Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be fun, entertaining, and never cause financial or personal problems. SafeBets UK is committed to promoting responsible gambling and providing support for those who need it.
🆘 Need Immediate Help?
Crisis Text Line
Text "HELP" to 85258
24/7 text support for anyone in crisis
⚠️ Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Recognizing the warning signs early is crucial for getting help.
Financial Warning Signs
- Spending more money than you can afford to lose
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Selling possessions to fund gambling
- Hiding gambling expenses from family
- Neglecting bills or debts to gamble
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Lying about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, family, or social obligations
- Inability to stop or reduce gambling
- Preoccupation with gambling activities
Emotional Warning Signs
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
- Mood swings related to gambling outcomes
- Depression or anxiety when not gambling
- Thinking about gambling constantly
- Feeling out of control
🛡️ Responsible Gambling Tools
All UK-licensed online casinos are required to provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:
🕒 Time Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly time limits for gambling sessions. Once reached, you'll be automatically logged out.
💰 Deposit Limits
Set limits on how much you can deposit into your casino account over specified periods.
📊 Loss Limits
Set maximum loss amounts to prevent spending more than you can afford.
🎲 Wager Limits
Control the maximum amount you can bet on individual games or sessions.
⏸️ Take a Break
Temporarily suspend your account for a cooling-off period (24 hours to 6 weeks).
🚫 Self-Exclusion
Permanently close your account with the option to reopen after a minimum period.
🔒 GAMSTOP - National Self-Exclusion Service
What is GAMSTOP?
GAMSTOP is a free service that allows you to put restrictions on your online gambling across all UK licensed gambling sites. When you sign up to GAMSTOP, you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain.
How it works:
- Register online with personal details
- Choose your exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years)
- Immediate exclusion from all UK licensed sites
- Blocking of gambling marketing materials
- Cannot be reversed once activated
📞 Professional Support Organizations
GamCare
GamCare provides free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.
Services:
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- NetLine (online chat support)
- Local support groups
- Counselling services
- Family support
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware is the leading charity committed to minimizing gambling-related harm in Great Britain.
Services:
- Educational resources and information
- Research and statistics
- Treatment and support funding
- Awareness campaigns
- Prevention programs
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy offers free, confidential support to anyone affected by gambling problems worldwide.
Services:
- Online counselling
- Live chat support
- Support groups
- Multilingual support
- Mobile apps
👨👩👧👦 Support for Families
Gambling problems don't just affect the individual - they can impact entire families. Support is available for family members and friends:
GamCare Family Support
Specialist support for families affected by gambling problems
Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential advice on debt and financial problems
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
📚 Educational Resources
✅ Gambling Safely - Best Practices
Before You Start
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set time limits for gambling sessions
- Never gamble when upset, angry, or depressed
- Don't gamble while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
While Gambling
- Take regular breaks
- Don't chase losses
- Accept that losing is part of gambling
- Don't borrow money to gamble
- Keep track of time and money spent
After Gambling
- Don't gamble to make up for other problems
- Don't let gambling interfere with work or relationships
- Seek help if you're concerned about your gambling
- Talk to someone you trust about your gambling
- Use self-exclusion tools if needed
🏛️ UK Gambling Regulation
All casinos featured on SafeBets UK are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring:
- Fair and transparent gaming
- Secure handling of customer funds
- Responsible gambling measures
- Proper age verification
- Regular audits and compliance checks
The UK Gambling Commission works to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and safely. If you have concerns about a licensed operator, you can file a complaint with the Commission.
UK Gambling Commission: gamblingcommission.gov.uk
🚨 In Crisis? Get Help Now
If you're experiencing a gambling crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for immediate help:
Crisis Text Line
24/7 text support
Text: "SHOUT" to 85258