Last updated: 18 August 2026
Play for fun, not for money
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money or to solve financial problems. Only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
You must be 18 or older
Gambling is strictly for adults. You must be at least 18 years old — or the legal age in your jurisdiction — to gamble. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful.
Tips for staying in control
- Set a budget and a time limit before you play, and stick to them.
- Never chase losses — accept them as the cost of entertainment.
- Don’t gamble when upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol.
- Take regular breaks and keep gambling balanced with other activities.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
Warning signs
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you spend more time or money than you intended, hide your gambling, chase losses, borrow to gamble, or feel anxious or guilty about it. If any of this sounds familiar, please seek support.
Tools that can help
Most licensed operators offer responsible-gambling tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion. Use them — and consider blocking software such as Gamban, or a national self-exclusion scheme where available.
Where to get help
Free, confidential support is available:
- BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org
- GamCare (UK) — gamcare.org.uk · National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133
- Gamblers Anonymous — gamblersanonymous.org
- Gambling Therapy (worldwide) — gamblingtherapy.org
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out today. You are not alone.