Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to make money, pay off debts or deal with stress or low mood. Games are built so that the operator keeps a share of what is staked over time, so the money you put in should be money you can afford to lose.
If gambling has stopped being fun, or you are worried about someone else's play, free and confidential help is available. The services are listed above. You do not need to be in crisis to contact them, and you do not need to have stopped playing first.
Warning signs and what to do
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you notice any of these:
- you spend more time or money than you planned, and keep going after you have set a limit;
- you chase losses by playing more to win back what you have lost;
- you play to escape worry, boredom or low mood;
- you use money meant for bills, rent or food to play;
- you hide how much you play from family or friends;
- you feel restless or irritable when you cannot play.
If you recognise any of these, start by stopping for now. Close the game, log out and do not add money to your account. Then look at what has been spent and which payments made it possible. Talk to someone you trust, even if you only tell them one thing. The support services listed above can help you plan the next steps, and they do not require you to make any decision straight away. <<</FIX 1>>>
Tools to help you stay in control
Every UK-licensed operator must offer the tools below. Use them before you need them, not after a bad session.
- Deposit limits. Set a limit on how much you can pay in over a day, week or month. Choose an amount you could lose without it affecting bills or savings. Keep in mind that a limit only works if you stick to it.
- Reality checks. These are reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent in the session. They are useful if you tend to lose track of time.
- Time-outs. A time-out pauses your account for a period you choose. It is a short break, and it suits you if you feel you need space without ending gambling altogether.
- Self-exclusion. Self-exclusion closes your account for a set period. Read the terms before you choose it, and only use it if you are sure you want to stop for that time.
- GAMSTOP. GAMSTOP is a free service for people in the UK. When you register, you block access to all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once, so you do not have to exclude yourself from each one separately.
You can also reduce the temptation outside the site. Ask your bank whether it can block gambling payments, or use your banking app's gambling block if it has one. You can also install software that blocks gambling sites on your phone and computer. These steps do not solve a problem on their own, but they make it harder to play on impulse.
If someone close to you is affected
If someone close to you is gambling in a way that worries you, choose a calm moment to talk. Focus on what you have noticed and how it has affected you, rather than on blame or on the amount they have lost. Avoid ultimatums and do not promise to cover their debts, as this often keeps the problem going.
You do not have to wait for them to agree that there is a problem. GamCare provides support for families and friends of people who gamble, and it can help you understand your options and look after yourself too.