Safer Gambling

When it stops feeling like just a game -

It might be time to walk away 18+

Since this site features gambling providers, we believe in raising awareness about the potential risks of gambling, and want you to know where to seek support and guidance if you ever need it.

Have fun while playing

Gambling is meant for entertainment, not as a lifestyle

Always play smart

Set boundaries for your spending and your play sessions

Recognise when it’s time to pause

Stick to your plan – real winners know when to walk away

What Does Safer Gambling Mean?

Gambling is a favorite pastime for many, bringing excitement and enjoyment for most who play responsibly. However, for some, it can lead to difficulties that affect not only the individual, but also their family, friends, and wider community. To help minimize these risks, the UK has introduced Safer Gambling regulations, overseen by national authorities. Both online and land-based gambling operators are required to follow strict standards and implement a variety of protective measures.

Measures and responsibilities include:

Stopping underage gambling: You must prove you are over 18 with valid identification before you can place any bets.
Responsible advertising: Gambling companies cannot target people who are vulnerable, and must provide clear warnings about the risks involved.
Secure transactions: Your deposits and withdrawals are protected with trusted payment solutions such as PayPal, VISA, and Skrill.
Privacy for players: The GDPR ensures your sensitive personal details, like address verification and banking info, are handled with care.
Safeguarding at-risk players: Extra attention is given to those with a higher risk of addiction, including people managing mental health challenges.

Player protection tools include:

Self-exclusion: Ask the gambling provider to bar your access to their site or app.
Session limits: Set a maximum amount of time you’re allowed to play.
Activity notifications: Get notified if you’ve been gambling longer than your preset limit.
Deposit caps: Set a maximum amount that you can deposit within a set period.
Gambling blocks: Place restrictions on your debit card to prevent gambling transactions.
Time-out options: Temporarily suspend your access to gambling services for a chosen period.

Top 10 Safer Gambling Tips

Decide your spending limit before you start

Set a maximum playtime ahead of time

Remember: it’s entertainment, not a way to make money

Don’t chase after losses—walk away instead

Take regular breaks to avoid “Bet Regret”

More knowledge doesn’t mean more wins

Only risk what you’re comfortable losing

Be sure you’re playing legally where you are

Avoid gambling if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs

Don’t gamble when you’re upset or feeling low

How much is too much?

Are you concerned that you or someone close to you could be struggling with gambling? Here are some common warning signs that may signal a gambling problem.

Dismissing the issue even when clear signs are present. Admitting there’s a problem is the first step towards recovery.
Obsessing over gambling to the point that other hobbies and interests lose their appeal.
Feeling restless or irritable when unable to gamble, similar to withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
Loss of self-control—gambling despite wanting to stop, including risking money needed for essentials like rent or food.
Needing to wager more to achieve the same level of excitement, even if it means losing more than you can afford.
Trying to recover losses by chasing bets, convinced that a big win is just around the corner.
Declining work performance—missing work, trouble concentrating, or gambling during working hours.
Strained relationships with family or friends, neglecting important events and responsibilities at home.
Resorting to borrowing, stealing, or selling possessions to get money for gambling.

FAQ’s

What causes gambling addiction?

While there’s no single root cause, some individuals are more prone to gambling addiction—especially those dealing with other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. However, anyone who gambles is at risk of developing a problem.

What factors contribute to gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction can stem from a mix of factors: the rush of a win, financial pressures, chasing social status, or the immersive casino atmosphere. Each person’s story is unique, but these triggers are often at play.

What is compulsive gambling?

Compulsive gambling is a behavioural addiction—an impulse control disorder. This means someone feels an uncontrollable urge to gamble, even when they know it could harm them or those around them.

Can you enjoy gambling without becoming a problem gambler?

Absolutely! Most people treat gambling as a leisure activity—they expect to lose, only gamble what they can spare, and walk away when the fun stops. In contrast, problem gamblers lose control and continue betting regardless of the consequences.

What is the legal gambling age in the UK?

In the UK, you must be at least 18 years old to legally gamble—whether online or in-person. The only exceptions, allowing 16+, are for football pools, lotteries, and the National Lottery.

Need help?

Most people who play will never run into gambling problems, but for some, what began as fun can turn into something much more serious. If you or someone close to you needs support, help is closer than you think.

The National Gambling Treatment Service brings together a network of organisations across the UK focused on reducing the impact of gambling-related harm on individuals and their communities. Their services span prevention tools (like GAMSTOP and GamBan), education (RAiG), support (GamCare), and professional treatment (BeGambleAware, Gambling Therapy). These resources help identify those in need, offer support, and follow up along the journey. Most licensed gambling companies are also committed to responding to your concerns, and you always have the option to self-exclude—blocking yourself from accessing casinos, bookmakers, gambling sites, and apps.

You can also consider using website blockers or applying restrictions through your bank to add extra safeguards.

Plus, the National Gambling Treatment Service network is on hand 24/7, offering free and confidential guidance to anyone struggling with gambling—or those affected by someone else’s habits. Explore the organisations below.

Reaching out for help might feel daunting, but you’re not alone—never hesitate to take the first step.