Set a deposit limit before you play
- Open your account controlsLook for Responsible Gaming or safer-gambling settings.
- Choose a limit periodSelect a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit offered in the account.
- Enter an affordable amountUse money left after essentials, savings and commitments; do not borrow to fund gambling.
- Confirm and check the recordRead when the change takes effect. Ask support if a control is unavailable or unclear.
Lower a limit when you need tighter control. Requests to increase one can be subject to a delay and confirmation. Do not assume a limit increase is immediate.
Use time and loss controls
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Loss limits | Set a boundary on losses over the available period |
| Session reminders | Create regular prompts to stop and check time spent |
| Time-out | Pause account play for a period from 24 hours to six weeks |
| Self-exclusion | Stop gambling access for six months through to a permanent exclusion |
Deposit and loss limits measure different things. Use them together with time controls, and stop if a session feels difficult to manage.
Request self-exclusion
Use the self-exclusion option in your account, select the available period and confirm the request. If you cannot sign in or need help immediately, contact account support and clearly state that you want to self-exclude. Keep the confirmation and ask which associated accounts the request covers.
Do not create another account during exclusion. Ask support how any remaining withdrawable balance will be handled. A request to close an account for ordinary reasons is different from a request to self-exclude because of gambling harm.
GAMSTOP offers a free UK online self-exclusion service across participating licensed gambling websites and apps. Its current options and registration instructions are at gamstop.co.uk. It is an additional route, separate from an individual account exclusion.
Recognise the warning signs
Chasing losses, hiding spending, borrowing for gambling, missing work or relationships, and feeling unable to stop are reasons to act. Gambling more frequently or with higher stakes to feel the same excitement can also signal a problem.
A losing run does not make a future win more likely. Do not use gambling to cover bills or repay debt. Consider asking someone you trust to help protect essential spending.
Independent help and blocking tools
GamCare · National Gambling Helpline
Call 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. GamCare supports people affected by their own gambling or someone else’s.
Support information: gamcare.org.uk/get-support/
GamCare also provides guidance on blocking software. Tools such as Gamban can help restrict access across devices; check coverage and installation requirements. Bank gambling blocks can add another practical barrier. These tools support, rather than replace, personal support and self-exclusion.
If gambling is harming you, taking a break is a useful next step. You do not need to wait for a particular loss or a crisis before seeking help.