Practical ways to limit gambling, take a break, self-exclude and find independent support.
Gambling carries a risk of harm
You can lose money gambling, even when a prediction looks convincing. Betting is not a reliable source of income. Choosing not to gamble is always an option; no tip, bonus or rating makes gambling safe.
Our betting content is for adults aged 18 or over, subject to any higher local minimum age. WeBetSmart is an information website and cannot set limits or self-exclude you from a bookmaker account.
Set limits before you start
If you choose to gamble, set a spending limit you can afford to lose after essential bills and a time limit before you begin. Use deposit, loss or time limits where your operator provides them, take breaks and keep a record of money and time spent.
Never borrow to bet or gamble with money needed for rent, food or other essentials. Do not increase stakes to recover losses. Avoid gambling while intoxicated, distressed or under pressure.
When to stop and seek support
Warning signs include chasing losses, spending more than planned, hiding gambling, borrowing money, thinking constantly about betting or finding it difficult to stop. Harm may also affect sleep, work and relationships.
If any of these sound familiar, stop betting and speak with an independent support service or someone you trust. You can seek help for your own gambling or for someone else’s; you do not need to wait for a crisis.
Take a break or self-exclude
Ask each operator to arrange a time-out or self-exclusion and check exactly which accounts and services it covers. Consider gambling-blocking software, your bank’s gambling-payment block where available, and removing betting apps and marketing messages.
For UK residents, GAMSTOP offers free self-exclusion from online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. It is not a worldwide block and does not cover every gambling activity. Follow the service’s instructions and contact operators separately about withdrawable funds.
Do not try to bypass an exclusion with another account, a VPN or another operator. In other countries, check your local regulator or support service for available exclusion schemes.
Independent support
International: Gambling Therapy provides free online practical and emotional support for people affected by gambling. Its website offers support in multiple languages.
Great Britain: GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0808 8020 133. Online support is also available through GamCare.
United States: call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). The National Council on Problem Gambling also offers online chat and links to help in your state.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Our contact form is not an emergency or counselling service.