Stay in control. Get support when you need it.

Signs that play has stopped being fun

It usually creeps in. None of the points below mean someone has a problem on their own — but more than one or two is a good prompt to take a break and talk to someone neutral.

• Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses.
• Hiding play from a partner, family, or friends.
• Borrowing money to gamble, or selling things to fund deposits.
• Feeling restless, anxious or low when you’re not playing.
• Missing work, sleep, social plans, or financial commitments.

Tools every UKGC casino must offer

Under UK Gambling Commission rules, every licensed operator must give players these controls before they deposit. They’re free and you don’t need to explain why you’re using them.

• Deposit limits — set a maximum per day, week or month. Reductions are immediate; increases have a cooling-off period.
• Time-outs — short breaks from 24 hours up to six weeks.
• Reality checks — interval pop-ups showing time and money spent.
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from a site for six months minimum.
• Account closure — close at any time and withdraw remaining funds.

GAMSTOP: one stop, all UK sites

GAMSTOP is the national self-exclusion service. One sign-up blocks you from every UKGC-licensed casino, sportsbook and bingo site for six months, one year, or five years. It’s free and run independently from operators.

If you think you might want to come back later, six months is a good place to start. You can renew at any point and the block reactivates if needed.

Free UK support services

Trained advisors at the services below offer free, confidential conversations — by phone, live chat, or in person. You don’t have to be at crisis point to call.