Responsible gambling

Casino games are entertainment. They are not a way to make money, to clear debts or to recover earlier losses. The information below is intended to help you keep gambling safe, and to point you to free, confidential UK support if it has stopped feeling fun.

Age restriction

You must be 18 or over to register or play at a UK-licensed online casino. UK operators are required to verify identity and age, and may ask for documents at sign-up or before a withdrawal.

Gambling involves risk

Every casino game has a built-in house edge. Over time the house edge means most players lose more than they win. Short-term wins are possible, but no system, strategy or pattern removes the risk of losing the money you stake. Treat any money you put into a casino account as money you are prepared to lose.

Practical habits that help

• Decide a budget in advance and keep it separate from money you need.
• Set deposit and loss limits in your operator account before you play.
• Use session reminders and reality checks — UK operators offer them.
• Take a break or self-exclude if you find yourself chasing losses.
• Avoid gambling when tired, upset, drinking or under stress.
• Never borrow money to gamble.

Tools UK casinos must offer

• Deposit, loss and stake limits, set inside your account.
• Time-outs of 24 hours up to six weeks.
• Reality checks during play.
• Self-exclusion from the operator for six months or longer.
• Account closure on request.

Independent support and tools

The organisations below are independent of any casino. Their advice and tools are free, and you don’t have to be in crisis to contact them.

• GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from all UK-licensed online operators in one step.
• GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline (freephone 0808 8020 133) and a live chat service.
• GambleAware publishes guidance and funds treatment services across the UK.
• UK Gambling Commission regulates UK operators and publishes the public licensee register.

If gambling is causing harm to you or someone close to you, please reach out to one of the services above. Help is free and confidential.