Responsible gambling: free UK help, limits and blocks
Gambling should be a paid-for hobby. If you are no longer having fun, there is free help available, 24/7. You can block all UK licensed casinos at once, and you can self-exclude from all UK licensed gambling websites at once. Here’s where to find the tools to do all that.
By Gareth Llewellyn · Updated 14 October 2026
18+ only. National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, free, 24/7.
- National Gambling Helpline
- 0808 8020 133
- Gamstop Online
- gamstop.co.uk
- Gamstop helpline
- 0800 138 6518
- Gamblers Anonymous
- meetings
The Helpline runs 24/7 by phone, live chat and WhatsApp.
Free responsible gambling help in the UK
Everything listed is free and confidential.
| Who | What they do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline | For anyone affected by gambling, run by GamCare. 24/7. | 0808 8020 133 or gamcare.org.uk |
| Gamstop Online | Self-exclusion from all UK licensed gambling websites. | gamstop.co.uk, 0800 138 6518 |
| GambleAware | Information and routes to support and treatment. | gambleaware.org |
| Gordon Moody | Residential and intensive treatment. | gordonmoody.org.uk |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support meetings across Great Britain. | gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
| Citizens Advice | Help to manage your money and debts. | citizensadvice.org.uk |
Signs gambling is becoming a problem
Any one of these is a reason to stop and speak to someone.
- Chasing losses: continuing to play or deposit in the hope of winning back your losses.
- Spending more than you planned: using money that should go on bills and rent to gamble.
- Hiding it: not telling people how much or how often you gamble.
- Borrowing: using credit, loans, or other people’s money to gamble.
- Mood: feeling anxious, low, or irritable as a result of gambling or trying to stop.
Tools that keep gambling under control
These should be provided by UK licensed casinos.
- Deposit limits
- UK licensed casinos should give you the option to set a limit on spending before your first deposit. You can lower your spending limit at any time, and it takes effect immediately. Increasing a limit takes at least 24 hours, and you’ll need to confirm the limit increase a second time.
- Reality checks
- A reminder of how long you’ve been gambling, along with a link to your gambling history.
- Time-out
- A short break from gambling for a day to a few weeks.
- Self-exclusion
- A single long casino block or a block at all UK sites via Gamstop Online.
- Bank blocks
- Many UK banks let you block gambling transactions in their mobile app.
- Blocking software
- Apps such as BetBlocker or Gamban can block access to betting sites on your devices.
Casino bonuses and responsible gambling
A bonus should fit how you like to play.
- Do not deposit more for a bonus
If a bonus requires a larger deposit than you wish to play with, take a smaller bonus or no bonus at all.
- Wagering means more play
A 10x bonus is more betting. If that is more than you would do anyway, skip it.
- Deadlines push you to play
Never play faster to beat a bonus expiry. Cancel the bonus instead.
- Spins are not free money
The qualifying stake is real money, and it can be lost.
See how to cancel a casino bonus if one no longer suits you, and low wagering vs no wagering for offers that ask for the least play.
If you are worried about someone else
Family members and friends can get support, too.
The National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 can also support people affected by someone else’s gambling. You do not need the person’s permission to call. Also, the calls are free.
British Bonus Finder is for adults only. If you are under 18, gambling is not for you, and UK licensed casinos check age and identity before anyone can play.
Written by
Gareth ensures the numbers and links on this page are up to date. If you notice something that needs to be changed, please let him know.
Play safe
18+. Gambling should stay fun. If you’re spending more than you can afford, or if it’s affecting your life in any other way, you can block all UK casinos instantly with GAMSTOP or call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133, any time.
You can set a limit on how much you deposit before you play. More info on our Responsible Gambling page.