Safer gambling

If gambling is causing harm to you or someone close to you, help is free and confidential.

Self-exclusion

GamStop excludes you from every Gambling Commission licensee at once for six months, one year or five years. Registration takes minutes and cannot be reversed early. Licensed operators must not market to you while it runs.

Tools every licensed bookmaker must offer

• Deposit limits, daily, weekly and monthly, that take effect at once when lowered and after 24 hours when raised.
• Time-outs from 24 hours to six weeks and self-exclusion from six months.
• Reality checks that interrupt play at intervals you set.
• Account history showing money in, money out and net position.

Blocking

Most UK banks let you block gambling transactions from the app; the block usually has a 48-hour or 72-hour cooling-off before it can be lifted. Free software such as Gamban blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices.

Age

You must be 18 to gamble in Great Britain, including online, and the National Lottery is also 18+ since 2021. Licensed operators verify age before you can deposit.