Gambling should be understood as a paid form of entertainment, not a way to make money. The tools described here — deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion — exist to help you keep it that way.
If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available right now from BeGambleAware, GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).
The standard tools
Deposit limits: cap how much you can deposit over a day, week or month.
Reality checks: a reminder that appears after a set amount of play, showing time and spend.
Time-outs: a short break from the account, usually from 24 hours up to several weeks.
Self-exclusion: a longer block from the account, typically six months or more.
Self-exclusion and GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the free UK-wide self-exclusion scheme covering all licensed online operators. Registering excludes you across participating sites in one step.
Individual operators also offer their own self-exclusion, which you can set in account tools.
Free national support
BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) and GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) provide free advice and tools.
The National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.
Support is confidential and available whether or not you have lost money.
Signs to take a break
Chasing losses, spending more than planned, or hiding your play are all signs to pause and use the tools above.
Setting limits before you play is easier than recovering from overspending afterwards.