Responsible gambling

Gambling in Great Britain is for adults aged 18 or over. It is a form of entertainment that costs money — over time, the house edge means the expected outcome is a loss. If you gamble, treat the stake as the price of the entertainment.

Practical habits

• Set a deposit limit on the operator's site before you play, not after.
• Decide a time limit and use reality checks to keep track of sessions.
• Never gamble with money needed for bills, rent or food, and never borrow to gamble.
• Do not chase losses — increasing stakes to recover money is the clearest warning sign.
• Keep gambling separate from alcohol, stress and boredom.
• Use a time-out or self-exclusion the moment it stops feeling optional.

Warning signs

Hiding how much you gamble, borrowing to fund it, missing work or family commitments, feeling anxious when you can't play, or gambling longer than you intended are all reasons to stop and get support. Support is free and confidential.

Where to get free help

• BeGambleAware

  Free, confidential information and advice, plus a route into treatment across Great Britain.

• GamCare — National Gambling Helpline

  24/7 helpline and live chat on 0808 8020 133, plus free treatment and support for people affected by someone else's gambling.

• GAMSTOP

  Free self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from all UK-licensed online gambling sites for six months, one year or five years.

• Gordon Moody

  Residential and intensive treatment for severe gambling addiction.

• Gamblers Anonymous GB

  Peer support meetings across the UK, in person and online.

Bloomable is not a treatment service and cannot access or close your gambling accounts. Every operator we list is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and must offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion, and must participate in GAMSTOP.