Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity, but it carries real risks. Understanding those risks and knowing how to manage your play are steps anyone can take, regardless of where or how they gamble.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is not defined by how much money someone spends, but by the effect gambling has on their life. Common warning signs include:
- Chasing losses by placing further bets to recover money already lost
- Spending more time or money gambling than originally intended
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments because of gambling
- Being dishonest with others about the extent of your gambling
Recognising these signs in yourself or someone close to you is not a reason for shame. It is a starting point for getting support.
Practical Steps to Stay in Control
Setting clear limits before you start gambling — on time spent, money deposited, or losses accepted — is one of the most effective ways to keep gambling within boundaries that work for you. Treat gambling as entertainment with a fixed cost, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems.
Taking regular breaks, avoiding gambling when you are stressed or upset, and never gambling under the influence of alcohol or drugs all reduce the likelihood of impulsive decisions. If you feel your control slipping, stopping entirely for a period — even a brief one — can help reset your relationship with gambling.
Free Support and Helplines
Several independent organisations provide confidential advice, counselling, and practical support to people affected by gambling harm, including friends and family members. The following are established services available in Great Britain:
- gamcare.org.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous UK — a peer-support fellowship with face-to-face and online meetings. gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- GamAnon — support specifically for family members and friends of people with a gambling problem. gamanon.org.uk
- Gordon Moody — provides residential treatment and online therapy for severe gambling disorder. gordonmoody.org.uk
Self-Exclusion
GAMSTOP is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. It is free to use and available at gamstop.co.uk .
Self-exclusion is a meaningful commitment, not a guarantee. Using it alongside support from one of the organisations listed above tends to produce better outcomes than self-exclusion alone.
Protecting Young People
Gambling products are intended for adults only. If a young person in your household has access to a device used for gambling, parental-control software can help restrict access to gambling websites independently of any controls an operator may offer. Organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation and services like Net Nanny or Bark provide filtering tools designed for this purpose.
When to Seek Help Urgently
If gambling has led to serious financial crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or a mental health emergency, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an immediate emergency call 999. The Samaritans are also available around the clock on 116 123 (free, UK and Ireland).