Warning Signs
Problem gambling often develops gradually. These are some of the signs that gambling may have become harmful:
Spending more money than you can afford on gambling
Gambling for longer periods than you intended
Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative feelings
Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back what you've lost
Neglecting work, studies, or other responsibilities because of gambling
Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
You don't need to tick all these boxes or be at rock bottom to seek help. Recognising any of these patterns is enough reason to reach out — early support is more effective than late support.
PGSI Self-Assessment
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a validated screening tool used worldwide. Answer these 9 questions honestly based on your gambling over the past 12 months.
Never = 0 · Sometimes = 1 · Most of the time = 2 · Almost always = 3
1. Have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
2. Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
3. When you gambled, did you go back another day to try to win back the money you lost?
4. Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
5. Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
6. Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
7. Have people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, regardless of whether you thought it was true?
8. Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
9. Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Score: 0 / 27
Tools to Stay in Control
Deposit limits
All UK-licensed bookmakers are required to offer deposit limits. Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit before you start betting — not during or after a session. Once set, limits cannot be reduced immediately but take effect after a cooling-off period.
Time limits and session reminders
Most licensed operators offer session time reminders and the ability to set a maximum time per day for gambling activity. Use these tools — they are more effective when set in advance, not in the moment.
Reality checks
Reality check pop-ups remind you how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent. UK-licensed operators are required to offer these. Enable them in your account settings.
Self-exclusion via Gamstop
Gamstop is the national self-exclusion scheme for UK online gambling. Registering with Gamstop prevents you from gambling at all UK-licensed online operators for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It is free, takes 24 hours to activate, and is the single most effective tool for stopping online gambling. You can register at gamstop.co.uk.
Operator self-exclusion
You can self-exclude from individual bookmakers directly through their account settings or by contacting customer support. This takes effect immediately. Unlike Gamstop, it only applies to that specific operator.
Blocking software
Gamban is software that blocks gambling websites and apps across all your devices. It can be used alongside Gamstop and is free for people seeking help through GamCare.
Get Help Now
All of these services are free, confidential, and available without any requirement to commit to stopping gambling. Talking to someone is always the first step.
BeGambleAware
begambleaware.org ↗
0808 8020 133
24 hours a day, 7 days a week · Free from all UK phones
The national gambling helpline. Counselling, support, and signposting to local services. Available by phone, live chat, and email.
GamCare
gamcare.org.uk ↗
0808 8020 133
24/7 · Free · Confidential
Counselling and support services for problem gamblers and those affected by someone else's gambling. Online chat available.
Gamblers Anonymous UK
gamblersanonymous.org.uk ↗
0330 094 0322
Support meetings across the UK and online
Peer-support programme for those with a gambling problem. Regular meetings, sponsors, and a 12-step recovery programme.
National Gambling Helpline
begambleaware.org ↗
0808 8020 133
Free · Anonymous · 24/7
Free, confidential support for anyone worried about their gambling or someone else's. No judgement, no pressure.
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