Responsible gambling
Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime. It can also become harmful. This page covers the free tools and services available to UK players — no sign-up required for most of them.
Call the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 — free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or text GAMCARE to 85258 (free, 24/7).
GamStop — self-exclusion from all UK-licensed sites
GamStop is a free service that lets you exclude yourself from all UK Gambling Commission-licensed websites simultaneously. You register once with your name, date of birth and email address, choose a period of six months, one year or five years, and within 24 hours operators are required to block your account. It covers every UKGC-licensed site — you don't need to contact each operator individually.
The exclusion is not reversible during the chosen period. Visit gamstop.co.uk to register.
GamCare
GamCare provides free information, support and counselling for anyone affected by a gambling problem — whether that's the person gambling or someone close to them. They run the National Gambling Helpline (above) and offer live chat support at gamcare.org.uk.
GambleAware
GambleAware is a charity that funds research, education and treatment for gambling-related harm. Their site at gambleaware.org has practical guidance on recognising problem gambling, tools for assessing your own gambling habits, and a directory of treatment services.
UK Gambling Commission
The UKGC regulates all commercial gambling in Great Britain. If you have a dispute with a UKGC-licensed operator that the operator won't resolve, you can escalate it to an independent ADR scheme — the operator is required to participate. The Commission's site at gamblingcommission.gov.uk has consumer information on your rights and how the complaints process works.
Keeping gambling in check
A few practical things that help: setting deposit limits before you start (all UKGC-licensed operators are required to offer them), not chasing losses, not gambling to recover money lost, and treating it as entertainment — something with a cost, not a revenue stream. If any of that is starting to feel difficult, the services above are there to help without judgment.
Gambling carries risk. This site is for informational purposes only. 18+ only. Gambling is not a reliable way to make money.