Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity, but it carries real risks. Understanding those risks and knowing how to manage your play are the foundations of keeping gambling safe and within your control.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Gambling becomes harmful when it stops being a choice made freely and starts feeling compelled. Some signs that gambling may be causing problems include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended or can afford
- Chasing losses — continuing to play in an attempt to recover money already lost
- Neglecting work, relationships, or personal responsibilities because of gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Hiding or lying about the extent of your gambling to others
Recognising these patterns early, in yourself or someone close to you, is an important step toward addressing them before they cause serious harm.
Practical Steps to Stay in Control
Responsible gambling is largely about deliberate habits rather than willpower alone. Some practical approaches include:
- Set a budget before you play — decide in advance the maximum amount you are willing to lose, and treat it as an entertainment cost rather than an investment.
- Set a time limit — decide how long each session will last and stop when that time is reached, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
- Avoid gambling when upset or stressed — emotional states can impair decision-making and increase the likelihood of risky behaviour.
- Balance gambling with other activities — gambling should not be your only source of entertainment, excitement, or social interaction.
- Never gamble with money reserved for essentials — rent, bills, food, and other necessities should always come first.
Getting Help and Support
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline and provides free counselling, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. They can be reached on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and at gamcare.org.uk.
Gamblers Anonymous UK offers peer support through regular meetings across the country for people who want to stop gambling. More information is available at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
BeGambleAware provides information, self-assessment tools, and referrals to treatment services at begambleaware.org.
If gambling is affecting your finances, organisations such as StepChange (stepchange.org) offer free debt advice and can help you create a manageable plan.
Self-Exclusion
GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Registering with GAMSTOP at gamstop.co.uk allows you to restrict yourself from all participating online gambling operators for a chosen period of six months, one year, or five years. Self-exclusion through GAMSTOP is one of the most effective steps available for anyone who feels they need a break from online gambling.
Gambling and Younger People
Gambling products are intended only for adults. If you share a device with younger people, consider using parental control software to prevent access to gambling websites. Organisations such as Gamban (gamban.com) offer software that blocks gambling content across devices and can be useful as an additional layer of protection alongside self-exclusion.