This page outlines the tools, support networks, and practical steps available to adults in the UK concerned about their own or others' gambling addiction.
When gambling stops being entertainment
Warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem include:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than planned
- Chasing losses or borrowing to gamble
- Hiding the extent of gambling from family or partners
- Missing work, social events or family commitments because of gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed or irritable when not gambling
- Continuing despite negative financial, relational or health consequences
If any of these patterns sound familiar, the resources below are free, confidential and effective.
Setting limits before you start
Every UKGC-licensed operator must offer player-controlled limits. Some offshore brands also provide comparable responsible-gambling tools. Activate these tools at registration, before any deposit:
- Deposit limits — daily, weekly and monthly caps that prevent further deposits once reached
- Loss limits — caps on net losses across a defined period
- Session limits — automatic logout after a chosen duration
- Reality checks — periodic pop-ups showing time spent and net P/L
- Time-out periods — temporary self-imposed blocks from 24 hours to several weeks
The limits should reflect your disposable income and personal financial circumstances, not your hoped-for winnings.
GamStop — UK self-exclusion network
GamStop is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. A single registration covers every UKGC-licensed casino, bingo and sportsbook brand. The block applies for the period you select — six months, twelve months, or five years — and cannot be lifted before expiry.
Registration is available through the official GamStop self-exclusion service. The process is free and usually takes only a few minutes.
GamStop does not cover offshore brands. UK readers seeking comprehensive self-exclusion should combine GamStop registration with the device-level and bank-level tools described below.
Device-level blocking — Gamban
Gamban is software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps on the device where it is installed. Coverage extends to both UKGC and offshore brands.
GamCare provides Gamban free of charge to UK residents through its support partnership. Install it on every device that accesses the internet — laptop, tablet, phone, work computer. The block lifts only on uninstall and the uninstall process includes a 24-hour cooling-off window.
Free access to the blocking tool is available through GamCare support services.
Bank-level blocking
Every major UK current-account provider now offers a gambling block toggle inside its banking app. The block prevents authorisation of transactions to merchants categorised as gambling (MCC 7995).
Banks supporting the feature include:
- Monzo
- Starling
- Lloyds
- Halifax
- Barclays
- HSBC
- NatWest
- Santander
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Nationwide
The toggle sits inside the security or card-controls section of the app. Activation is immediate. Lifting the block typically requires a 48-hour cooling-off period.
GamCare — confidential support
GamCare runs the UK's primary helpline for gambling problems:
- National helpline available via GamCare website (24/7 support)
- Live chat support is available through GamCare.
- NetLine forum and peer support
The helpline advisers are trained to support not only the gambler but family members, friends, and anyone affected. No referral is needed. Calls do not appear on phone bills.
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware funds independent prevention, treatment and research. The charity does not deliver treatment directly but commissions NHS-aligned providers across the UK.
- Independent prevention and treatment resources are available through BeGambleAware.
- Support services available through GamCare
NHS Gambling Treatment Service
The NHS now operates dedicated gambling clinics across England:
- National Problem Gambling Clinic (London)
- Northern Gambling Service (Leeds, Manchester, Sunderland)
- Southern Gambling Service (Southampton)
- Midlands clinic (Birmingham)
Treatment is free at point of access, delivered by registered clinicians, and evidence-based — typically cognitive behavioural therapy across 12 to 16 weekly sessions.
Self-referral is accepted without GP gateway. Waiting times sit at four to six weeks in most regions.
Gordon Moody
Gordon Moody operates residential treatment programmes for severe gambling addiction. The 12-week residential programme is delivered free of charge to eligible UK adults at centres in Dudley and Beckenham.
Applications for residential treatment programmes are available through Gordon Moody support services.
Support for family and friends
Gambling problems affect people close to the gambler as much as the gambler themselves. The following resources are designed for affected family members:
- GamFam — support specifically for family members
- GamAnon — peer support groups across the UK
- GamCare helpline — also available to affected family members
Tax position on UK gambling winnings
Gambling winnings are not subject to UK personal income tax under current HMRC treatment. This applies regardless of whether the winnings come from a UKGC-licensed or offshore operator. The position is set out in HMRC manual BIM22015.
Age restriction
All gambling operators serving UK customers must restrict access to persons aged 18 or over. bottlesnjars.co.uk is intended for adult readers only. Parents and guardians should consider family-filter tools such as Net Nanny, Qustodio, or built-in operating-system parental controls to prevent minors accessing gambling content.
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