Responsible gambling
Online gambling should be fun. To help you enjoy the best experience, our guide to responsible gambling covers signs of problem gambling and tools you can use to stay in control and gamble safely online.
What is responsible gambling?
Gambling, whether at online casinos or sports betting sites, should be a form of entertainment. Responsible gambling is about managing your online gambling habits to help you remain in control and have fun.
In essence, responsible gambling means that:
You only spend what you can afford to lose
You set defined limits on the time and money you spend gambling
You don’t allow gambling to interfere with your relationships
You avoid gambling if you’re angry or upset
You don’t treat gambling as a coping mechanism
Signs of problem gambling
If you or someone you know gambles despite harmful or negative consequences, this is a sign of a gambling problem. Problem gambling is a form of addiction. Some believe addiction only involves a physical substance such as drugs or alcohol, but risk addictions and compulsions when betting with real money can be equally as harmful.
To help you recognise signs of problem gambling, here are some of the most common behavioural and emotional cues:
Keeping your gambling habits a secret
Lying about how much money and how often you gamble
Neglecting your financial responsibilities to gamble
Chasing losses, no matter how big or small they are
Constantly thinking about gambling and borrowing money to fulfil the urge
Gambling is no longer a want, but a need
Gambling to distract you from the everyday
Stealing or committing fraud to gamble
Gambling is the most important thing in your life
Borrowing money to try and win back money you have lost
Where to get help with gambling addiction in the UK
Recognising signs of gambling addiction is an essential step. You can then seek help and find out how to stop gambling addiction. Remember, you are not alone – there are professional organisations that can help you, including:
The National Gambling Helpline
The National Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7. You can reach out to an adviser on 0808 8020 133, who will guide you to suitable support options for your situation.
The Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission regulates all forms of gambling in the UK and has extensive guides and resources on its website. They also have an online enquiry form to request further information.
GamCare
GamCare is part of the National Gambling Support network, offering help to anyone experiencing gambling problems in the UK. As well as running the National Gambling Helpline, they have WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and live chat options. They also offer a recovery toolkit with a self-assessment quiz, self-guided workbook, blocking software and other tools.
GambleAware
GambleAware offers help to those worried about their own or someone else’s problem gambling. Their services are confidential, and their website provides an extensive list of local support providers.
The National Problem Gambling Clinic
The National Problem Gambling Clinic treats people aged 13 and over in England. It offers NHS services and has gained an international reputation for its success. They can be contacted by phone at 020 7381 7722 or by email at [email protected].
Self-exclusion & blocking tools
Alongside professional services, you can utilise self-help tools such as GamStop and BetBlocker to restrict your access to online casinos and sportsbooks. To get the most out of these tools, you should provide as much information as possible, including all email addresses you have registered with at online casinos over the years.
GamStop
GamStop is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from GB-licensed gambling websites included in its scheme. Signing up takes a few minutes, and the tools available are quick and easy to use.
BetBlocker
UK-registered charity BetBlocker offers a free, downloadable mobile app. The app can be installed in as little as two minutes and blocks over 77,700 gambling websites. You also don’t need to provide any details, meaning you can use the service anonymously.
GamBan
The Gamban app is available on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. It provides a secure and reliable way to block access to gambling sites and apps worldwide. It’s free for UK residents, while non-UK residents can purchase it for £2.49 a month or an annual fee of £24.99.
Protecting young people from gambling harm
The Gambling Act 2014 has strict laws to protect young and vulnerable people from gambling harm. The Gambling Commission requires bookmakers and casino operators to prevent under 18s from gambling by complying with the CAP, BCAP and SR codes, which includes installing age verification checks against official ID provided.
Parents and carers can also take the following steps to safeguard young and vulnerable people around you:
Password protect your gambling account
Do not save passwords to autofill
Log out when you have stopped playing
Avoid gambling around minors
Install parental control software to monitor your child’s behaviour online
Educate young people about potential gambling harms
Safer gambling at UK online casinos
To enjoy a safer online gambling experience, only play at casinos that are licensed by reputable authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority and Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission is a non-departmental body of the British government responsible for regulating all forms of gambling (including casinos, bingo, software providers, lottery and sportsbooks) in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
When playing at online casinos, you can check whether you are playing at a trusted and licensed site by looking for licensing logos in the footer. Regulated sites are also responsible for keeping you safe and secure through SSL protocols and responsible gambling tools such as deposit and time limits.
The best online casinos are independently accredited by specialised testing bodies like eCOGRA, ensuring game fairness and player protection. Read our dedicated online casino guides to learn more about responsible gambling and the safest UK casinos.
FAQs
Set yourself a budget and a time limit. Do not gamble more than you can afford to lose, and never chase after losses. Remember, gambling is supposed to be fun.
There are many ways to identify problem gambling, but signs include lying about time and money spent on gambling sites and wagering more than you can afford to lose.
Problem gambling and gambling addiction are two sides of the same coin. However, when gambling becomes repetitive despite having adverse consequences, it is an addiction.
In the first instance, call the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 for advice on how to support them. In extreme cases, refer them to the National Problem Gambling Clinic.
All reputable online casinos provide responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion measures and deposit and time limits. They are also registered with blocking software such as GamStop.
There are various support services available for problem gambling help. The National Gambling Helpline is a leading provider in the UK and can be contacted on 0808 8020 133. You can also sign up for self-exclusion and blocking tools and talk to your family and friends.