Responsible Gambling
Gambling should stay entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. This page lists free, confidential UK support resources and the legal gambling age.
Age requirement
The legal gambling age in the UK is 18. UKGC-licensed operators are required to verify age before allowing real-money play. Gambling may be illegal in other jurisdictions, confirm local laws before playing if you are outside the UK.
UK support resources
| Organisation | Contact | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| BeGambleAware | 0808 8020 133 (24/7) | National charity funding treatment, education and research on gambling harm. |
| GamCare | National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 | Support, information and free counselling for anyone affected by gambling harm. |
| GAMSTOP | Self-exclusion scheme | Free service to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for a set period. |
| Gordon Moody | Residential and outpatient treatment | Specialist support for severe gambling addiction. |
Setting limits
- Decide on a loss limit before you start playing, and stop when you reach it.
- Never chase losses by increasing your stake to "win it back."
- Use your operator's deposit limit, session time limit, and self-exclusion tools.
- Consider GAMSTOP if you want to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed sites at once.
- Avoid gambling while under the influence of alcohol or when upset or stressed.
Warning signs
Spending more time or money than you intended, hiding your gambling from family, borrowing money to gamble, or feeling anxious when you're not playing are all signs it may be time to reach out for support. Every resource listed above is free and confidential.