Gambling is only lawful for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, please do not use any gambling website. If you are concerned about a young person's gambling, please contact GamCare.
Safety resources
Responsible gambling
Gambling is legal entertainment for adults in the UK. However, for some people it becomes harmful. If you ever feel that gambling is no longer enjoyable, that you are spending more than you can afford, or that it is affecting your relationships or mental health, there are practical options available — starting with free, confidential support services.
Signs that gambling may be becoming a problem
- Spending more than you planned to
- Chasing losses with further bets
- Neglecting work, family, or personal finances
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying to others about how much you gamble
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress or difficult feelings
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop
Tools available on UKGC-licensed platforms
Deposit limits
All UKGC-licensed operators are required to offer deposit limit controls. These can be set daily, weekly, or monthly, and take effect immediately when reduced.
Loss limits
Some operators offer loss limits in addition to deposit limits. These restrict the net amount you can lose in a given period.
Session time limits
You can set a maximum session length on most UK platforms. The operator must display a clock during play showing elapsed session time.
Reality checks
Periodic on-screen notifications that remind you how long you have been playing and allow you to leave the session.
Cool-off periods
A temporary break of 24 hours to several weeks, during which you cannot log in to your account. Shorter than a full self-exclusion.
Self-exclusion
A minimum six-month exclusion from a single operator, or use GAMSTOP for site-wide UK exclusion. Your account is suspended for the exclusion period.
Free support services
GAMSTOP
The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register once to be excluded from all UKGC-licensed online casino and betting operators. Free, confidential, and takes effect within 24 hours.
GambleAware
A charity providing information, guidance, and treatment referrals for people concerned about their gambling. Operates the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), available 24 hours a day.
GamCare
Provides counselling, support groups, and an online chat service for people affected by problem gambling, including family members. Trained advisers are available via the National Gambling Helpline.
UK Gambling Commission
The statutory regulator for commercial gambling in Great Britain. All UK-facing operators must hold a UKGC licence. The UKGC also maintains the National Self-Exclusion Scheme (GAMSTOP) requirement.
Gambling Therapy
An international online support service for people affected by problem gambling. Offers live chat, support forums, and self-help programmes, available in multiple languages.
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to recover from compulsive gambling. In-person and online meetings available across the UK.
London Jackpot Guide is a comparison site and does not provide direct gambling support. For immediate help, please contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7).