Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to make money, and it cannot solve money problems. If gambling has stopped being fun, or you are worried about someone else, you can talk to someone now. The services listed above are free and confidential, and you do not need to be sure there is a problem before you get in touch.
This page covers the warning signs, the tools that help you stay in control and how to support someone close to you.
Warning signs
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you spend more time or money than you planned, or if you chase losses by playing again to get money back. Other signs include borrowing to gamble, hiding how much you play, feeling restless or irritable when you cut down, and thinking about gambling when you are doing something else. You may also notice that it affects your sleep, work or relationships.
If you recognise some of these signs, you do not have to wait for things to get worse. Take a break from playing, and call or chat with a helpline listed above. Telling a friend or family member can also help. Setting a limit or excluding yourself are practical first steps, described below.
Tools that put you in control
Every UK-licensed operator must offer deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. You can set these in your account, and a limit works best when you set it before you play, not in the middle of a session. A time-out gives you a short break. Self-exclusion closes your access for a longer period.
GAMSTOP is a free service that covers all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once. Once you register, those sites are required to block you, so you do not need to contact each operator separately.
Most banking apps now let you block payments to gambling merchants, which stops card spending at the source. Blocking software can also stop gambling sites and apps from opening on your phone, tablet or computer. None of these tools replaces support, but together they make it harder to act on an urge.
If someone close to you is affected
Pick a calm moment and start with how you feel rather than with blame. Say what you have noticed, listen to the answer and avoid ultimatums. The person may not be ready to talk the first time, and you can come back to it.
You do not have to handle this alone. The support services above also help family and friends, and you can contact them for advice even if the person gambling has not asked for help.