Responsible Gambling: Limits, Breaks & Support

Set Boundaries Before You Start

Only use money you can afford to lose after essential spending. Decide in advance how much time and money you are comfortable spending, and stop when either limit is reached. A losing session is not a reason to increase those limits.

Do not borrow to gamble or treat gambling as a source of income. Take regular breaks, and avoid gambling when you are upset, under pressure or affected by alcohol. You must be 18 or over to gamble in the UK.

Notice When Gambling Is Taking Too Much Space

Warning signs include using money set aside for bills, spending more than planned to recover a loss, hiding how much you play, and using gambling to escape stress. Missing work, losing sleep or arguing with people close to you are also reasons to pause.

You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for support. Talking about a concern early is a useful step, whether the gambling is yours or someone else’s.

Take a Break Across the Websites You Use

Use account limits and time-out tools where available. You can also ask a gambling business to close or restrict your account. If you have decided to stop, opening an account at a related casino works against that decision.

Consider reducing gambling advertising, removing saved payment details and using blocking tools. A support adviser can help you decide which steps fit your situation.

Where to Find Gambling Support

If You Are Worried About Someone Else

Choose a calm moment to describe what you have noticed without blaming them. Protect essential household money and avoid covering gambling losses in a way that lets the pattern continue. Support services can help affected family members and friends as well as the person gambling.