Need help now?
Call or text GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) or visit gamcare.org.uk for free chat support.
Gambling Responsibly
For most people, gambling is an enjoyable leisure activity. Like any form of entertainment, it carries risks — and those risks are higher for some people than others. Understanding those risks is the first step to staying in control.
Responsible gambling means:
- Only gambling with money you can afford to lose
- Setting a budget before you start and sticking to it
- Treating any winnings as a bonus, not expected income
- Taking regular breaks and never chasing losses
- Keeping gambling as one part of a balanced life, not a coping mechanism
Warning Signs
Problem gambling can develop gradually. These are signs that gambling may be becoming harmful:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Gambling to recover losses ("chasing")
- Lying to friends or family about gambling activity or losses
- Neglecting work, relationships or other responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety or difficult emotions
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, the organisations below offer free, confidential support.
Free Support Organisations
📞
GamCare
Free helpline and online chat for anyone affected by gambling. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
gamcare.org.uk |
0808 8020 133
🛡️
GamStop
Free self-exclusion scheme for UK players. Exclude yourself from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites in minutes.
gamstop.co.uk
🧠
Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support groups for people with gambling problems. Meetings available in person and online across the UK.
gamblersanonymous.org.uk
💬
BeGambleAware
Information, advice and support for people worried about their own or someone else's gambling.
begambleaware.org
👨👩👧
GamFam
Support specifically for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling.
gamfam.org.uk
💰
StepChange
Free debt advice for people whose gambling has led to financial difficulties.
stepchange.org |
0800 138 1111
Tools Available at Licensed Casinos
All casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are required to offer player protection tools. When evaluating casinos, we check for the availability and quality of these tools as part of our Trust score:
- Deposit limits — set daily, weekly or monthly limits on how much you can deposit
- Loss limits — cap how much you can lose in a given period
- Session time limits — set a maximum session duration with reminders
- Reality checks — on-screen notifications reminding you how long you have been playing
- Self-exclusion — temporarily or permanently close your account
- Cool-off periods — take a short break from gambling without full exclusion
If a casino makes it difficult to access or use these tools, we reflect that in their review.
Protecting Younger People
BonusProHub is intended for adults aged 18 and over only. All casinos we list are required to carry out age verification. If you are concerned about a young person accessing gambling sites, free parental control software is available from GamCare and BeGambleAware.