Responsible gambling: signs, limits and support
Available in GBGambling carries a risk of financial loss. It is not a way to earn money or a solution to debt or other money problems. Gambling should not involve money needed for essentials, and losses cannot be treated as income that is likely to return.
Signs that gambling may be causing harm
Problem gambling can be indicated by observable changes, including:
- spending more time or money gambling than intended;
- trying to win back losses or increasing stakes after losing;
- borrowing money, using credit or selling possessions to gamble;
- missing bills or essentials because money has gone to gambling;
- hiding gambling or losses from family, friends or colleagues;
- repeatedly trying to stop or cut down without being able to do so;
- neglecting work, study, relationships or other responsibilities to gamble;
- feeling distressed, irritable or preoccupied when unable to gamble.
These signs do not establish a diagnosis. They are reasons to stop gambling and seek support.
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Steps available through gambling accounts
Remote gambling operators must prompt new customers to set a financial limit before their first deposit and provide accessible account-level limit controls. Limits can restrict how much can be deposited or spent. UK-licensed casinos must also provide responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion. Self-exclusion prevents access to the relevant gambling service for the period set through that service.
Where gambling is becoming difficult to control, account controls can be used to stop further deposits or access. They are not a substitute for outside support. Operators must verify a customer’s age before allowing deposits. The exact age threshold is not stated here.
UK rules also restrict some features and payments: online slot autoplay is banned, and each online slot spin must last at least two and a half seconds. Remote gambling operators cannot accept credit-card payments for gambling, including credit-card funds routed through a money service business. They cannot accept wallet payments where credit-card funds can be used for gambling.
Where to turn now
No verified help organisation names or contact details are available for this page. Rather than provide an unverified number or address, the immediate options are:
- Open the gambling account’s responsible gambling or safer gambling section and use its limit or self-exclusion controls. If the controls are not accessible, contact the operator through the support channel shown in the account or on its website and request that access or deposits be stopped.
- Tell a trusted person what has been happening and ask them to help prevent further access to gambling funds or accounts.
- Contact a local health professional and explain that gambling is causing harm. If there is immediate danger to personal safety, contact local emergency services.
UKGC licensees must provide an internal complaints process and access to an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service. These routes concern complaints about an operator; they are not a substitute for help with gambling-related harm.
Operator requirements
UK-licensed casinos must provide self-exclusion and other responsible gambling tools. Operators must contribute to the Research, Education and Treatment levy. A remote operator’s gambling websites and apps must show its licence details and link to its public register information. These requirements do not remove the financial and personal risks of gambling.
Published by the Betti Casino team.
