Responsible gambling

Gambling costs money and is not a way to make it. The house edge is built into every game and no system undoes it. Everything below starts from that.

Set limits before you play, not after

From your account: deposit limit, loss limit, session limit, time-out, self-exclusion. The design point is the asymmetry — tightening applies immediately, loosening waits out a cooling-off period. You cannot raise a cap on impulse.

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is the national self-exclusion scheme for Great Britain, and it is free. Registering prevents you from opening gambling accounts with any business licensed in Great Britain. You choose the length: 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

The stake caps

The Gambling Commission set statutory maximum stakes for online slots at Great Britain-licensed operators during 2026: £5 per game cycle at 25 and over, £2 per game cycle at 18 to 24. Online slots only — roulette and blackjack are not covered.

Signs worth a pause

• Chasing losses by playing on.
• Borrowing to gamble.
• Hiding it from people close to you.
• Regularly going past the time or money you planned.

Free, confidential help

The National Gambling Helpline from GamCare: free on 0808 80 20 133, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by phone, live chat or WhatsApp. Advisers give free and confidential advice, information and emotional support.