This page exists because I Need Help believes gambling should remain what it was designed to be: occasional entertainment, not a source of income or a way to solve problems. When it stops being fun, it's time to step back.
Gambling is entertainment, never a fix
Gambling sites offer games of chance. The house always has an edge, and over time most players lose more than they win. Treating gambling as anything other than a leisure activity – as a way to earn money, pay bills or escape difficulties – turns it into something harmful.
If you find yourself logging in to win back what you've lost, or playing when you're stressed or upset, that's a sign the balance has shifted. Chasing losses only deepens them, and gambling under emotional pressure rarely ends well.
Warning signs worth noticing
Problematic gambling often builds gradually. You might notice you're spending more time or money than you intended, or that thoughts about gambling creep in during the day. Other signs include lying to people close to you about how much you've spent, borrowing money to gamble, or feeling anxious or irritable when you're not playing.
Missing work, neglecting responsibilities or arguing with family over gambling are all serious signals. So is the urge to place bigger bets to feel the same excitement. If any of these feel familiar, it's worth pausing and asking for help.
Questions to ask yourself
A short self-check can clarify whether gambling is still under control. Answer honestly – this is for you alone, not a diagnosis.
- Have you spent more money gambling than you planned to?
- Do you gamble to escape worry, boredom or sadness?
- Have you lied to anyone about how much you gamble or how much you've lost?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Has gambling caused problems with people close to you?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you're not gambling?
- Have you borrowed money, sold possessions or missed bill payments because of gambling?
- After losing, do you return quickly to try to win it back?
If you answered yes to several of these, reaching out to a support organisation today is the most practical step you can take.
Limits and breaks you can set
Gambling sites licensed in Great Britain must offer tools that let you control your activity. A deposit limit caps how much you can add to your account over a day, week or month. Set it before you play, and the site will stop you from exceeding it.
A time-out – also called a cooling-off period – temporarily blocks access to your account for anything from 24 hours to several weeks. During that time you cannot log in, deposit or play. It gives you distance without closing the account permanently.
Self-exclusion is a longer, firmer step. Once active, you cannot access your account for a minimum period, usually six months to five years. You will not receive marketing from that site, and any attempt to register again will be blocked.
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme. Registering at gamstop.co.uk blocks you from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once, for six months, one year or five years. It works across every licensed operator, and you choose the length when you sign up.
Practical habits that help
If you choose to gamble, a few straightforward rules reduce the risk. Decide in advance how much you can afford to lose – money left over after rent, bills and savings – and treat that as the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
Set a time limit as well as a money limit. Walk away when either runs out, whether you're winning or losing. Never gamble to recover losses; that pattern is where harm accelerates.
Avoid gambling when you're upset, tired or under the influence of alcohol. Keep it separate from other parts of life: no gambling at work, no borrowing to fund it, and no secrecy about what you're spending.
Blocking software
Gamban (gamban.com) is paid blocking software that prevents access to gambling sites and apps across all your devices. It runs on phones, tablets and computers, and once installed it cannot be easily bypassed.
BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is a free alternative that works on multiple platforms. Both tools are designed to create a barrier when willpower alone is not enough.
Protecting children and others in your household
Gambling is for people aged 18 and over. If you share a device with someone younger, consider parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to block gambling sites at the device level. Store login details securely, and log out after every session.
Where to get help today
Free, confidential support is available across the UK, and you do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable.
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free, and advisers are trained to listen without judgement. Visit gamcare.org.uk for online chat and further resources.
BeGambleAware provides information, tools and treatment referrals at begambleaware.org.
Gordon Moody (gordonmoody.org.uk) offers residential and online treatment for people whose gambling has caused serious harm.
Reaching out is not a sign of failure. It's the first practical step toward getting control back, and every one of these organisations exists to help you take it.
This is an information site. We do not sell goods or services. Gambling is for people aged 18 and over (18+). If you or someone you know needs support, BeGambleAware.org offers free, confidential help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I self-exclude from all UK gambling sites at once?
Yes. GamStop is a free national scheme that blocks you from every gambling site licensed in Great Britain. You register at gamstop.co.uk and choose a period of six months, one year or five years.
Does a time-out close my account permanently?
No. A time-out blocks access temporarily, usually for 24 hours to six weeks. Your account remains open, but you cannot log in, deposit or play until the period ends.
Is the National Gambling Helpline really free?
Yes. The helpline number 0808 8020 133 is free to call from any UK phone, and it is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Will setting a deposit limit stop me from withdrawing my balance?
No. A deposit limit only controls how much you can add to your account. You can still withdraw any winnings or remaining balance at any time.
Can I cancel self-exclusion early if I change my mind?
Not immediately. Self-exclusion is designed to be difficult to reverse. You must wait until the period you chose is over, and most sites require a cooling-off delay before you can reopen the account.
Does blocking software work on all my devices?
Gamban and BetBlocker both work across phones, tablets and computers. You install the software on each device, and it blocks access to gambling sites and apps on all of them.
What happens when I call GamCare?
You speak to a trained adviser who listens without judgement. They can talk through your situation, suggest practical steps and refer you to further support if you need it. The call is confidential.