Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income or a way to solve financial problems. Tech Events Guide is committed to promoting safe gambling practices for all visitors to our site. This page provides practical information on how to stay in control, recognise when things might be going wrong and access help when you need it.
Why this matters
Gambling can be enjoyable when it stays within your limits. Problems arise when it starts to affect your finances, relationships or mental health. Recognising the difference early gives you more options to regain control.
Licensed gambling sites in the UK are required by the Gambling Commission to offer tools that help you manage your play. These tools work, but only if you use them before things escalate.
Behaviour that should worry you
The shift from entertainment to harm can be gradual. These signs suggest gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Spending more time or money than you planned, repeatedly.
- Chasing losses – trying to win back what you've lost by gambling more.
- Borrowing money to gamble or using funds meant for bills or savings.
- Lying to people close to you about how much you gamble or how much you've lost.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you try to cut down or stop.
- Neglecting work, studies or family responsibilities because of gambling.
If more than one of these applies to you, it's worth taking action now rather than waiting.
Ask yourself these questions
A short self-check can clarify whether your gambling is still under control. Answer honestly – this is for you alone.
- Have you ever gambled more money than you could afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts to get the same feeling of excitement?
- Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get funds to gamble?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships or at work?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed about your gambling?
Answering yes to two or more suggests you should consider reaching out for support. This is not a diagnosis, but it is a prompt to take the next step.
Set limits before you play
All gambling sites licensed in Great Britain must let you set deposit limits. A deposit limit caps how much you can add to your account over a day, week or month. Once set, you cannot increase it immediately – there is a cooling-off period to prevent impulsive decisions.
Other tools include time limits, which remind you how long you have been playing, and reality checks that pause the session to show how much you have spent. Self-exclusion removes your access to gambling for a minimum period, usually between six months and five years. During that time, the site will not accept deposits or let you log in.
GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk) is a free national self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GamStop blocks you from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once, for six months, one year or five years. It covers online casinos, betting sites, bingo and poker rooms.
Where to get help today
Free, confidential support is available right now. You do not need to be in crisis to call or chat – these organisations are here for anyone who wants to talk about their gambling.
GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) runs the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free from landlines and mobiles.
BeGambleAware (www.begambleaware.org) provides information, advice and direct access to treatment services across the UK.
Gordon Moody (www.gordonmoody.org.uk) offers residential and online treatment programmes for people who need more intensive support.
Block gambling sites on your devices
Blocking software removes the temptation by preventing access to gambling sites across all your devices. Gamban (gamban.com) is a paid subscription service that works on computers, tablets and smartphones. BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is free and covers multiple platforms.
If you share a device with someone under 18, parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block gambling sites and protect younger users. Online gambling is for people aged 18 and over – keeping devices secure is part of that responsibility.
Talk to someone you trust
Gambling problems thrive in secrecy. Talking to a partner, family member or close friend can relieve some of the pressure and open up practical options you might not see alone. The conversation does not have to be perfect – honesty is what matters.
If speaking to someone you know feels too difficult, the helplines above are staffed by people trained to listen without judgement. You can talk through what is happening and explore your options at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
How do I protect minors from gambling on devices we share?
Use parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to block access to gambling sites. Online gambling is for people aged 18 and over, and device-level filters help enforce that on shared computers, tablets or phones.
What happens after I set a deposit limit?
The limit takes effect immediately or within 24 hours, depending on the site. If you try to increase it later, there is a cooling-off period – usually 24 to 72 hours – before the higher limit applies. You can lower a limit at any time.
Can I reverse a self-exclusion once it starts?
No. Once a self-exclusion period begins, you cannot reverse it or end it early. This is by design – it removes the option to gamble impulsively when you are tempted. GamStop blocks last for the full term you chose: six months, one year or five years.
How quickly can I speak to someone at the National Gambling Helpline?
The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0808 8020 133 – the call is free and confidential. You do not need to give your name, and trained advisers are ready to listen and help you work out your next steps.
What does blocking software actually block on my phone?
Gamban and BetBlocker prevent access to gambling websites and apps across all browsers and devices you install them on. They work in the background and cannot be easily bypassed. Gamban is a paid subscription; BetBlocker is free.
Is there support if I need more than a phone call?
Yes. Gordon Moody offers residential treatment programmes and online support for people who need structured, longer-term help. GamCare and BeGambleAware can also refer you to face-to-face counselling services in your area, all free of charge.