Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, but it carries real risks. Understanding those risks and knowing how to manage your play are essential steps for anyone who chooses to gamble.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is not defined by how much money is spent, but by the effect gambling has on a person's life. Common warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses — continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money already lost
- Feeling irritable or restless when trying to cut down or stop
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
- Lying to family or friends about the extent of your gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships because of gambling
Recognising these patterns early gives you the best chance of addressing them before they cause serious harm.
Practical Steps to Stay in Control
Setting clear boundaries before you start gambling — rather than in the middle of a session — is the most effective way to keep it within limits you are comfortable with. Consider deciding in advance how much money and time you are willing to spend, treating any amount lost as the cost of entertainment, and never gambling with money set aside for essential expenses such as rent, bills, or food.
Taking regular breaks helps you stay aware of how long you have been playing and prevents impulsive decisions driven by frustration or excitement. Avoid gambling when you are tired, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances, as judgement is reduced in those states.
Getting Help
The organisations below are independently operated and available in the United Kingdom:
- GamCare — provides a National Gambling Helpline, online chat, and counselling services. Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (available 24 hours a day).
- Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support groups based on a twelve-step programme, with meetings across the country.
- BeGambleAware — offers information, self-assessment tools, and referrals to treatment services at begambleaware.org.
- Gordon Moody — provides residential and online treatment programmes for people with severe gambling disorders.
If you are outside the United Kingdom, the International Association of Gambling Counselors and local health authority websites can direct you to services in your area. In many countries, your general practitioner is also a recognised first point of contact for gambling-related harm.
Gambling and Young People
Gambling products are intended for adults only. Research consistently shows that early exposure to gambling increases the likelihood of developing problems later in life. If you share a device with younger household members, consider discussing healthy attitudes towards money and risk, and be mindful of the content they can access.
Self-Exclusion Schemes
GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Self-exclusion is most effective when combined with blocking software and support from a counselling service.