Keep gambling enjoyable, and know where to get help.
Gambling involves financial risk. Online casino games are designed for entertainment, not as a way to make money. The points below cover the most practical things to keep in mind, plus direct links to UK support services that operate independently of any casino.
Age restriction
Online gambling in Great Britain is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. UK-licensed operators are required to verify the age and identity of every customer. Allowing anyone under 18 to use a gambling account is illegal and can result in account closure and forfeited funds.
Practical habits
- Decide on a deposit limit before you sign up, not after the first session.
- Treat any money used for gambling as money you are willing to lose.
- Never gamble to chase losses, recover money, or solve a financial problem.
- Set a time limit, and use the reality-check feature offered inside the operator’s account area.
- Avoid combining gambling with alcohol or with significant stress.
Tools inside your operator account
UK-licensed casinos are required to provide deposit limits, loss limits, time-outs, session reminders, and self-exclusion options inside the account area. Limits are easier to set when you are calm than mid-session. A time-out can be used for short breaks of one day up to six weeks. Self-exclusion through the operator is a longer-term option that closes your account for a set period.
Independent UK support
The services below operate independently of any casino. They are free to use and confidential.
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the UK national self-exclusion scheme. A single registration blocks access to every online gambling site licensed in Great Britain for a period you choose (six months, one year, or five years). Visit gamstop.co.uk.
GamCare
GamCare provides confidential information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling. It runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, alongside live chat. Visit gamcare.org.uk.
GambleAware
GambleAware is an independent UK charity that funds research, education, and treatment for gambling harm. Its website lists local treatment services and self-help tools. Visit gambleaware.org.
UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission is the regulator for commercial gambling in Great Britain. Its website explains how UK licences work, the protections in place for consumers, and how to raise a complaint against a licensed operator. Visit gamblingcommission.gov.uk.
If you need to speak to someone now
Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). If you are in immediate distress, please contact Samaritans on 116 123.