This website describes the mechanics of casino games. We aren't trying to encourage you to play — and we believe it's important to state clearly: gambling is for adults 18 and older, and it should remain a bit of entertainment that you can choose to engage in or avoid.
Once it isn't fun anymore, something has gone wrong, and that deserves your attention.
Signs it might be becoming a problem
No individual indicator is definitive, but these are the signs individuals frequently identify in hindsight:
- Repeatedly using more time or money than you intended.
- Chasing losses — placing further bets to recover lost funds.
- Selling possessions or borrowing money to continue gambling.
- Concealing your gambling habits from those close to you.
- Experiencing low mood or restlessness when you aren't gambling.
- Using gambling as a way to avoid difficult emotions or stress.
If a few of these seem familiar, it's worth talking to someone.
Practical limits you can set
- Decide on a budget before beginning, and view it as money already spent rather than an investment.
- Set a time limit as well, and use an alarm if one is needed.
- Keep gambling money separate from savings and bills.
- Never try to win back losses.
- Pause frequently, and avoid playing if you've had a drink or are upset.
Where to get help in the UK
The National Gambling Helpline, operated by GamCare, offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day, every day. Call 0808 8020 133 in England and Scotland; call 0808 2819 265 in Wales. You can also access an online chat and find further information at www.gamcare.org.uk.
GAMSTOP provides a free self-exclusion service that prevents you from accessing all UK online gambling services, apps and sites, including those from new operators. Registration takes a few minutes; you'll give your title, name, date of birth, email addresses, mobile numbers and home address, and then confirm your identity and email (using Onfido and TransUnion). Select a period of at least six months, one year, five years, or five years with auto-renewal. It can take up to 24 hours for the block to work, and you can't cancel it during the period you chose. Anyone residing in the UK can use GAMSTOP. Reach the contact centre at 0800 138 6518 or [email protected].
The TalkBanStop campaign combines three free tools: GAMSTOP self-exclusion, free Gamban blocking software, and the National Gambling Helpline.
GambleAware is the independent charity that funds the National Gambling Support Network; visit www.gambleaware.org.