Safer gambling
Responsible Gambling
Gambling involves financial risk. Free support is available to UK residents at any point — before harm develops, during, or after.
All content on this site is intended for UK adults aged 18 or over. Gambling products are not suitable for everyone. If you are unsure whether gambling is right for you, please read the guidance below and speak to one of the support organisations.
UK support organisations
UK Gambling Commission
RegulatorVerify licence status and understand your rights
The UK Gambling Commission licenses and regulates all commercial gambling in Great Britain. You can use their public register to verify whether an operator holds a valid licence. The UKGC also publishes guidance on player rights and the complaints process.
Visit UK Gambling Commission
GAMSTOP
Self-exclusionSelf-exclude from all UK-licensed operators at once
GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme for UK residents. Registering prevents you from accessing UK-licensed gambling websites and apps for a minimum period of six months, one year, or five years. It covers online casinos, betting sites, and poker rooms licensed by the UKGC.
Visit GAMSTOP
GamCare
Support & helplineFree helpline and live chat for gambling harm
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline, available free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also offer online chat, counselling, and a forum. GamCare support is available to anyone affected by gambling, including family members and friends.
Visit GamCare
BeGambleAware
Guidance & toolsInformation and tools for managing gambling
BeGambleAware provides guidance on what responsible gambling looks like and how to recognise when it is becoming harmful. The site includes a free self-assessment tool, advice on setting limits, and information for people concerned about someone else's gambling.
Visit BeGambleAwareSetting limits before you start
Most UK-licensed casino operators are required to offer deposit limits, loss limits, and session time reminders. These tools are most useful if you set them before you begin gambling — it is much harder to make objective decisions about limits once a session is underway.
A deposit limit sets the maximum amount you can deposit in a given period. A loss limit stops play once you have lost a set amount. Session time limits or reality checks notify you of how long you have been playing.
If an operator makes it difficult to set these limits, that is worth noting. UK regulations require these tools to be accessible. You can report concerns to the UKGC at gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
Recognising when gambling is causing harm
Gambling harm affects people differently. Some signs that gambling may be becoming a problem include: spending more than you intended or can afford, gambling to recover losses, feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling, hiding gambling activity from others, or using money earmarked for other things to fund play.
These patterns can develop gradually. If any of them feel familiar, speaking to GamCare (0808 8020 133) or visiting their website is a good first step. The service is free and confidential.
If you want to stop gambling entirely, registering with GAMSTOP is the most practical tool available to UK residents. It covers all UKGC-licensed online operators simultaneously.
BritJackpotVault is a comparison and information platform. We are not a gambling operator and we are not a counselling or support service. The resources listed on this page are independent organisations — clicking through to them connects you directly with those services, not with us. If you are in immediate financial difficulty, Citizens Advice can provide guidance on debt and financial support.