Responsible Gambling Guide 2025

Responsible Gambling Tools at UK Online Casinos

The best UK online casinos offer practical tools to help you stay in control. Features like deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion options ensure you can gamble safely and responsibly. Here’s how they work:

Deposit Limits

You can control how much you deposit into your casino account using this tool. You can set up a deposit limit (daily, weekly or monthly) when you register your account or at any point after that.

Time Limits

Time limits let you manage how long you spend gambling. You can choose daily, weekly or monthly time caps to control your overall playtime. Alternatively, session limits allow you to gamble for a set period, such as an hour, before being automatically logged off.

Wager Limits

Some online casinos let you limit your stakes to help manage your spending and prevent you from betting more than you can afford to lose. As part of the latest UK online gambling laws, there will soon be maximum stake limits set for under 25s playing online slots, capped at £2 for those aged 18-24 years old. These changes aim to promote safer gambling, but you can still set stricter limits yourself using this tool.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a valuable tool for those needing a break from gambling. It allows you to remove yourself from one or more online casinos for a set period, ranging from six months to five years, or even permanently. Once you’ve entered into a self-exclusion agreement, the gambling site must close your account and return any funds in your account to you, along with removing your contact details from any marketing materials.

Reality Checks

These alerts are designed to remind you of how long you’ve been playing and can be personalised to notify you at different timeframes, for instance every 10 minutes, every hour, etc.

Cooling-Off Periods (Time-Out)

A customised time-out is a good way to take a break from gambling without a full-on self-exclusion. Time-outs can last from 24 hours to several days and during this period, you will not be able to account your account or place bets, although you may still be able to log in to withdraw any remaining balance.

Self-Assessment

Self-assessment tools at UK online casinos help you evaluate your gambling habits. They ask questions about gambling frequency, financial impact and loss-chasing to ensure you’re gambling responsibly and to help identify signs of problem gambling.

Self-Exclusion & Blocking Tools

Here are some effective online blockers to help tackle gambling problems in the UK. They restrict access to betting sites.

Bank Blocking Tools

Many UK banks now offer gambling block tools that freeze payments on your card. The UKGC publishes a good list of UK banks that offer this service.

Gamban

The Gamban tool lets you instantly block internet access to thousands of online gambling sites. It also offers free advice on responsible gambling for UK players.

GamBlock

You can use GamBlock if you’re worried about resorting to VPNs to access online gambling sites. GamBlock is designed to be effective, even via solid VPNs like UltraSurf.

GameStop

GameStop is a UK self-exclusion tool that blocks access to UK-licensed gambling sites. Simply register your details, choose a self-exclusion period, and it prevents access for the selected duration.

Where to Seek Help for Gambling Addiction in the UK

Here are some of the top resources in the UK to help with gambling addiction, including counselling services and support groups.

GamCare

Gamcare is a leading provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling. They offer 24/7 helplines, live chat, online resources and counselling services.

• Phone: 0808 8020 1333 (National Gambling Helpline, 24/7)
• Email: info@gamcare.org.uk
• Social Media:
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

GambleAware

GambleAware provides tools, treatment options and education to help prevent and tackle gambling harm. They also fund services to ensure access to support across the UK.

• Phone: 0808 8020 1333 (via GamCare)
• Email: info@gambleaware.org
• Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • X

Gordon Moody

Gordon Moody specialises in residential treatment programmes for individuals struggling with severe gambling addiction, offering therapy and rehabilitation.

• Phone: 01384 241292
• Email: help@gordonmoody.org.uk
• Social Media:
  • X
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Betknowmore UK

Betknowmore UK offers community-based support, including mentoring and therapy, aimed at addressing gambling harm and building recovery.

Website: www.betknowmoreuk.org/

• Phone: 0800 066 4827
• Email: info@betknowmore.org.uk
• Social Media:
  • X
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

NHS National Centre for Gambling Disorders

The NHS National Centre for Gambling Disorders offers free assessment and treatment for individuals and families affected by gambling problems, providing tailored therapy and support plans.

• Phone: 020 7381 7722
• Email: gambling.cnwl@nhs.net
• Social Media:
  • X

Gamblers Anonymous UK

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) offers recovery programmes and peer support groups for anyone affected by problem gambling. Meetings and forums are available nationwide.

• Phone: 0330 094 0322
• Email: info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk

National Problem Gambling Clinic

The National Problem Gambling Clinic provides free support for individuals aged 13-18 across the UK and for those aged 18+ living in London and the South East. It also offers a dedicated service for families and friends affected by gambling issues, ensuring comprehensive support for everyone impacted.

• Email: gambling.cnwl@nhs.net
• Phone: 020 7381 7722

UK Gambling Laws & Player Safety

Under UK gambling laws, anyone aged 18 or over can gamble online. However, all online casino operators must hold a Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence to operate legally in the UK.

Established in 2005, the UKGC regulates online casinos, sports betting platforms and poker rooms across the country. Its responsibilities include granting licences, ensuring fair gameplay and promoting responsible gambling practices.

The UKGC also enforces strict advertising standards, monitors software compliance and ensures payments and promotions meet legal requirements. By safeguarding players from harm and holding operators accountable, the UKGC helps maintain a safe and transparent gambling environment.

In 2024, the UKGC announced new rules to enhance player safety, including:

• A maximum £2 stake limit for slots players aged 18–24 and a £5 stake limit for adults aged 25 and over
• A new statutory levy to raise £100m for research into problem gambling

The levy replaces the voluntary system, where not all UK-licensed sites contributed. These changes aim to strengthen protections for vulnerable players.

Safeguarding Young People from Underage Gambling

All UKGC-licensed gambling sites have strict procedures to prevent underage gambling. These include age verification checks during registration and warnings about underage gambling.

Additionally, UK gambling sites are banned from marketing or targeting their services towards anyone under 18.

With gambling companies visible in everyday life – through football shirt sponsorships, billboards and social media – it’s vital to educate young people about the risks of gambling. Understanding these risks helps them make informed decisions and avoid potential harm.

Practical Tips for Staying in Control

Staying in control of gambling is easy if you follow these simple rules. Always seek help if you spot the signs of a gambling problem. It’s important to remember that online gambling should remain fun. Here are some practical tips to bear in mind:

• Set a budget aside for gambling: Consider opening a separate current account just for gambling.
• Avoid chasing losses: Set a stop-loss limit when you reach your threshold.
• Set a time limit: Only play at weekends or evenings, and programme the site to block you after an hour or two.
• Drop stakes if you lose: Don’t be afraid to reduce stakes until you make up your losses.
• Use the time-out if needed: A complete, short-term break from gambling can help you reset and retake control.