Gambling as entertainment, not income
Gambling is a form of entertainment that costs money. It is never a way to earn, solve financial problems or build security. The more someone gambles, the more they are likely to lose.
When gambling stops being enjoyable and starts to feel necessary or urgent, that is a sign something has shifted. Recognising that shift early makes a real difference.
Questions worth asking yourself
These are not a diagnosis. They are prompts to help you think honestly about what is happening:
- Do you find yourself gambling more often or for longer than you planned?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop but found it difficult?
- Do you gamble to escape difficult feelings or problems?
- Has gambling caused tension with family, friends or work?
- Have you borrowed money, used savings or gone without essentials to gamble?
- Do you feel anxious, irritable or restless when you are not gambling?
If several of these resonate, talking to someone is a practical next step.
Limits and breaks you can set
Gambling sites licensed by the Gambling Commission must offer tools to help you control your spending and time. These are:
- Deposit limits – a cap on how much money you can add to your account in a set period (daily, weekly or monthly). Once set, you cannot increase it immediately.
- Time-outs – a temporary break from an account, usually from 24 hours up to several weeks. You can return when the period ends.
- Self-exclusion – a longer pause, typically from weeks to years. The site locks your account and you cannot remove the restriction early.
Setting a limit costs nothing and takes minutes. If you are struggling, using one of these tools is something you can do right now.
Blocking software and shared devices
If you share a device with someone else – a partner, parent or child – blocking software can help keep gambling sites unavailable on that device without affecting other uses.
Gamban (https://gamban.com) is a paid subscription that blocks gambling sites across all browsers. BetBlocker (https://betblocker.org) is free and works on multiple platforms. Both are designed to stay in place even if someone tries to disable them.
If a child uses your device, parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can also restrict access to gambling sites.
When to reach out for help
You do not need to wait until things feel desperate. Talking to someone – a friend, family member, GP or counsellor – can happen at any point.
If you or someone you care about is affected by gambling, free support is available now:
- GamCare (https://www.gamcare.org.uk) offers counselling, support groups and practical resources.
- The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.
- BeGambleAware (https://www.begambleaware.org) provides information and signposts to further support.
- Gordon Moody (https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk) offers residential and online treatment for people with gambling problems.
National self-exclusion across all licensed sites
GamStop (https://www.gamstop.co.uk) is a free scheme that lets you self-exclude from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once. You choose how long the exclusion lasts – minimum six months, up to five years. It is a single action that covers every operator at once.
Setting up GamStop takes a few minutes online. Once active, no licensed site will let you open a new account or access an existing one.
18+
Online gambling is for people aged 18 and over. If you share a device with a young person, the tools above help keep them protected.
Frequently asked questions
What is self-exclusion and how does it work?
Self-exclusion is a tool that lets you close your gambling account for a set period – usually from weeks to years – and prevents you from opening a new one at that site during that time. Once you request it, you cannot remove it early. It is designed to give you a definite break when you need one.
How does GamStop differ from self-exclusion at a single site?
Self-exclusion at one site closes only that account. GamStop is a national scheme that blocks you from all Gambling Commission-licensed sites at once. You register once and it covers every operator, which stops the problem of moving to a different site.
Can I increase a deposit limit I have already set?
Most sites do not let you increase a deposit limit immediately – there is usually a waiting period of several days. This is designed to protect you by making it harder to raise your limit in a moment of impulse. You can lower a limit at any time.
What should I do if I think someone close to me has a gambling problem?
Talking to them calmly and without judgment is often the first step. Tell them what you have noticed and that you are concerned. Suggest they reach out to the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) or GamCare. You can also contact these services yourself for advice on how to help.
Is there support available if I am affected by someone else's gambling?
Yes. GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline support families and friends as well as people who gamble. Counselling is available to help you deal with the impact on your own life and relationships.
How does blocking software protect a shared device?
Blocking software restricts access to gambling websites across all browsers on a device without affecting other uses. Gamban and BetBlocker both stay active even if someone tries to disable them, giving you peace of mind on a device you share with family or housemates.
What is a time-out and how long does one last?
A time-out is a temporary break from your gambling account, usually ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. You cannot access your account during this period, but you can return and use it once the time-out ends. It is useful when you need a quick pause.
Can I get help if I think I might have a gambling problem?
Yes. Help is available whether you are certain or just worried. Contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for confidential support, or visit GamCare or BeGambleAware online. You can also speak to your GP, who can refer you to local counselling or treatment.
What does a deposit limit actually prevent?
A deposit limit stops you from adding more money to your gambling account than the amount you have set, during the time period you choose (daily, weekly or monthly). If your limit is £50 a week, the site will not let you deposit more than that in a seven-day period, no matter how many times you try.
How quickly can I access support if I am in crisis right now?
The National Gambling Helpline is free and available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. GamCare also offers rapid-access support. If you are in severe distress, you can contact your local emergency services or a crisis line in your area.