Set your deposit limit on day one, when you are calm and not mid-session. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising it has a cooling-off period.
Safer gambling tools
Every casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission must offer tools to help you stay in control. You will find them in your account settings, usually under "Safer gambling" or "Responsible gaming".
- Deposit limits – cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month. Decreases apply immediately; increases have a cooling-off period.
- Time-outs – take a short break from your account, from 24 hours up to six weeks.
- Reality checks – on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing.
- Self-exclusion – close your account for at least six months.
- GAMSTOP – self-exclude from every UK-licensed online gambling site in one step.
Tips for staying in control
- Set a budget before you start, and treat it as the cost of entertainment.
- Set a time limit as well as a money limit.
- Never chase losses.
- Do not gamble when you are stressed, upset or have been drinking.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Keep gambling as one hobby among many.
UK player protections
- Online slots have a maximum stake of £5 per spin for players aged 25 and over, and £2 for players aged 18 to 24.
- Casino bonus wagering is capped at 10x.
- Credit cards cannot be used to gamble.
- Every licensed casino must verify your age and identity.
Signs gambling may be becoming a problem
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing bills to gamble.
- Feeling anxious, guilty or irritable about gambling.
- Chasing losses or gambling to escape problems.
- Hiding your gambling from family or friends.
Free, confidential support
Blocking gambling sites and payments
Many UK banks let you block gambling transactions in their app. Free and paid software can also block gambling websites on your devices. Combined with GAMSTOP, these tools add extra layers of protection.
Protecting under-18s
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. Every licensed casino verifies age and identity. Parents can use device-level content filters and parental controls to block gambling sites.
More safer gambling guides
See GAMSTOP explained, UK slot stake limits and how to check a casino licence.
Safer gambling at the casinos we list
Every casino we feature is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and must offer deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion, and take part in GAMSTOP. Our reviews also score each casino on how easy these tools are to find and use.
Talking about gambling
If you are worried about your own gambling or someone else's, talking about it is often the hardest and most important step. The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) supports both gamblers and the people around them, free and in confidence.
Frequently asked questions
How do I self-exclude from all UK gambling sites?
Register with GAMSTOP for free. It blocks you from UK-licensed online gambling sites for the period you choose: six months, one year or five years.
Is the National Gambling Helpline free?
Yes. It is free and confidential, and available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133.
Can I set a deposit limit at an online casino?
Yes. Every UK-licensed casino must let you set deposit limits, and decreases take effect immediately.
What should I do if someone I know has a gambling problem?
GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline also support friends and family members.