Responsible Participation
Helpful information to support balance, awareness, and thoughtful decisions when using online services.
Preventive Actions
- Decide on time limits in advance and rely on reminders to stay on track.
- Use only funds set aside for leisure and avoid money needed for everyday expenses.
- Step away regularly and avoid long, uninterrupted sessions.
- Review available tools for setting limits on deposits, losses, and session duration.
- Maintain a healthy balance between online activity and offline interests.
Possible Warning Indicators
- Spending more time or money than you originally planned.
- Trying to recover losses by increasing activity or stakes.
- Letting online activity interfere with work, study, or personal relationships.
- Borrowing money or using credit to continue participation.
- Feeling tense, irritable, or uneasy when unable to take part.
Support Organisations
- GamCare: Confidential advice and support for individuals and families.
- Gambling Therapy: International access to online guidance and counselling.
- GAMSTOP: A UK-wide self-exclusion service for licensed platforms.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and available at all times).
- NHS Northern Gambling Service: Specialist care for complex situations.
Identifying Concerning Patterns
Financial Pressure
Using money intended for bills or essentials, along with repeated borrowing or selling belongings.
Loss of Time Awareness
Staying online longer than expected, missing commitments, or disrupting sleep.
Emotional Changes
Noticeable mood shifts, stress, or low mood linked to outcomes or access.
Reduced Social Contact
Pulling away from friends or family and preferring to spend time alone online.
Available Tools & Controls
Deposit Limits
Apply daily, weekly, or monthly caps that cannot be increased until a cooling-off period ends.
Learn MoreTime Notifications
Use built-in alerts or external apps to monitor session length and schedule breaks.
Explore ToolsSelf-Exclusion
Choose to block access to all UK licensed platforms for set periods using GAMSTOP.
Register NowYour Well-being Comes First
Online platforms are intended for enjoyment, not financial or emotional strain. If you are worried about your behaviour or someone close to you, support is available.
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