What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?

Contact BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Self-exclude from all casinos using your national self-exclusion scheme (GamStop in the UK). Set deposit limits on any accounts you have. Speaking to a professional counsellor is the most effective first step.

How do I self-exclude from online casinos?

In the UK, register with GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed casinos simultaneously. In other countries, contact each casino individually through their responsible gambling settings. Most licensed casinos offer self-exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or permanent exclusion.

Responsible Gambling · Help & Resources

Gambling Should Always Be Entertainment — Here is How to Keep It That Way

Online gambling is entertainment. For the vast majority of players, it stays that way. But for some, it can become something more serious. This page covers the warning signs to watch for, the practical tools every licensed casino must provide, and the organisations that offer confidential support when you need it.

What Are the Warning Signs of Problem Gambling? — When Gambling Stops Being Fun

Problem gambling develops gradually. The earlier it is identified, the easier it is to address. These are the most common warning signs — in yourself or someone you know.

Self-Assessment Questions

Do you spend more money on gambling than you originally planned, or more than you can comfortably afford to lose?

Do you feel irritable, anxious, or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling?

Have you tried to win back money you have lost by gambling more — sometimes called "chasing losses"?

Do you gamble to escape stress, difficult emotions, or problems in your life?

Have you lied to family members or others about how much time or money you spend gambling?

Has gambling affected your work, studies, relationships, or finances in a negative way?

Do you find it difficult to stop gambling once you have started, even when you intended to?

Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, speaking with a professional is a sensible step. All support organisations listed on this page offer confidential, non-judgmental help — and most services are completely free.

What Responsible Gambling Tools Must Licensed Casinos Provide?

All casinos we recommend hold valid gaming licenses that require them to offer these responsible gambling tools. If a casino does not provide all of these, do not play there.

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Deposit Limits

Set a maximum daily, weekly, or monthly deposit amount. Once set, limits cannot be increased immediately — there is a mandatory cooling-off period of 24 hours to 7 days. Set this before your first deposit.

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Session Time Limits

Set a maximum time per gambling session. The casino will display an alert and can log you out automatically when the limit is reached. Useful for keeping sessions within a planned timeframe.

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Cool-Off / Time Out

Temporarily suspend your account for a set period — typically 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, or 3 months. You cannot log in or deposit during this period. Your account resumes automatically after the period ends.

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Self-Exclusion

Permanently or long-term close your account. Minimum exclusion periods are typically 6 months. The casino cannot reinstate your account before the exclusion period ends, even if you request it.

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Reality Checks

Pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost in the current session. Set these to appear every 15–60 minutes to maintain perspective.

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Loss Limits

Set a maximum amount you can lose per day, week, or month. When the limit is reached, you cannot make further bets until the period resets. Distinct from deposit limits — covers net losses.

National Self-Exclusion Schemes

Beyond individual casino self-exclusion, most countries operate national schemes that allow you to exclude yourself from all licensed operators simultaneously. This is significantly more effective than contacting each casino individually.

GamStop (United Kingdom)

Register at gamstop.co.uk to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online casinos and betting sites with a single registration. Exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Free to use. Takes effect within 24 hours.

ROFUS (Denmark)

The Danish national self-exclusion register covers all Danish Gambling Authority-licensed operators. Register at spillemyndigheden.dk/rofus.

OASIS (Germany)

The German national exclusion register covers all operators licensed under the German State Treaty on Gambling. Exclusion is mandatory across all participating operators once registered.

Other Countries

If your country is not listed, contact your national gambling regulator or use the BeGambleAware international resources page for country-specific guidance.

Support Organisations — Free & Confidential

United Kingdom

BeGambleAware

0808 8020 133

begambleaware.org

Free, confidential helpline and online chat. Available 24 hours. Treatment referrals, self-help tools, and support for family members.

United Kingdom

GamCare

0808 8020 133

gamcare.org.uk

Counselling, support groups, and online forum. Free treatment through the National Gambling Treatment Service. Partner of BeGambleAware.

United States

National Problem Gambling Helpline

1-800-522-4700

ncpgambling.org

24/7 confidential support. Call, text, or chat. Referrals to local treatment providers across all US states.

Canada

Responsible Gambling Council

1-888-391-1111

responsiblegambling.org

ConnexOntario and provincial helplines available. Free counselling referrals. Online self-assessment tools.

Australia

Gambling Help Online

1800 858 858

gamblinghelponline.org.au

Free 24/7 phone, chat, and email support. Counselling services available. Family support included.

International

Gamblers Anonymous

gamblersanonymous.org

Peer support meetings worldwide. 12-step programme. Local meetings and online groups. Free to attend. No registration required.

If You Are Worried About Someone Else

Problem gambling affects families and friends as much as the person gambling. If you are concerned about someone close to you, these steps can help.

Talk openly — without judgment

Choose a calm moment when neither of you is stressed or in a hurry. Explain specifically what you have noticed — changes in mood, financial difficulties, cancelled plans — rather than making general accusations. Avoid ultimatums in the first conversation.

Seek your own support first

GamCare and BeGambleAware both offer support specifically for family members and friends of problem gamblers. You do not need to wait until the person you are worried about seeks help themselves.

Do not cover financial losses

Lending money or covering debts caused by gambling — however well-intentioned — removes a consequence that often motivates change. Financial pressure, while painful for everyone, is one of the most common reasons people seek help.

Encourage professional support

Offering to find and book an appointment with a counsellor, or to accompany someone to their first Gamblers Anonymous meeting, can significantly lower the barrier to seeking help.

Safe Casinos on This Site

Every casino we recommend is licensed by a recognised gaming authority and required to provide all responsible gambling tools listed above. If you choose to play, these are our verified safe options: