National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 — free, 24/7
Or chat online at BeGambleAware.org
Setting Deposit and Time Limits
UKGC-licensed casinos must offer deposit limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion tools to every player under UKGC Social Responsibility Code 3.4.1. These are mandatory requirements enforced by the Gambling Commission.
How to Set a Deposit Limit
Deposit limits cap how much money you can add to your casino account over a defined period. Log into your casino account and navigate to the Responsible Gambling or Account Settings section. You can choose a daily, weekly, or monthly limit.
Key UKGC rule: if you reduce a limit, the change takes effect immediately. If you want to increase a limit, a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period applies before the increase is active.
How to Set a Session Time Limit
A session time limit caps how long you play in a single sitting. UKGC-licensed casinos must also offer reality checks: configurable pop-up reminders at intervals you choose — for example, every 30 or 60 minutes — that display how long you have been playing and how much you have spent during that session.
GamStop Self-Exclusion Scheme
GamStop enables UK players to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites simultaneously with a single registration. It is free and operated independently of any individual casino.
How to Register with GamStop
- Go to gamstop.co.uk
- Click Register on the homepage
- Enter your full name, date of birth, email address, and UK postal address
- Choose your self-exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Submit the form — your registration is complete
GamStop's support team is available by phone on 0800 138 6518, open 10am to 8pm, seven days a week. Your exclusion activates within 24 hours across all participating sites.
Note: GamStop does not block offshore gambling sites operating outside UKGC jurisdiction. For non-UKGC sites, Gamban blocking software can be used alongside GamStop.
Signs of a Gambling Problem
- Chasing losses — continuing to bet to recover money already lost
- Gambling with money needed for essentials — using funds earmarked for bills, rent, or food
- Hiding gambling activity — keeping the frequency or amount secret from family or friends
- Feeling anxious or restless when not gambling — experiencing discomfort when attempting to cut down
- Neglecting responsibilities — missing work or withdrawing from social activities because of gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions — funding gambling beyond your available budget
- Spending more than intended — consistently depositing more than planned before starting a session
Where to Get Help: UK Support Services
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)
Available on 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also available via live chat at BeGambleAware.org or email at help@gamcare.org.uk.
GamCare also runs TalkBanStop — combining GamStop self-exclusion, Gamban blocking software, and GamCare counselling in a single referral.
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware.org provides live chat support 24/7. Helpline: 0808 8020 133.
Also offers a free gambling spend calculator and Gambling Harms Assessment self-assessment tool, available without registration.
GamblersAnonymous UK
Free peer support meetings across the UK. Find your nearest meeting at GamblersAnonymous.org.uk. GamblersAnonymous also runs Gam-Anon for family members and partners affected by someone else's gambling.
Why No Wagering Casinos Support Responsible Gambling
Standard casino bonuses with high wagering requirements create a structural incentive to play beyond your intended budget — to unlock and withdraw bonus funds, you need to wager the bonus amount many times over. No wagering bonuses remove this pressure entirely. There is no wagering target to meet, which means you can stop when you choose.
At a no wagering casino, there is an additional layer of structural protection: no wagering bonuses remove the playthrough conditions that can push players to extend sessions beyond their intended budget. For a full guide to UKGC licence verification and player protections, see are no wagering casinos safe.