Gambling should be a bit of fun, not a way to make money or deal with a bad week. In the UK you have to be 18 or over to gamble, and even then it works best treated as entertainment you've budgeted for — like a night out or a cinema ticket. If the money's gone, the fun's over for the day.
When it stops being entertainment
It's worth being honest with yourself. Some signs that gambling is becoming a problem:
- Spending more time or money than you planned, again and again.
- Chasing losses, trying to win back what's gone.
- Borrowing money, or hiding how much you gamble from people close to you.
- Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you're not gambling.
- Letting work, sleep or relationships slide.
If a few of these sound familiar, that's reason enough to pause.
Practical limits you can set
- Decide a weekly or monthly amount before you start — and stop when it's gone.
- Set deposit and time limits in your account; most sites let you do this.
- Keep gambling money separate from bills and savings.
- Take regular breaks, and never gamble to escape stress or boredom.
- If you want to block yourself from online gambling, look into self-exclusion through your operator or a national scheme.
Where to get help in the UK
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles and don't show on itemised bills. You can also use web live chat or WhatsApp, or email support (replies within two working days, Monday to Friday).
A trained GamCare Adviser can listen and connect you with free, confidential treatment. Support is available across England, Scotland and Wales, with dedicated help for under-18s across the whole UK, including Northern Ireland. It's there for you whether it's your own gambling or someone else's that's causing harm.
If you need help right now and can't reach the Helpline, contact Samaritans on 116 123. In an emergency, dial 999.