Responsible Gambling: Help, Support & Resources

Gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment, never a source of financial hardship, emotional distress, or personal conflict. At Best Non GamStop Casinos UK, we are committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing comprehensive resources for anyone who may be struggling with problem gambling.

This page contains information about recognising problem gambling, tools for self-assessment, UK helplines and support organisations, self-exclusion options, and practical advice for staying in control. If you are in crisis, please scroll to the immediate help section at the bottom of this page.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling — sometimes referred to as gambling addiction, compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder — is defined as gambling behaviour that disrupts or damages personal, family, or recreational pursuits. It is recognised as a behavioural addiction by the NHS and the World Health Organisation.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, gender, or background. It often develops gradually, beginning as recreational gambling before escalating to a point where the individual feels unable to stop despite negative consequences. Research from the Gambling Commission suggests that around 0.5% of the UK adult population are problem gamblers, with a further 3.8% classified as at-risk gamblers.

Key characteristics of problem gambling include:

• A persistent need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce, or stop gambling
• Being preoccupied with gambling (e.g., planning the next gambling session, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
• Gambling when feeling distressed, anxious, guilty, or depressed
• Returning to gambling after losing money in an attempt to recover losses (“chasing losses”)
• Lying to conceal the extent of gambling involvement
• Jeopardising or losing significant relationships, employment, or educational opportunities due to gambling
• Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling

If you recognise any of these patterns in your own behaviour, it is important to seek help. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available free of charge in the UK. The earlier you seek help, the better the outcomes tend to be.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not always present itself obviously. Many people who struggle with gambling addiction appear outwardly successful and may hide their behaviour from friends and family for months or even years. The following warning signs may indicate a gambling problem:

Financial Warning Signs

• Unexplained financial difficulties or mounting debts
• Borrowing money frequently or asking for loans from family, friends, or payday lenders
• Selling possessions to fund gambling
• Unpaid bills, rent arrears, or mortgage defaults
• Multiple payday loans, credit card debts, or overdraft facilities maxed out
• Being secretive about bank statements or financial transactions
• Money missing from shared accounts or household funds
• Unexplained cash withdrawals or cryptocurrency transactions

Behavioural Warning Signs

• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling, including late at night or during work hours
• Becoming withdrawn or isolated from friends and family
• Neglecting work, education, or domestic responsibilities
• Mood swings, irritability, or restlessness when not gambling
• Lying about whereabouts or how time and money are spent
• Losing interest in hobbies and activities previously enjoyed
• Gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
• Becoming defensive or angry when questioned about gambling habits

Emotional Warning Signs

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety related to gambling
• Depression or persistent low mood
• Hopelessness or feeling trapped in a cycle of gambling and debt
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — if you are experiencing these thoughts, please call Samaritans immediately on 116 123
• Relationship breakdowns or increasing conflict with loved ones
• Using gambling as a coping mechanism for stress, grief, loneliness, or trauma
• Feeling that you cannot enjoy life without the excitement of gambling

Self-Assessment Checklist

The following questions are adapted from recognised problem gambling screening tools, including the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder. Answer honestly — no one will see your responses. If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, we strongly recommend speaking to a professional adviser.

1. Have you ever gambled more than you could afford to lose?
2. Have you ever needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
3. Have you ever gone back to try to win back money you have lost (chasing losses)?
4. Have you ever borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?
5. Have you ever felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
6. Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress, anxiety, or depression?
7. Have other people criticised your gambling or told you that you have a problem?
8. Has your gambling caused financial problems for you or your household?
9. Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or about what happens when you gamble?
10. Have you ever lied to family members, friends, or others about how much you gamble or how much money you have lost?
11. Have you ever tried to stop or cut down gambling but found that you could not?
12. Have you ever missed work, education, or family commitments because of gambling?

Scoring: If you answered “yes” to 0–1 questions, you are likely gambling within safe limits, but remain vigilant. If you answered “yes” to 2–3 questions, you may be at risk and should consider setting stricter limits or taking a break from gambling. If you answered “yes” to 4 or more questions, we strongly recommend contacting one of the support organisations listed below as soon as possible.

This self-assessment is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. It is designed to help you reflect on your gambling behaviour. If you have any concerns at all, please speak to a professional — the helplines below are free, confidential, and non-judgemental.

UK Helplines & Support Organisations

The following organisations provide free, confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. All services are available to gamblers, their families, and anyone concerned about someone else’s gambling.

GamStop

• Telephone: 0800 138 6518
• Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Service: Free national self-exclusion scheme. Register to block yourself from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Registration takes approximately 10 minutes.

GamCare

• Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• Live Chat: Available daily via the GamCare website
• Service: The UK’s leading provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Offers free counselling (face-to-face and online), a 24/7 helpline, online support groups, and a network of local treatment centres across the UK.

BeGambleAware

• Telephone: 0808 8020 133
• Website: www.begambleaware.org
• Service: Provides information, advice, and free treatment referrals. Funds the National Gambling Treatment Service, which provides free treatment including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for problem gamblers across England, Scotland, and Wales. Also offers an online treatment programme and educational resources.

Gamblers Anonymous UK

• Telephone: 0330 094 0322
• Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Service: A fellowship of men and women who have joined together to help each other stop gambling. Offers free meetings (in person and online) across the UK. Based on a 12-step recovery programme. No membership fees, no dues, and complete anonymity is maintained.

GamAnon

• Website: www.gamanon.org.uk
• Service: Support specifically for the families and friends of problem gamblers. Offers meetings and resources to help those affected by someone else’s gambling. You do not need the gambler’s permission or involvement to attend.

National Gambling Treatment Service

• Referral: Via your GP or through BeGambleAware
• Service: NHS-funded treatment service providing free, confidential therapy including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, group therapy, and residential treatment for problem gamblers. Treatment is available across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Citizens Advice

• Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Service: Free advice on debt management and financial difficulties related to gambling. Can help negotiate with creditors, develop a repayment plan, and advise on debt solutions including Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and Debt Relief Orders (DROs).

StepChange Debt Charity

• Telephone: 0800 138 1111 (free)
• Website: www.stepchange.org
• Service: Free, expert debt advice for people struggling with gambling-related debts. Can arrange debt management plans and negotiate with creditors on your behalf. Their online debt advice tool is available 24/7.

Self-Exclusion Options

Self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools for controlling problem gambling. By excluding yourself from gambling platforms, you create a barrier that makes it significantly harder to gamble impulsively. There are several self-exclusion schemes available in the UK:

GamStop (UKGC-Licensed Sites)

GamStop is the national online self-exclusion scheme. When you register with GamStop, all UK Gambling Commission-licensed operators are required to close your accounts and prevent you from opening new ones. You can choose a minimum self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Registration is free and takes approximately 10 minutes at www.gamstop.co.uk. For a comprehensive guide, see our What Is GamStop? page.

SENSE (Betting Shops)

The Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion scheme allows you to self-exclude from betting shops. You can register at any participating betting shop or through the SENSE website. This covers all major high street bookmakers.

MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme)

MOSES covers land-based casinos across Great Britain. You can self-exclude from all casinos in a particular area by registering through any participating casino. This is particularly useful if you find yourself visiting physical casinos.

Self-Exclusion at Non GamStop Casinos

Non GamStop casinos are not part of the GamStop scheme, as they are licensed internationally. However, most reputable non GamStop casinos offer their own self-exclusion tools. You can typically request self-exclusion by contacting customer support directly. We recommend also using software-based blocking tools (see below) for additional protection, as individual casino self-exclusion only covers that specific operator.

Software-Based Blocking Tools

These tools can block access to gambling websites on your devices, providing an additional layer of protection:

• GamBan: Blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across all your devices, including non GamStop sites. Available at www.gamban.com. This is one of the most comprehensive tools available and is recommended by multiple gambling support organisations.
• Betfilter: Gambling blocking software that prevents access to online gambling sites. Available at www.betfilter.com.
• NetNanny / Qustodio: Parental control software that can be configured to block gambling categories. Useful for protecting family devices.

We strongly recommend combining GamStop registration with a software blocking tool like GamBan for the most comprehensive protection. GamStop covers UKGC-licensed sites, whilst GamBan covers a broader range including international sites.

How to Set Gambling Limits

Setting limits before you begin gambling is one of the most effective ways to stay in control. Here are the types of limits you should consider setting at every casino you use:

Deposit Limits

Most online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Once you reach your limit, you will be unable to deposit further funds until the limit period resets. Set this limit before you begin playing, and set it at an amount you can comfortably afford to lose entirely. Do not increase your limits impulsively — if a casino allows you to increase limits immediately, that is a red flag.

Loss Limits

A loss limit caps the amount you can lose within a specified period. This prevents you from depleting your entire balance in a single session. Set a loss limit that you would be comfortable with as a worst-case scenario — an amount that would not cause you financial distress if lost.

Session Time Limits

Set a maximum amount of time for each gambling session. Many casinos offer reality check features that notify you at regular intervals how long you have been playing. Use these features — it is easy to lose track of time when gambling online. A good rule of thumb is to take a break every 30 minutes.

Wagering Limits

Some casinos allow you to limit the maximum amount you can wager per bet or per spin. This prevents high-stakes gambling that can quickly escalate losses. If a casino offers this feature, use it.

Cooling-Off Periods

If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic but you are not ready for full self-exclusion, many casinos offer cooling-off periods (typically 24 hours to 30 days) during which your account is suspended. This gives you time to reflect without permanently closing your account.

Practical Budgeting Tips

• Decide on your gambling budget for the week before you start playing, and write it down
• Use a separate bank account or e-wallet for gambling funds so you can see exactly what you are spending
• Never use credit cards, overdrafts, or borrowed money to gamble
• Treat your gambling budget as an entertainment expense — money you can afford to lose, like the cost of a night out
• Never try to win back money you have lost — chasing losses almost always leads to greater losses
• Walk away when you reach your limit, regardless of whether you are winning or losing
• Do not gamble with money set aside for rent, bills, food, or other essential expenses

Tips for Safe Gambling

If you choose to gamble, the following guidelines can help you stay in control and reduce the risk of developing a problem:

1. Gamble for entertainment, not income. Treat gambling as a leisure activity, like going to the cinema or a football match. The house always has a mathematical edge, and you should expect to lose over time. If you are gambling to make money, you are likely to be disappointed.
2. Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start, and never exceed that amount under any circumstances.
3. Set a time limit. Decide how long you will play before you begin, and stop when the time is up, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
4. Never chase losses. If you lose your budget, stop. The urge to “win it back” is one of the most dangerous patterns in gambling and almost always leads to further, larger losses.
5. Do not gamble when emotional. Avoid gambling when you are stressed, depressed, angry, lonely, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Emotional states impair your judgement and make it harder to stick to limits.
6. Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen at least every 30 minutes. Use reality check features if available. Go outside, make a cup of tea, or do something else entirely.
7. Balance gambling with other activities. Ensure gambling does not become your primary or only leisure activity. Maintain your hobbies, social life, and other interests.
8. Understand the games you play. Learn the rules, odds, and house edge before you wager real money. There is no such thing as a “system” that beats the house in the long run. Every game is designed to give the casino a mathematical advantage.
9. Do not borrow money to gamble. If you cannot afford to gamble with your own disposable income, do not gamble. Borrowing money to gamble is one of the strongest indicators of a gambling problem.
10. Talk about your gambling. Be open with trusted friends or family about your gambling habits. Secrecy is often a warning sign that gambling is becoming problematic.

Helping Someone Else

If you are concerned about someone else’s gambling, it can be difficult to know how to approach the situation. Problem gambling affects not just the individual but their entire support network. Here is some guidance:

How to Start the Conversation

• Choose a calm, private moment — not during or immediately after a gambling episode or argument
• Express concern without judgement or blame (“I’ve noticed some changes and I’m worried about you”)
• Be specific about the behaviours that concern you, rather than making general accusations
• Listen more than you speak — the person may be relieved to finally talk about it
• Avoid ultimatums or threats, which can cause the person to become defensive or secretive
• Acknowledge that problem gambling is an illness, not a moral failure or character flaw
• Offer to help them find support, but do not try to force them into treatment

What Not to Do

• Do not bail them out financially — this can enable continued gambling by removing the consequences
• Do not try to control their gambling for them — recovery must be their choice
• Do not ignore the problem or hope it will resolve itself — problem gambling typically escalates without intervention
• Do not blame yourself — problem gambling is not caused by family members or partners
• Do not gamble with them or buy lottery tickets as gifts — this can be triggering

Support for You

Living with or caring about a problem gambler is stressful and can take a significant toll on your own mental health and wellbeing. You deserve support too:

• GamAnon: www.gamanon.org.uk — support groups specifically for families and friends of problem gamblers
• GamCare: 0808 8020 133 — the helpline supports affected family members as well as gamblers themselves
• Relate: www.relate.org.uk — relationship counselling for couples affected by gambling
• Mind: www.mind.org.uk — mental health support for anyone whose wellbeing is affected by a loved one’s gambling

Young People & Gambling

Gambling is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 in the UK. Young people are particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems because their brains are still developing impulse control and risk assessment abilities. The Gambling Commission’s research has found that a significant number of young people participate in some form of gambling activity each year.

If you are a parent or carer concerned about a young person’s gambling:

• Talk to them openly about the risks of gambling and how odds work
• Explain that gambling is designed for the house to win over time — it is not a way to make money
• Be aware of in-game purchases, loot boxes, and skin gambling in video games, which can normalise gambling behaviour and create patterns that carry into adulthood
• Use parental controls to block access to gambling websites and apps on all devices
• Monitor social media for gambling-related advertising that may target young people
• Contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 if you are concerned about a child’s wellbeing
• Contact Childline on 0800 1111 — available for children and young people to talk in confidence about anything, including gambling concerns

A Note About Non GamStop Casinos

As a site that reviews non GamStop casinos, we have a particular responsibility to address the responsible gambling implications of playing at offshore casinos.

Non GamStop casinos are not part of the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. This means that if you have registered with GamStop to block yourself from UKGC-licensed gambling sites, non GamStop casinos will not be affected by that registration. This is an important consideration.

If you registered with GamStop because you were struggling with problem gambling, we strongly urge you to consider whether returning to gambling at a non GamStop casino is in your best interest. The reasons that led you to self-exclude are likely still relevant. Please contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 before making any decisions.

If you do choose to play at non GamStop casinos, we recommend:

• Using GamBan (www.gamban.com) to block gambling sites if you want comprehensive self-exclusion that covers non GamStop operators
• Setting strict deposit and loss limits at every casino you use
• Being honest with yourself about why you are seeking non GamStop casinos
• Reading our reviews carefully, particularly the sections on responsible gambling tools available at each casino
• Taking advantage of any self-exclusion or cooling-off tools offered by the individual casino

Crisis Resources & Immediate Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis as a result of gambling — including experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide — please contact one of the following services immediately:

You are not alone. Problem gambling is a recognised condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK. Treatment is available, recovery is possible, and help is free and confidential. Please reach out — taking the first step is the hardest part, and every organisation listed above will treat you with compassion and without judgement.

This page was written by Sarah Mitchell, Responsible Gambling Advisor, and is reviewed and updated quarterly. Last updated: May 2026.