Staying in control of gambling

GamStop, explained simply

GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme that covers every UK-licensed gambling site and app in one registration — you don't need to contact each operator separately. You choose a period (six months, one year, or five years), and during that time you won't be able to open a new account or log into an existing one at any participating site. It's designed to be difficult to reverse early on purpose, so it can't be undone in a moment of frustration.

Limits you can set before you need them

Every operator on this site is required to offer deposit limits, and most also offer loss limits, wagering limits and session time reminders, all configurable from the account settings without needing to contact support. Setting these before a session starts, rather than after, is the more effective way to use them — a limit set in the moment is much easier to talk yourself out of.

Signs worth paying attention to

Chasing losses with bigger bets, gambling to relieve stress rather than for enjoyment, losing track of time or money spent, or feeling irritable when you try to cut back are all recognised early indicators. None of them mean something is broken about you — they're common, and the support services above exist specifically because they're common.

If it's not your own gambling you're worried about

GamCare also supports people affected by someone else's gambling — partners, family members, friends — through the same helpline and through its online forum. You don't need to be the one gambling to use it.