Gambling is only for adults aged 18 and over. This blog describes the way casino games function. We believe gambling should be viewed as a cinema ticket: money spent for entertainment, rather than a method to make money or fix money worries.
Signs it may be becoming a problem
- Using more time or money than you intended
- Trying to recover lost funds by gambling more
- Taking out loans, or using funds intended for bills
- Keeping your gambling secret from those close to you
- Feeling low, irritable or anxious when you aren't gambling
Practical limits you can set
- Set a budget first. Use only money you're able to lose, and stop when it's gone.
- Set a time limit. An alarm on your phone is helpful.
- Use site tools. It's worth switching on time-outs and deposit limits.
- Pick your moment. Stay away from gambling if you're drinking, tired or upset.
Where to get help in the UK
National Gambling Helpline
GamCare operates this service. You can call 0808 8020 133 for free, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It provides free support, advice and information to any person in England, Scotland and Wales impacted by gambling. Through gamcare.org.uk, you can also use WhatsApp or live chat, which are both available 24/7.
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP offers a self-exclusion service at no cost. It prevents your access to all apps, websites and services for gambling run by gambling operators, as well as those that launch in the future.
Registration requires your title, full name, date of birth, email address, mobile number and home address(es). After that, you verify your email and undergo an identity check. You select a term of at least six months, one year, five years, or five years with auto-renewal.
Contact: 0800 138 6518 or [email protected].
GambleAware
GambleAware (gambleaware.org) offers free advice, tools and support to Great Britain residents, 24/7. Its service finder can point you to free, confidential support from more than 30 providers throughout Great Britain.
If you live in Wales
- NHS Wales helpline: available for free at 0808 2819 265, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- All Wales Gambling Treatment Service: people aged 18 and over can self-refer using 0300 0859 464