Non GamStop casinos sit outside the UK's national self-exclusion scheme, which means the usual automatic safety net doesn't apply. That makes personal control more important than ever. This page explains how to keep your play safe and where to get free help.
Keep It Entertainment
Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money or handle stress. Before you play, set some simple rules:
- Set a budget before you start — and stop when it's gone
- Never gamble money meant for bills or rent
- Don't chase losses; it almost always makes things worse
- Take breaks, and never play while upset or under the influence
- Remember that no system guarantees a win
Warning Signs
- Playing longer or for more money than you planned
- Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
- Work, family or sleep suffering because of your play
- Hiding how much you gamble
- Trying and failing to cut back
Tools to Stay in Control
- Deposit limits — most reputable casinos let you set daily, weekly or monthly caps
- GamBan and BetBlocker — software that blocks access to thousands of gambling sites, including offshore ones
- Self-exclusion — you can exclude yourself at each casino individually (note it only covers that operator)
- GamStop — the UK scheme that blocks all UKGC-licensed sites at gamstop.co.uk
Free Help in the UK
- GamCare — 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7 helpline)
- BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org
- National Gambling Helpline — 0808 8020 133
- Gordon Moody — gordonmoody.org.uk (residential treatment)
- Gamblers Anonymous UK — gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Protecting Minors
Gambling is strictly for those aged 18 and over. If you share a device with young people, we recommend filtering software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio.