limits. But it can become a problem for some people, and the signs are not always obvious straight away.
This page isn't here to lecture anyone. It's just a straightforward guide — the tools that exist, what they do, and where to go if gambling has stopped being fun. All UK-licensed sites are legally required to offer management tools, and there are several good free support organisations that are worth knowing about.
Gambling should be an enjoyable way to spend time, not a source of stress or financial pressure. If it no longer feels that way, the steps and resources below are a starting point.
18+ only. Gambling is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 18.
Signs that gambling may have become a problem
There is no single indicator. Different people experience different things. Some of the more common signs that gambling may be causing harm include:
- Spending more time or money gambling than you originally planned
- Gambling to recover money you have already lost
- Finding it difficult to stop or step away once you have started
- Keeping gambling activity hidden from people close to you
- Borrowing money or using money set aside for essentials to gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or low when not gambling
- Gambling occupying more of your thoughts than you would like
- Neglecting other parts of your life — work, relationships, hobbies — because of gambling
Recognising any of these doesn't mean things can't change. A lot of people do get on top of it, and the support organisations below are a good place to start.
Tools available on licensed UK sites
Every site licensed by the UK Gambling Commission is required to offer tools that let you manage your gambling activity. These tools exist specifically to give you more control over how you use the site.
To access these tools, look for a responsible gambling or safer gambling section within your account settings. Every licensed UK site is required to make this easy to find.
Where to get help
Several organisations in the UK offer free, confidential support for people who are concerned about their own gambling or someone else's.
BeGambleAware
A national charity providing information, advice, and support for people affected by gambling. Their website includes a self-assessment tool and a 24-hour helpline.
begambleaware.org →GamCare
GamCare provides the National Gambling Helpline, online support, and counselling. They also run a forum where people can share experiences.
gamcare.org.uk →GAMSTOP
A free self-exclusion scheme that lets you exclude yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites in one step. Exclusion periods start at six months.
gamstop.co.uk →NHS gambling support
NHS England provides specialist gambling treatment clinics in various locations. Your GP can also refer you to local mental health support if gambling is affecting your wellbeing.
nhs.uk/live-well/gambling →If you are worried about someone else
Problem gambling can be difficult for family members and friends as well as for the person experiencing it. It is common to feel helpless or unsure of what to do. The organisations listed above all have guidance specifically for people in that position.
GamCare in particular offers support for affected family members and friends, including a helpline and an online forum where you can speak with people going through similar experiences.
If someone is in immediate financial or personal difficulty, talking to a GP or Citizens Advice is worth doing sooner rather than later.
You cannot force someone to seek help, but having honest, calm conversations about the impact of their gambling can matter more than you might expect. BeGambleAware has a section on their site covering how to approach this kind of conversation.
Our help page lists these organisations again with direct links, alongside answers to questions about how this site works.