Last updated: 12 October 2026
At PitchPunter we want gambling to stay a form of entertainment and nothing more. This page explains how to keep control, how to spot when things are slipping, and where to get free, confidential help in the UK.
1. Gamble for fun, not for money
Every casino game is designed so that the operator comes out ahead over time. Treat any money you gamble as the cost of an evening's entertainment, and never as a way to earn income, pay bills or clear debts.
2. Simple ways to stay in control
- Decide on a budget before you start, and stop when it's gone.
- Only use money you can afford to lose: never rent, bill or savings money.
- Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
- Don't chase losses by betting more to win them back.
- Avoid gambling when you're stressed, upset, or have been drinking.
- Keep gambling balanced with other hobbies, friends and family time.
3. Tools every UK-licensed casino must offer
- Deposit limits: cap how much you can pay in each day, week or month.
- Reality checks: pop-up reminders that show how long you've been playing.
- Time-outs: lock your account for a short break, from a day up to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion: close your account for at least six months with that operator.
- Account history: review how much you've deposited, staked and lost.
You can usually find these in the "Safer Gambling" or "Responsible Gaming" section of your account settings.
4. Block all gambling sites at once
GAMSTOP is a free national scheme that lets you exclude yourself from every online gambling site licensed in Great Britain for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. You can also install blocking software on your phone and computer, and many UK banks let you switch off gambling payments in their app.
5. Warning signs to look out for
Ask yourself honestly whether any of these sound familiar:
- You spend more money or time gambling than you meant to.
- You feel you need to bet bigger amounts to get the same buzz.
- You hide your gambling from people close to you.
- You've borrowed money or sold things to gamble or cover losses.
- You feel anxious, irritable or low when you try to cut back.
- Gambling is affecting your work, sleep, relationships or health.
If you recognise one or more of these, it's a good moment to pause and talk to someone. Support is free, and you don't need to wait until things are serious.
6. Where to get help
- National Gambling Helpline: call 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day.
- GamCare: advice, live chat and free counselling.
- BeGambleAware: information, self-assessment tools and links to treatment.
- Gambling Therapy: free online support in many languages.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK: local and online peer support meetings.
- NHS: specialist gambling clinics across England.
7. Protecting young people
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. Every operator we list must verify the age and identity of its customers. If you share a device with children, keep your passwords private and consider parental control or filtering software.
8. Supporting someone else
If a partner, friend or family member's gambling is worrying you, the services above also help affected others. Talking to them calmly, without blame, and pointing them towards support can make a real difference.