Self-exclusion — how you can use national services

Advertising and marketing rules and regulations

Sometimes we need someone to help us control our betting so that we can do it in a responsible way and still enjoy the process. Gambling is one of the most exciting things you can do and it so it is no surprise that even strong willed people sometimes fail to know when to stop. Click on a logo to be taken to the review (where available) where you can see all responsible gambling services provided by that operator. This comparison table is designed for you to compare the responsible gambling features offered by the licenced UK bookmakers listed on this site. This is why gambling when done properly is a great leisure tool, it can make you feel great, confident and alive at the same time.

Specifically the brand did not carry out social responsibility checks for some customers, one cited in the report gambled away a £50,000 win before depositing £1000’s more without the brand intervening. Daub were found to have given insufficient resources to identifying social responsibility risks, including a lack of staff training and no specific policies for VIP players. The biggest fine of the year, and second highest on record, was doled out to Daub Alderney (a bingo and casino site network and subsidiary of Stride Gaming) in November of that year. 2018 was a big year for GC clamp-downs on operators new casinos who were not fulfilling their legal obligations.

Bank-level blocks operate independently of the casino’s own systems, even if a casino’s KYC checks fail to recognise your GamStop registration, a bank block will prevent the underlying payment from processing. Monzo, Starling, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, Halifax, NatWest, and RBS all offer some form of gambling block that prevents debit card transactions to gambling merchants. Most major UK banks now offer gambling transaction blocks that can be enabled through your banking app or by contacting customer service. Combine GamStop with bank-level gambling blocks for maximum effectiveness. When you register with GAMSTOP, you choose a self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

Not the ones on the casino’s own site, obviously, but genuine player reviews and expert assessments from sites that actually test with real money. They must offer deposit limits, session limits, and self-exclusion options. It’s worth understanding what obligations UK-licensed casinos have when it comes to player protection. Some players look for ways around it, and non-UKGC-licensed sites won’t be covered.

Self-exclusion — how you can use national services

There is a large market in the United Kingdom for gambling on competitive sports at bookmakers (betting shops) or licensed websites, particularly for horse, greyhound racing and football. Liberal Democrat politicians called for a complete ban on sports betting and online casinos sponsorships in high-level UK sports competitions such as the English Premier League. In March 2020, the UKGC made it mandatory for online gambling operators to participate in the self-exclusion scheme GamStop.

The company were ordered to pay back the over £1.3 million owed to the theft victims of the two customers along with a further £1M to go into a research fund into the causes of problem gambling. One customer lost over £837k over a course of 14 months and the other over £432k over just under one year playing online games at Gala. Despite both customers displaying clear signs that there could be problem gambling issues Gala failed to sufficiently investigate or curb the gambling behaviours. Over 7000 customers were allowed to make £3.5M in deposits between them despite being excluded. In recent year the Gambling Commission has seriously stepped up the charges against operators failing to conduct themselves properly too. More details can be found in the commissions compliance documents and in our licensing article.

If you’re looking to stop or limit your gambling, there are many free gambling blocking tools and services that can help you feel more in control. No matter how you’re feeling, our service finder can help you get the right support for your gambling, or if you’re affected by someone else’s gambling. Answer 7 quick questions to get an insight into how gambling might be affecting you or someone you care about, and get tailored advice and support should you need it. Get advice on changing gambling behaviour, how to speak to a loved one about their gambling or where to find support or a treatment centre near you. Everyone’s experience with gambling is different but we have the tools to help you build a plan to manage the risks, whether it’s for you or someone you care about.

By combining robust third-party resources with comprehensive bookmaker-provided tools, players have access to a wide range of options to manage their gambling activity effectively. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial for both operators and players to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential risks. Another option is to use responsible gambling tools to manage your gaming. There are various responsible gambling tips for UK players that can help you stay in control of your gambling behaviour.

Its priorities include licensing, enforcing the Gambling Act, and promoting responsible gambling across all platforms. This guide breaks down what responsible gambling really means, what’s new in 2025, and how you can protect yourself or someone you care about. New rules, modern tools, and increased focus on mental health are changing how gamblers, operators, and regulators approach safe play. Bankroll management is the concept of setting a budget based on the amount of money you can comfortably afford to lose.

Online Betting vs Betting Shop

• Other times, you might benefit from speaking to a professional.
• If you feel that you need to stop gambling entirely, registering with GamStop is one of the most effective steps you can take.
• There are also third-party apps designed to help you track and manage your gambling spending across multiple sites.
• Notable areas of study include the impact of social media on gambling behaviours among young people, and identify best practices for advertising that minimize risk.

These aren’t just tick-box features that operators include to satisfy the regulator. That way, you can transfer your monthly budget into that account and know that once it’s gone, it’s gone. Once you hit that limit, the site won’t let you add more funds until the period resets. Once you’ve set that number, the next step is making it stick.

Several charities in the UK provide tools and support to fight gambling addiction. Download a gambling blocker like Gamban that stops access to all online gambling sites and mobile apps. Warning signs include spending more money or time than intended, chasing losses, neglecting responsibilities or feeling guilty or anxious about gambling.

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re playing online. If you deposit fifty pounds and win thirty, a deposit limit wouldn’t kick in, but a loss limit would track how much of your original money you’ve actually lost. Loss limits work similarly to deposit limits, but they cap how much you can lose rather than how much you can deposit. There’s no dipping into your main account for “just one more deposit.” You can set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Most advice about setting a gambling budget sounds good in theory but falls apart in practice.

These organisations can help whether you are concerned about your own gambling, worried about someone else, or dealing with the financial consequences of gambling-related harm. When activated, the block prevents your debit card from processing payments to gambling merchants. Built-in parental controls on iOS (Screen Time) and Android (Family Link) can also be configured to block gambling content. Net Nanny is a parental control software that includes the ability to block gambling content among its website filtering categories.

We also work with other regulators, charities and organisations to understand gambling habits and trends, promote safer gambling practices, and ensure that gambling is safe. As a regulator, our job is to ensure that gambling businesses follow the rules when promoting gambling products and interacting with customers. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related problems, contact the National Gambling or NHS Wales Helplines (opens in new tab).

The practical side of responsible gambling is where operators really prove themselves. For affiliate sites like this one, covering responsible gambling isn’t just a regulatory box to tick. Online casinos have transformed the way people gamble, making it easier than ever to enjoy a flutter from the comfort of your sofa. Keep limits realistic and seek support if gambling stops feeling controlled. Walk away or let those responsible gambling tools do their thing. Use all the available safe gambling tools at your casino.

Keep things balanced by spending time on other activities you enjoy. If gambling has become your go-to activity when you want to have fun, that might suggest it could start to negatively impact your life. If you’re noticing that gambling is having a negative impact on how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. If you want to learn more about your gambling, our gambling harms assessment can help. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re caught in the moment. You can also write it down, separate the funds into another account, or tell someone you trust what your limit is, so they can remind you.

Gambling and children and young people 2018 Advice to the Gambling Commission on actions to reduce online harms ABSG advice on proposals for a voluntary code on deposit thresholds, February 2025 Apply to the Gambling Commission for a personal gambling licence or a gambling operating licence if you run or manage a gambling business.

Boundaries, safeguarding and when to seek urgent support

This white paper sets out the government’s plan for reform of gambling regulation following the review of the Gambling Act 2005. Don’t be overwhelmed by new information, let us show you the ropes with this guide on getting started with online gambling in the UK. They provide free phone and online help, or you can contact peers for additional support. Open your account page when you log in to find a detailed online history.

With a responsible gambling policy, players can choose exclusion durations, complete identity checks, and activate bans across multiple brands. Deposit limits, time reminders, blocks, and exclusions give players structured control. Modern responsible gambling tools are built into apps, websites, and banking services. Yes — individual casinos offer their own self-exclusion tools independently of GamStop.

Our LCCP is the rulebook that sets out the measures that you must take and other aspects that we think are good practice. These harms may include for example, excessive play due to inexperience or binge gambling, periods of loss of control and more serious gambling addiction.