Responsible Gambling: Practical Ways to Stay in Control

UK Play Scout treats gambling as paid entertainment, not a source of income. Setting limits before you play can make it easier to keep both spending and time within boundaries you are comfortable with.

Deposit and spending limits. Use the controls offered by your operator to decide in advance how much money can be deposited or spent over a chosen period. Reducing a limit should be possible without delay, while increases may be subject to a cooling-off period.

Time-outs and cool-offs. A temporary break can block or restrict gambling activity for a period you select. This can be useful when you want distance from gambling without making a longer self-exclusion decision immediately.

Account history. Reviewing deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses can give a more realistic picture of your overall gambling spend than focusing on individual sessions.

Reality checks. Session reminders can interrupt continuous play and prompt you to notice how long you have been gambling. Use them as a cue to decide consciously whether to stop.

Signs that it may be time to seek support

Warning signs can include chasing losses, hiding gambling from people close to you, borrowing to continue playing, spending more than planned, or allowing gambling to interfere with work, relationships or everyday responsibilities.

If gambling no longer feels controlled or enjoyable, specialist support can help you assess the situation and choose practical next steps.

National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Free and confidential support is available around the clock for people affected by gambling, including family members and friends.

Blocking software, bank gambling blocks and self-exclusion can be useful ways to create immediate distance from gambling while you seek longer-term support.

1. Install gambling-blocking software
2. Use GAMSTOP self-exclusion
3. Ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks

More independent support and educational material is available from the organisations below.

• GambleAware
• GAMSTOP (the national online self-exclusion system)
• Gambling Therapy.Offers problem-gambling guidance and support in several languages.

• Recognising harmful gambling and supporting someone affected
• Managing time spent gambling
• Recovery from harmful gambling: a personal interview
• When gambling is used to cope with difficult feelings
• Your gambling behaviour (Reflection exercise)
• Understanding the brain mechanisms of problem gambling
• How do I limit my risk of experiencing negative consequences due to gambling?