UK guideGambling should be a paid form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If it starts to cost more time or money than planned, it is time to stop and get support.
Warning signs
- spending more than planned, or chasing losses to win them back;
- borrowing money or selling things to gamble;
- hiding gambling from family or friends;
- feeling anxious, low or irritable when not gambling;
- gambling affecting work, sleep or relationships.
Practical limits
- Decide a monthly budget before playing and never top it up.
- Set a time limit and take breaks.
- Treat any bonus as entertainment, not as income.
- Do not gamble when stressed, after drinking, or to escape problems.
Self-exclusion and blocking
GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk) blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. It does not cover offshore operators such as Tenobet, which is why blocking software is worth adding: Gamban and similar tools block gambling sites on your devices, and most UK banks let you block gambling payments in the app. Tenobet also accepts self-exclusion requests by e-mail through its support team.
Free UK support
| Service | What it offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) | Confidential advice, 24/7 | 0808 8020 133, gamcare.org.uk |
| GambleAware | Information and treatment routes | gambleaware.org |
| Gambling Therapy | Online support in several languages | gamblingtherapy.org |
| NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic | Specialist treatment | Referral via GP or self-referral |
| Gamblers Anonymous UK | Peer support meetings | gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
Help is free and confidential. 18+ only.