Last reviewed: September 2026

Responsible gaming

Gambling should stay entertainment. Set limits before playing and pause if it stops feeling controlled.

Set limits before playing

Responsible gaming starts before a deposit is made. Decide what you can afford to spend, how long you want to play and when you will stop. Casino comparison pages can help you understand terms, operators and account rules, but they cannot make gambling risk-free.

If gambling feels stressful, secretive or difficult to stop, take a break and use support tools. Related casino pages should never be used to look for a way around limits, time-outs or self-exclusion. The safest decision is often to step away before the next account or bonus becomes tempting.

Warning signs

These patterns deserve attention before gambling creates wider harm.

Chasing losses

Trying to win back money by gambling more, especially after a losing session.

Hiding activity

Keeping gambling secret from people close to you or avoiding bank statements.

Borrowing to play

Using credit, loans or money needed for bills to keep gambling.

Unable to stop

Feeling restless, anxious or irritated when trying to pause gambling.

Tools that can help

Deposit limits cap how much you can add to your account. Time-outs create a short break. Self-exclusion blocks access for a longer period. Multi-operator self-exclusion services can help restrict access across participating online gambling companies in Great Britain. Bank gambling blocks and device-level blocking tools can add another layer.

Help organisations

Use these support routes if gambling is becoming difficult to control.

GamCare

Confidential advice and support through the National Gambling Helpline.

Visit site

Gambling Therapy

Online support and resources for people affected by gambling.

Visit site

Gamblers Anonymous

Peer support meetings for people who want help with gambling.

Visit site

Frequently asked questions

What is responsible gaming?

Responsible gaming means gambling only as affordable entertainment, with limits and support used before harm escalates.

What warning signs should I notice?

Warning signs include chasing losses, hiding gambling, borrowing to gamble or feeling unable to stop.

What tools can help?

Deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion and blocking tools can help reduce gambling access.

Should I open a sister-site account after self-exclusion?

No. Sister-site research should never be used to avoid exclusions, limits or account controls.