Responsible gambling
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If you are looking for help with gambling, you are in the right place. This page lists the practical tools and contact points UK players have available, with a clear explanation of what each one does and when it is the right fit. We have no commercial relationship with any of the resources listed here.
Immediate support
If you or someone you know is in active distress related to gambling, the National Gambling Helpline is the right starting point.
- Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Web chat: gamcare.org.uk
Self-exclusion tools
GamStop (UK online operators)
GamStop is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. Registration is free, takes about ten minutes, and produces a binding block across every UKGC-licensed operator for the chosen period (six months, one year, or five years). Registration cannot be cancelled mid-period. GamStop does not cover non-UKGC-licensed operators.
Gamban (device-level block)
Gamban blocks gambling sites and apps at the device level across desktop, mobile, and tablet. Paired with GamStop, it provides a meaningful additional layer of protection that covers both UKGC and non-UKGC operators. The subscription is around £25 per year.
Bank-level gambling blocks
Most UK high-street banks now offer account-level gambling-transaction blocks, typically with a 24-to-48-hour cooling-off period before they can be turned off. The feature is on by default at most challenger banks (Monzo, Starling) and available on request at the major high-street banks (Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest). Check your banking app under Security or Card Controls.
Counselling and treatment
GamCare
GamCare provides free counselling, support and information for anyone affected by gambling — including family members. The service is independent of any operator and is funded through the industry levy. Counselling is available in person, by phone, and via web chat.
NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic
The NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic is the NHS specialist service for treatment of gambling-related harm. Referrals are accepted from healthcare professionals and via self-referral. Treatment is free at the point of use.
Gordon Moody
Gordon Moody runs residential treatment programmes for severe gambling disorder. Services are free for participants and include a structured 12-week residential programme as well as community-based recovery support.
Practical tools you should know about
- Deposit limits. Every UKGC-licensed operator and most reputable offshore operators offer daily, weekly and monthly deposit limit tools. Set them on day one, before depositing.
- Loss limits. Available at most operators, often paired with deposit limits.
- Session-time reminders. Pop-up reminders at configurable intervals during play. Available on most operators.
- Reality checks. Mid-session pop-ups summarising spend, time played and net win/loss. Particularly useful during longer sessions.
Knowing the warning signs
Recognising a developing problem early makes recovery easier. Common warning signs include: spending more time or money on gambling than intended, chasing losses, gambling to relieve stress or escape problems, lying to family about gambling activity, borrowing money to gamble, and feeling restless or irritable when not gambling. If any of these patterns are present, the right next step is a conversation with the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. The conversation is free, confidential, and judgement-free.