Responsible Play

Key guidance to help you stay in control and make considered decisions when using online services.

Prevention Steps

Decide on a time limit before you start and use reminders to keep track.
Set an entertainment budget and avoid using money needed for essentials.
Plan regular pauses and avoid long, uninterrupted sessions.
Review the platform’s controls for deposits, losses, and time settings.
Keep a balance between online activity and other interests or social plans.

Common Warning Signs

Spending more time or money than you planned at the start.
Trying to recover losses by increasing how often you take part.
Letting work, study, family duties, or social time fall behind.
Using borrowed money, selling items, or relying on credit to participate.
Feeling tense, irritable, or defensive when you are not taking part.

Support Resources

GamCare: Confidential guidance and support for anyone affected.
Gambling Therapy: Online support and counselling for users worldwide.
GAMSTOP: A UK self-exclusion scheme covering licensed services.
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7).
NHS Northern Gambling Service: Specialist support for more serious situations.

Identifying Concerning Habits

Financial Pressure

Using money set aside for bills, savings, or household needs. Repeated borrowing or selling belongings.

Time Mismanagement

Losing track of hours, staying up late, or missing plans because of online activity.

Emotional Effects

Changes in mood, worry, low mood, or irritability linked to wins, losses, or access.

Reduced Social Contact

Spending less time with friends or family and choosing solitary online activity instead.

Useful Tools & Controls

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps that can only be raised after a cooling-off period.

Learn More

Time Alerts

Use built-in reminders or separate apps to monitor session length and prompt breaks.

Explore Tools

Self-Exclusion

Choose to block access to UK-licensed services for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years through GAMSTOP.

Your Well-being Comes First

Please remember: these services should remain a form of leisure, not a source of stress or financial strain. If you are worried about your habits, or someone else’s, support is available now.

Get Support Now