Gambling should always be entertainment — never a way to make money or solve financial problems. This page lists the free tools and support services available to every UK player. All of them are confidential and most take only minutes to set up.

Free tools every UK player should know

  • GamStop — free national self-exclusion. One registration blocks you from every UKGC-licensed gambling site for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
  • Deposit limits — every UKGC-licensed casino must let you set daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits. Set them before your first deposit.
  • Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you've played and your net position.
  • Time-outs — short cooling-off periods (24 hours to 6 weeks) available at every licensed operator.
  • Bank gambling blocks — most UK banks (Monzo, Starling, Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and others) offer a free gambling transaction block in their app.

Signs that gambling may be becoming a problem

  • Spending more time or money than you planned
  • Chasing losses or gambling to escape stress
  • Borrowing money to gamble, or hiding gambling from others
  • Gambling affecting your work, sleep or relationships

Free, confidential support

  • National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7, free) — run by GamCare
  • BeGambleAware — free information, self-assessment and treatment referrals
  • Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support meetings across the UK
  • NHS National Gambling Clinic — specialist treatment, referral via GP or self-referral
Under 18? Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. If you're worried about your own or someone else's gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 — it's free and confidential.