Gambling is entertainment, not a way to earn money or a solution to money problems. A limit can restrict what you spend, but it cannot make gambling profitable or remove financial risk.
Signs that gambling may be causing harm
Look for changes you can observe, rather than relying only on how you feel. For example:
- You spend more money or time gambling than you planned.
- You increase stakes to try to recover money you have lost.
- You use money needed for bills, food or other essentials.
- You borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.
- You hide gambling or losses from people close to you.
- You miss work, study, family commitments or sleep because of gambling.
- You try to stop or cut down, but return to gambling sooner than intended.
- You feel driven to gamble when you are distressed, or become anxious or irritable when you cannot gamble.
One sign can be a reason to act. You do not need to wait until several problems occur.
Take action now
If you are signed in to a gambling account, open its responsible gambling or account settings and use the self-exclusion option. UKGC-licensed casinos must provide self-exclusion tools. Follow the on-screen steps and read the confirmation carefully so you know which account or service the exclusion covers.
If you are not ready to self-exclude, use the account-level financial limit controls to set a limit you can afford. Remote gambling operators must make these controls accessible, and must prompt new customers to set a financial limit before their first deposit. A limit is a restriction, not a spending target. Do not raise it to chase losses.
You can also stop the immediate session: sign out and do not make another deposit. If you cannot find the controls, use the operator’s account help or complaints route and ask how to activate self-exclusion. UKGC licensees must offer an internal complaints process and access to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service.
No verified external gambling-support organisation, address or phone number is available on this page. It does not provide unverified contact details. If you need someone with you now, tell a person you trust plainly that gambling is causing a problem and ask them to stay with you while you activate self-exclusion or contact the operator. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
Limits and protections in Britain
UK-licensed casinos must provide responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion. Remote operators must provide accessible account-level limit controls. These tools can restrict access or spending, but they do not replace support from other people when gambling is affecting your finances, health or relationships.
There are also rules on online slots. Autoplay is banned in Britain, and a slot spin must last at least 2.5 seconds. For an online slots game, the total stake in a game cycle must not exceed £2 if you are under 25, or £5 if you are 25 or older. At least 2.5 seconds must pass from the start of one game cycle before the next can begin. These are product rules, not a recommendation to gamble or an indication that a particular stake is affordable.
Operators must verify your age before allowing you to deposit into a gambling account. Do not gamble unless you meet the legal minimum age.
If a limit is not enough
If you have lost control of spending, are borrowing to gamble, or cannot stop despite trying, use self-exclusion rather than relying on a smaller limit. Keep access to essential money separate from gambling funds where you can, and ask someone you trust to help you follow through. Gambling should not be used to recover losses, pay debts or solve a shortfall.