Gambling can be entertaining, but it stops being fun when it becomes something you feel you cannot control or when it causes harm to your life, your relationships or your finances. This page explains what to watch for, the tools that can help you take back control, and where to find support if gambling has become a problem.
When gambling becomes a problem
Gambling harms people in different ways. Some recognise the problem quickly; others do not see it until serious damage has been done. The earlier you notice something is wrong, the easier it is to get help and stop.
Ask yourself these questions honestly. If you answer yes to more than one or two, it may be time to reach out for support:
- Do you gamble to escape difficult feelings or problems at home or work?
- Have you lied to people close to you about how much time or money you spend gambling?
- Do you chase losses – gambling more to win back money you have lost?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable when you try to cut down or stop?
- Have you borrowed money or used savings meant for bills to gamble?
- Do you spend more time gambling than you planned to, or return to gamble again sooner than you meant to?
Tools to set limits and take breaks
Gambling sites licensed in Great Britain must offer you tools to control your play. These tools work best when you use them before you feel you need them – setting them when you are calm and clear helps protect you when emotions run high.
Deposit limits
A deposit limit sets a maximum amount you can put into your account over a set period – usually a day, a week or a month. You choose the limit and the period. Set it to an amount you can afford to lose as entertainment, nothing more. Once the limit is reached, you cannot deposit again until the period ends. This tool stops you from spending more than you have decided.
Time-outs and self-exclusion
A time-out is a temporary break. You choose how long it lasts – typically a few hours, a few days or a few weeks – and during that time you cannot access your account. You can return when the time-out ends. A time-out is useful if you feel you are playing too much or too often.
Self-exclusion is different. It is a longer commitment, usually lasting at least six months, and you cannot end it early. Self-exclusion blocks you from that particular site and is useful when you have decided you need to stop for a real stretch of time.
Loss limits
A loss limit caps the amount of money you can lose over a set period. If you reach that limit, you cannot gamble until the period ends. This prevents the damage that happens when you keep playing in the hope of winning back what you have already lost.
National tools for stopping gambling
Two national tools let you take action across multiple sites or block gambling entirely:
GamStop – stop gambling across all licensed sites at once
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme. When you register with GamStop, you exclude yourself from every gambling site licensed in Great Britain at the same time. The exclusion lasts for a period you choose – six months, one year, two years or five years. You cannot shorten it or end it early, even if you change your mind.
Blocking software – remove gambling sites from your device
Blocking software prevents you from reaching gambling sites on your phone, tablet or computer. Unlike self-exclusion at a single site, a blocker works across the whole internet. Gamban is a paid subscription that blocks gambling sites; BetBlocker is free and available on most devices. Both let you set up a PIN so you cannot disable the blocker on impulse.
Talking to someone close and getting professional help
Telling someone you trust – a family member, partner or friend – often feels hard, but isolation makes things worse. The person you tell can offer practical support: they can help you stick to the limits you set, remind you of your reasons for stopping, and be with you when you feel the urge to gamble.
Professional support is free and confidential. The organisations below offer phone support, counselling and in some cases residential treatment. Reaching out is the hardest step; trained advisers are ready to listen without judgement.
Free support today
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Call to talk to an adviser, get practical advice or find a counsellor near you.
GamCare offers free counselling and support by phone and online. Gordon Moody provides residential and online treatment for people with serious gambling problems. BeGambleAware has information and tools to help you understand your gambling.
Protecting children and shared devices
If you share a device with a child or young person, set up parental controls to block gambling sites. Software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio lets you restrict access to age-restricted content. Gambling is for people aged 18 and over, and children should not accidentally stumble on it because a family member left an account open.
Moving forward
Gambling harm is treatable. Many people recover, rebuild their finances and their relationships, and find a life without gambling feels safer and freer. You do not have to manage this alone, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organisations above are ready to support you, whatever stage you are at.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my gambling has become a problem?
Problem gambling often starts quietly. Warning signs include chasing losses, lying about how much you gamble, feeling anxious when you try to stop, gambling to escape problems, or using money meant for bills. If you recognise yourself in these, it is time to reach out for support.
What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?
A time-out is a temporary break you can set from a few hours to a few weeks; you can return when it ends. Self-exclusion is a longer commitment, usually at least six months, and you cannot end it early. Both stop you accessing your account, but self-exclusion is the stronger tool when you need to stay stopped.
How does GamStop work and why would I use it?
GamStop is a free national scheme that excludes you from every gambling site licensed in Great Britain at once. You choose how long the exclusion lasts – six months to five years – and you cannot shorten it or cancel it early. Use it when you need a serious barrier to stop gambling across all licensed sites.
Can I get help if I do not want to stop gambling completely?
Yes. Tools like deposit limits and loss limits let you control how much you spend and how often you play without stopping entirely. If you want to cut down safely, set these limits before you next gamble, and consider a time-out if you feel you need a break. Professional advisers can also help you find the right balance.
What should I do if someone I know has a gambling problem?
Listen without judgement and encourage them to reach out for help. You can share the National Gambling Helpline number (0808 8020 133) or suggest they visit GamCare or BeGambleAware. Do not lend them money or cover their debts, as this can enable the problem to continue. Your support matters, but professional help is what will truly make a difference.