Responsible gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. The house always has a mathematical edge over time, and most players lose more than they win. If you choose to play, these tools and organisations can help you stay in control.

Setting limits

Every UKGC-licensed operator must let you set deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders and cooling-off periods from your account settings. Set these before you play, not after a losing streak. Limits on one operator do not carry to another — you need to configure each account separately unless you use GamStop.

GamStop self-exclusion

GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) is a free service that blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling sites for six months, one year, or five years. Once registered, operators must refuse your custom across online gambling, including apps. GamStop cannot be reversed during your chosen period.

Warning signs

• Spending more than you planned or chasing losses
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
• Neglecting work, relationships or health because of gambling
• Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
• Hiding the extent of your gambling from others

If any of these apply, contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential) or use their live chat at gamcare.org.uk.

Under-18s

Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. Punters Case File is an 18+ site. If you are under 18, please leave this site.