Setting Limits
Deposit limits are one of the most effective tools for staying in control. Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit into your betting account. Once reached, you cannot add more funds until the period resets. Most UKGC-licensed bookmakers offer this in their account settings — choose an amount you can comfortably afford to lose and stick to it.
Time limits help prevent sessions from stretching into hours. Use session reminders or set a maximum session duration. Loss limits cap how much you can lose in a given period; once hit, betting is paused until the next period. These tools work best when set in advance, not in the heat of the moment. Review your limits regularly and adjust if your circumstances change.
To use limits effectively, set them when you are calm and sober. Avoid increasing limits during or immediately after a losing streak. Many operators allow you to decrease limits instantly but require a cooling-off period (e.g. 24–72 hours) before increasing them — a safeguard against impulsive decisions.
Recognising Warning Signs
Behavioural indicators include betting more than you planned, chasing losses, borrowing money to bet, or hiding your gambling from family and friends. Spending increasing amounts of time on betting sites, neglecting work or relationships, and feeling restless when trying to cut down are also red flags.
Emotional signs include anxiety, irritability, or low mood linked to betting. Feeling guilty after gambling, using betting to escape problems, or experiencing mood swings based on wins and losses suggest the activity may be affecting your wellbeing. Financial red flags include betting with money meant for bills, using credit or savings, or struggling to meet everyday expenses because of gambling.
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, seek support early. The sooner you act, the easier it is to regain control. BeGambleAware, GamCare, and Gordon Moody offer free, confidential advice and treatment.
Self-Exclusion with GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme. It lets you block yourself from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites and apps in one step. Once registered, you cannot access any participating operator for the duration of your chosen exclusion period — no exceptions.
Registration is straightforward: visit gamstop.co.uk, provide your details (name, date of birth, address, email), and choose a minimum period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. You will receive a confirmation email. The exclusion takes effect within 24 hours. During the period, you cannot reverse or shorten the exclusion — this is intentional to protect you from impulsive decisions.
GAMSTOP covers online betting, casino, bingo, and poker. It does not cover land-based venues; for those, use multi-venue self-exclusion schemes. Combine GAMSTOP with other tools like blocking software and support from helplines for the best chance of success.
Support Organisations
BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) provides free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling. Their National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) is available 24/7. They also offer a live chat service and can signpost you to local treatment and support groups.
GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) offers free counselling, treatment, and support. Their helpline (0808 8020 133) is run in partnership with BeGambleAware. GamCare's NetLine provides online support, and they work with a network of treatment providers across the UK. Gordon Moody (gordonmoody.org.uk) specialises in residential and online treatment for people with severe gambling problems. They offer intensive support programmes and have helped thousands of people recover.
Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org.uk) runs peer-support meetings across the UK. GamAnon supports family and friends of problem gamblers. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out — help is free, confidential, and available around the clock.
