Responsible gambling

Gambling should be enjoyable and controlled. If playing stops feeling fun, or you start to worry about money, relationships or mood because of gambling, it can help to act early. The guidance below is practical and non-judgemental: it explains common warning signs, straightforward tools you can use right away, and ways to get confidential help if you need it.

Warning signs to watch for

Noticing a few of these signs doesn’t mean you have a problem, but they are useful prompts to review your behaviour and make changes if needed.

Spending more time or money than you planned.
Chasing losses—trying to win back money after a losing session.
Borrowing, delaying bills or using money meant for essentials to gamble.
Feeling anxious, restless or irritable when not gambling.
Neglecting work, study, family or social activities because of gambling.
Secrecy about gambling, or lying about how much you play or spend.
Using gambling to cope with stress, low mood or boredom.

Tools to help you stay in control

There are simple, practical measures you can try immediately to reduce risk and keep play manageable.

Set hard limits on deposits, losses, session time and wagers. Start low and adjust only after a clear review period.
Use session reminders and forced breaks to prevent long, continuous play.
Exclude saved payment methods from your gambling accounts and use separate cards for everyday spending.
Keep gambling money separate from essential funds—use a dedicated, capped amount for entertainment each month.
Turn off marketing and promotional messages to reduce temptation.
Share your limits with a trusted friend or family member who can help you stick to them.

Setting limits on your account

Account controls give you immediate, measurable boundaries. Consider putting these in place now:

Deposit limits: set a weekly or monthly cap you can’t exceed without a cooling-off period.
Wager and loss limits: limit how much you can stake or lose in a session or time period.
Session and reality checks: opt in to pop-up reminders that prompt you to take breaks.
Time-outs: short lockouts that pause access for a defined period when you need a break.
Temporary account closure: a longer pause, typically for weeks or months, when short breaks aren’t enough.

If you find it hard to set or respect limits, ask customer support to explain available options and the timeframes for lowering or removing controls.

Self-exclusion and cooling-off

When you need a firm break, self-exclusion and formal cooling-off are effective tools.

Self-exclusion temporarily or permanently blocks access to your account and prevents marketing contact. It can be an important step when other measures haven’t helped.
Cooling-off lets you take a deliberate break for a set period while keeping the option to return later.
Make sure you understand how long exclusions last, what happens to your account balance, and whether verification is required to reopen an account.
Keep in mind self-exclusion works best when paired with removing payment methods and asking family or support people to help enforce it.

How to get help and support

Reaching out is a practical step, not a sign of failure. Confidential support is designed to help you explore options and manage next steps.

Talk to someone you trust about how gambling is affecting you—sharing concerns often reduces stress and helps clarify choices.
Contact a gambling support service or helpline in your area for confidential advice, emotional support and details about local treatment options.
If gambling has caused financial difficulty, contact your bank for options, and consider free debt advice services to review practical steps.
If you feel at risk of harming yourself or others, seek immediate medical or emergency help from local services.

Support for friends and family

Supporting someone who is struggling with gambling can be hard. There are practical ways to help while protecting your own wellbeing.

Set clear boundaries about money and living arrangements—agree what you will and won’t do to help financially.
Encourage the person to use account limits, self-exclusion and professional support, and offer help making contact if they agree.
Look after your own mental health—talk to someone you trust or seek support designed for affected others.
If you are worried about immediate harm or safety, contact local emergency services without delay.

If you’re unsure what step to take first, try one small change today: set a short deposit or session limit, remove a saved card, or take a 24–72 hour break. Small, concrete actions help rebuild confidence and control. You don’t have to manage this alone—confidential, practical help is available whenever you’re ready to reach out.