Legal
Gambling is for over-18s and should be fun. Warning signs, limits and self-exclusion tools, and free confidential help, including 0808 8020 133.
Betting should be entertainment, like going to the match or playing a game with friends. It is never a way to earn a living, fix money worries or win back losses. This page covers how to keep gambling enjoyable, how to spot when it is not, and where to find free, confidential help.
You must be 18 or over to bet. TipsterCompetition is not for anyone under 18.
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you:
Recognising one or two of these is not a failing. It is a good moment to talk to someone, and the services below are there for exactly that.
Licensed bookmakers and casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits and reality checks that remind you how long you have been playing. Setting them is quick, and a lowered limit takes effect straight away. Use them before you need them.
A time-out blocks your account for a short period, from 24 hours up to several weeks. Self-exclusion blocks it for longer, normally from six months to five years. You can ask any operator to apply either one.
GAMSTOP is the free UK self-exclusion service. One registration excludes you from online gambling with participating operators for six months, one year or five years. Where a site is not part of GAMSTOP, use that operator's own self-exclusion tool as well.
Software can block gambling sites and apps on your devices:
Many UK banks also let you block gambling transactions on your card from within their app.
All of these services are free and confidential.
If you are in distress, Samaritans are available free on 116 123 at any time.
If you are reading from another country, your national health service or gambling regulator will list local helplines and self-exclusion schemes, and many countries run a free helpline of their own. Searching for "gambling helpline" with your country name will find it. Many operators also publish links to local support in their own responsible gambling pages.
Gambling problems affect families and friends too. GamCare and GambleAware both offer support for you as well as the person gambling. You do not need to solve it alone, and you are not to blame.
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