Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money. Keeping it enjoyable means staying aware of how much time and money you spend, and recognising early when either starts to feel out of control.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Some signs worth reflecting on include:
- Spending more than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses by placing further bets to recover money already lost
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
- Lying to friends or family about how much you gamble
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down
Recognising these patterns in yourself, or in someone close to you, is the first step toward getting support.
Practical Steps You Can Take
You do not need to wait until gambling feels unmanageable before acting. Simple habits can help keep it within healthy limits:
- Set a budget before you play and treat any losses as the cost of entertainment, not money to be recovered.
- Set a time limit and stick to it regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
- Avoid gambling when upset or under pressure, as emotional states can lead to impulsive decisions.
- Take regular breaks during any session.
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities so it does not become the primary way you relax.
Support Organisations
Several independent organisations offer free, confidential help for anyone affected by gambling-related harm.
Reachable at gamcare.org.uk and by phone on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24 hours).
Gamblers Anonymous — A peer-support network with meetings in many countries where people share experiences and recovery strategies. See gamblersanonymous.org.uk for UK meeting details.
BeGambleAware — Offers information, self-assessment tools, and referrals to treatment services in Great Britain. Visit begambleaware.org.
Gordon Moody — Provides residential and online treatment programmes for those with severe gambling problems. See gordonmoody.org.uk.
Protecting Young People
Gambling products are intended solely for adults. If you share a device with children or teenagers, consider using parental control software to restrict access to gambling websites. Independent tools such as Gamban (gamban.com) can block gambling content across devices and browsers.
If You Need to Step Back
In Great Britain, GAMSTOP ( gamstop.co.uk ) is a free national self-exclusion service that lets you restrict yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites with a single registration. Self-exclusion is reversible only after a minimum cooling-off period, giving you genuine time away from gambling.
If you are concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, reaching out to any of the organisations listed above is a constructive and confidential first step.