Play only if it is legal and affordable
You must meet the legal gambling age and follow the laws in your location. Never gamble with money needed for housing, food, bills, healthcare, education or debt payments.
Set limits before you start
- Choose a fixed spending limit that you can afford to lose.
- Set a time limit and use alarms or session reminders.
- Do not increase limits after a loss.
- Avoid gambling when upset, under pressure or affected by alcohol or drugs.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
Recognise warning signs
Warning signs can include chasing losses, hiding gambling, missing responsibilities, borrowing money, feeling anxious about play or finding it difficult to stop. If any of these feel familiar, pause and seek support.
Use operator safety tools
Licensed operators may offer deposit limits, loss limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. Use these tools early. Your bank may also offer gambling-payment blocks.
Get confidential support
GamCare provides UK support and a 24/7 helpline. GambleAware offers advice, tools and service information. Gambling Therapy provides free global online support. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency service.
Parents and families
Keep gambling accounts, payment methods and devices secure. Talk openly with young people about risk, advertising and the fact that gambling products are designed for adults. Specialist services can also support family members affected by another person's gambling.