Last Updated: January 1, 2026
At Play Compass, we believe gambling should be entertaining and enjoyable. However, we recognize that for some people, gambling can become problematic. This page provides information and resources to help you stay in control of your gambling.
Remember: Gambling should never be seen as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.
If you're struggling with problem gambling, support is available. These UK organizations provide free, confidential help:
Website: www.begambleaware.org
BeGambleAware provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling problems. Their website offers self-assessment tools and access to the National Gambling Helpline.
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7)
Online Chat: Available via BeGambleAware website
Free, confidential support and advice for anyone concerned about their gambling or someone else's gambling.
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133
GamCare offers free information, support, and counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling. They provide online forums, live chat support, and face-to-face counselling services across the UK.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling addiction. Free meetings available throughout the UK.
Website: www.gordonmoody.org.uk
Provides residential treatment programmes and ongoing support for people with severe gambling problems.
Self-exclusion allows you to restrict your access to gambling sites. Here are the main UK self-exclusion schemes:
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
GamStop is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. You can choose to self-exclude for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once registered, all UK-licensed gambling sites will block your access.
Individual casinos also offer their own self-exclusion tools. You can usually find these in your account settings or by contacting customer support.
Most online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your casino account.
Set limits on how much you're willing to lose over a specific time period.
Set limits on how long you can play in a single session or over a period of time.
Receive notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
Take a short break from gambling (typically 24 hours to 6 weeks) without permanently closing your account.
Permanently close your account if you feel you need to stop gambling completely.
18+ Only. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the UK. All casinos reviewed on our site have strict age verification processes. Parents and guardians should monitor children's internet use and consider using parental control software to block gambling sites.
Problem gambling doesn't just affect the gambler - it impacts families and loved ones too. If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
Play Compass is committed to promoting responsible gambling. We:
If you have concerns about content on our website or suggestions for improving our responsible gambling information, please contact us:
Email: contact@playcompass.co.uk