Responsible Gaming
Your wellbeing matters. Learn how to gamble safely and where to get help.
Need Help Right Now?
Call the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Free, confidential support available 24/7
Gambling Should Be Fun
Online gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment when done responsibly. However, it's important to recognize that gambling involves risk and can become problematic for some individuals. At OnlineUKCasinos.org, we are committed to promoting safe, responsible gambling practices.
This page provides information about responsible gambling, warning signs of problem gambling, and resources available to help if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues.
Guidelines for Safe Gambling
Set Time Limits
Decide in advance how long you'll play and stick to it. Take regular breaks and don't let gambling interfere with your daily responsibilities, work, or relationships.
Set Deposit Limits
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits and never exceed them. Don't chase losses by depositing more than planned.
Never Chase Losses
Losses are part of gambling. Accept them and move on. Trying to win back losses often leads to bigger losses and can be a sign of problem gambling.
Don't Gamble Under Influence
Avoid gambling when you're upset, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These conditions can impair judgment and lead to poor decisions.
Keep It Balanced
Gambling should be just one of many leisure activities. Maintain a healthy balance with work, family, friends, and other hobbies.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Recognizing the warning signs early is crucial. You may have a gambling problem if you:
• Spend more time or money gambling than you intended
• Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling
• Have difficulty controlling or stopping gambling
• Gamble even when you can't afford the losses
• Chase losses by gambling more to win money back
• Borrow money or sell possessions to gamble
• Neglect work, school, or family due to gambling
• Feel anxious, depressed, or irritable about gambling
• Lie to family or friends about gambling activities
• Use gambling to escape problems or feelings
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Assessment Tools
Not sure if your gambling is becoming a problem? Several organizations offer free, confidential self-assessment tools to help you evaluate your gambling behavior:
BeGambleAware Assessment
A quick online tool to evaluate your gambling habits and identify potential issues.
Visit BeGambleAware →GamCare Self-Assessment
Comprehensive questionnaire to help you understand your relationship with gambling.
Visit GamCare →Getting Help
If you're struggling with gambling problems, remember that help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
Free, confidential advice and support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Also offers online chat and email support through their website.
BeGambleAware
Leading UK charity providing information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
Website: www.begambleaware.org
Services: Live chat, email support, self-help tools
GamCare
UK's leading provider of support, information, and advice for anyone affected by problem gambling.
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Services: Counseling, support groups, online forums
Gamblers Anonymous
Fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and support each other in recovery from gambling addiction.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Services: Local support meetings across the UK
Gordon Moody Association
Specialist provider of residential treatment and support for people with severe gambling addiction.
Website: www.gordonmoody.org.uk
Phone: 01384 241292
Services: Residential treatment, online support
Self-Exclusion Options
Self-exclusion is a tool that allows you to restrict your access to gambling services. In the UK, several self-exclusion schemes are available:
GAMSTOP
Free service that allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites for a period of your choice (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).
Register with GAMSTOP →Individual Casino Self-Exclusion
All UK-licensed casinos must offer self-exclusion options. You can contact customer support at any casino to request self-exclusion from their platform.
Betting Shop Self-Exclusion
If you also use physical betting shops, you can self-exclude from individual shops or chains through their staff.
Responsible Gaming Tools
All UK-licensed casinos are required to provide responsible gambling tools. These typically include:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit.
Loss Limits
Cap the total amount you can lose within a specific timeframe.
Session Time Limits
Restrict how long you can play in a single session.
Reality Checks
Receive notifications about time and money spent while playing.
Take a Break
Temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours to several weeks.
Self-Exclusion
Permanently or temporarily block access to your casino account.
Support for Family and Friends
Problem gambling doesn't just affect the gambler - it impacts families and loved ones too. If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
- Approach them with compassion, not judgment
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Protect yourself financially by limiting access to money
- Set boundaries and stick to them
- Seek support for yourself - organizations like GamAnon help families
GamAnon: Support groups for family and friends affected by someone else's gambling. Visit www.gamanon.org.uk for meeting information.
Remember: It's Never Too Late
Recovery from problem gambling is possible, and thousands of people have successfully overcome gambling addiction with the right support. Taking the first step to seek help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you need help, reach out today. You don't have to face this alone.
Need Support?
0808 8020 133
National Gambling Helpline - Free, confidential, 24/7