Responsible Gambling – Help & Advice
Here at No Wagering we’re passionate about advocating fair casinos and bonuses with no wagering requirements. However, nothing is more important than safe and responsible gambling.
Advancements in technology mean that everyone now has quick and convenient access to just about any form of entertainment, including gambling. And it can be easy to lose track of the time we spend playing our favourite online casino games.
Gambling can and should be a lot of fun. It’s not a way to make money though. Moderation is key, and it’s vital that we all keep a check on how much time and money we spend.
In order to give players the tools needed to stay safe while playing online we’ve put together this page on responsible gambling. We’ll also point you in the right direction of where to go for help and who to turn to for advice on finances and debt, should you or someone you know need it.
Remember, it’s easy to fall into bad habits. There’s no shame in seeking help.
We also have a set of supplementary responsible gambling guides:
Top tips for responsible gambling
Set a deposit limit upon sign-up
All UK-licensed casinos will allow you to set a deposit limit. This means you specify the maximum amount of money you’re willing to deposit within a certain time period, which could be daily, weekly or monthly.
Deposit limits can be decreased on request straight away, however, requests to increase deposit limits will only be actioned after 24-hours, giving you time to decide whether doing so really is the best course of action.
Set a time limit before your session
Most casinos will allow you to set a time limit, meaning you can only gamble for a period of time you’re comfortable with. It’s easy to lose track of time and how much you’re spending, especially when things are seemingly going well. Setting a time limit will prevent time running away from you.
Enable the reality check feature
This feature is often enabled automatically by casinos, but may need activating manually in some cases. The reality check feature will periodically pause any game you’re playing and remind you how long you’ve been playing for, and in some cases how much money you’ve won or lost. It can serve as a good reminder of when might be a good time to stop playing, take a break, or cash out.
Unsubscribe from marketing communications
You’re not obliged to receive marketing from any online casino as part of signing up with them. Casinos like to send details of promotions, offers and such like via any number of methods. These can tempt players to play and deposit more than they originally planned to.
Legislation to be introduced in May 2025 states that casinos should give customers the option to opt in to marketing. However, in the short term some casinos may still be operating processes whereby they automatically include customers in marketing with the onus on the customer to opt out.
Activate a cooling off period for a short break
Most casinos allow players to activate a cooling off period. If you feel your gambling is getting excessive and you need to step away for a while, you can lock yourself out of your account for a period of between 24 hours and a week.
This should give you enough time to decide whether you want to continue gambling. It will prevent you from potentially chasing your losses and spending more money than you can afford. It works the other way as well – preventing you from continuing to play with and risk your winnings at a time it would be wise to cash out.
Activate a temporary suspension for a long break
If you need to go further than a cooling off period, a temporary suspension would see you locked out of your account for anywhere between 1 and 3 months. You would not be able to access your account until the time is up.
A temporary suspension could be a good idea if you’re regularly wagering more money than you feel comfortable with.
Self-exclude if you feel things getting out of control
If you feel your gambling could be getting out of control it may be time to self-exclude yourself from the casino altogether. Doing so will block you from playing at that casino for between 6 months and 5 years.
It should be noted however that self-excluding from one casino will still allow you to play at other online casinos. Instead, it might be better to use a multi-operator, national self-exclusion scheme such as GAMSTOP. GAMSTOP will prevent you from opening an account and playing at any UK-licensed online casino. Land-based venues have similar services too.
See here for a full list of self-exclusion schemes – they’re all free of charge to use.
Spotting the signs of problem gambling
Gambling addiction is a form of impulse-control disorder in which players struggle with their urges to gamble – even though they know that gambling can be harmful.
There are various signs to look out for that might indicate your gambling is getting out of control. If any of what’s below resonates with you then it may be time to take a break from gambling. You may want to reflect further and stop altogether while seeking help.
- Spending more than you can afford
- Neglecting responsibilities such as work or study in order to gamble
- Neglecting family, friends and cutting down on other activities
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Hiding your gambling habits altogether
- Feeling the need to gamble higher stakes in order to enjoy it
- Chasing losses with larger stakes
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed about your gambling habits
Signs someone you know may be struggling
Have a friend or family member you believe may be struggling with their gambling habits? There are some telltale signs that could indicate they’re grappling with a problem or a developing addiction.
- They’re always struggling for, or asking for, money
- They’re secretive about spending more time alone
- There are noticeable changes in their personality
Organisations that can help
If you feel your gambling is getting out of control and think you could benefit from someone to talk to, there are several discreet, confidential services available that can offer impartial help and guidance.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a worldwide organisation, formed in 1957. Those struggling with problem gambling or addiction can attend weekly GA meetings in practically every town and city in the UK, or around the world.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0330 094 0322 (National) / 07771 427 429 (North-East) / 07974 668 999 (North-West) / (028) 7135 1329 (Ulster)
GambleAware
GambleAware offers free, confidential help for anyone worried about their or someone else’s gambling. They also offer a 24/7 live chat service.
Phone: 0808 8020 133
GamCare
GamCare provides free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. You can speak to an advisor over the phone or via live chat, or if you wish, you can speak to other like-minded people on their chatroom and forum.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0808 8020 133 / 020 7801 7000
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
Email: [email protected]
Gordon Moody Association
The Gordon Moody Association offers unique and intensive residential treatment programmes across the United Kingdom for those suffering from serious gambling addiction.
Phone: 01384 241292
Big Deal
BigDeal was set up to support young people, helping them find information and gambling-related support, either for themselves or someone they care about.
Tools that can help stop problem gambling
If you’re looking to completely stop gambling there are tools that can help in blocking you from playing or signing up to online casinos altogether. UK players can utilise several helpful self-exclusion tools that block you from every UK-licensed casino at once.
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is a free online self-exclusion tool that prevents players from using gambling websites and apps by companies licensed in Great Britain for a period of your choosing.
GamBlock
GamBlock is a sophisticated paid-for product that has been around since 2000. It blocks all access to gambling sites, apps and software on set-devices, and is automatically updated on a regular basis to block new sites.
Gamban
Gamban is an easy-to-use and incredibly affordable mobile app that blocks users access to all online gambling sites, apps and cryptocurrency and trading sites.
Self-exclusion.co.uk
Self-exclusion.co.uk allows players to self-exclude from all physical betting shops in the United Kingdom at once, regardless of brand or operator.
Phone: 0800 294 2060
See the full list of free multi-operator and national self-exclusion schemes here.
Organisations offering support for gambling debt
The pressure of racking up debts from gambling online can be enormous. And more often than not it can be daunting to open up to someone and admit you need help. Thankfully there are a number of discreet and compassionate organisations that offer support and advice to those that are struggling with debt.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a network of charities that offer confidential advice online, over the phone and in person for free. They advise on a number of issues including debt and money worries as a result of problem gambling.
Phone: 03444 111 444 (England) / 03444 77 20 20 (Wales)
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/gambling-problems/get-help-with-gambling-problems/
Step Change
Step Change offers people free and impartial advice to help with debt problems.
Phone: 0800 138 1111
Debt Advice Foundation
Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt.
Phone: 0800 043 40 50
Protecting children from gambling harm
Children often use their parents' phones, tablets and laptops. Because of this there’s always the chance they may find their way into your gambling accounts if you’re not careful. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your children can’t access your accounts and ultimately less likely to be affected by gambling harm:
- Ensure your debit card is kept well out of reach and that your bank details are not written down somewhere they can easily be found.
- Don’t save bookmarks or passwords on shared computers.
- Don’t gamble with children present or allow them to watch you bet.
- Install parental control or website blocking software, which allows you to control and block access to gambling websites both on PC and mobile.
- Educate your children about the legality and dangers of underage gambling.