Recognize warning signs
Examples include chasing losses, borrowing money for gambling, hiding spending, feeling unable to stop, and gambling affecting sleep, work or relationships. These signals justify seeking support.
RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING & SUPPORT
Responsible Gambling: Risks, Limits & Support
Recognize gambling-related risks, understand protective measures and find independent support without promotional content.
Independent educational guidance. This page does not recommend or link to gambling operators.
Support information only · No affiliate links, gambling offers or promotional imagery · Updated for review on 15 November 2026
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling means recognizing that gambling can cause financial, emotional and relationship harm and using protective controls before those harms increase. Gambling is not a reliable way to earn money. Wins are uncertain and losses are possible regardless of previous results.
The most effective protective option may be to stop gambling entirely. A limit is not a guarantee of safety, and a person should not continue gambling to recover losses.
Use stronger barriers when needed
Time-outs, spending limits, self-exclusion, gambling-site blocking tools and bank gambling-payment blocks can reduce opportunities to gamble. Coverage and availability vary.
Ask someone you trust
Support from friends, family, a clinician or a gambling-harm specialist can help with practical and emotional consequences. You do not need to wait for a crisis to seek help.
PRACTICAL SAFEGUARDS
Six actions to reduce gambling-related harm
- Stop chasing losses. Previous outcomes do not make future gambling a reliable route to recovery.
- Protect essential finances. Keep rent, food, debt and bills separate from discretionary spending; seek financial guidance where necessary.
- Limit access. Consider operator self-exclusion, available multi-operator schemes and device-level blocking.
- Reduce triggers. Unsubscribe from gambling promotions and reduce gambling-related notifications and advertising.
- Talk to someone. Trusted people and specialist support services can provide practical and emotional help.
- Use appropriate emergency services for immediate danger. A gambling support service is not a substitute for emergency care.
Independent tools and advice are described by Gambling Therapy: tools and resources ↗.
Where to get help by region
| Area | Resource | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | Gambling Therapy ↗ | Online gambling-harm information, treatment and self-help guidance; country-by-country resources |
| United States | National Council on Problem Gambling ↗ | National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, with round-the-clock access to referrals |
| Great Britain | UK Gambling Commission: self-exclusion ↗ | Official self-exclusion guidance, information about licensed operators and available exclusion schemes |
In the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling's 1-800-MY-RESET number offers 24/7 call and text access. It is a support and referral service, not an emergency service.
For other countries, use Gambling Therapy: find local help ↗ and check your local gambling regulator or health service.
Consider self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is a formal request to prevent access to certain gambling services for a specified period. Depending on the country, it may apply to one operator, multiple licensed websites or land-based venues. Coverage varies and may not include offshore or unlicensed websites.
Read the dedicated Self Exclusion guide for steps, coverage limitations and official resources. The publisher cannot submit an exclusion request on your behalf.
Primary references: Gambling Therapy ↗; Gambling Therapy: tools and resources ↗; National Council on Problem Gambling ↗; UK Gambling Commission: self-exclusion ↗.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE
Help is available wherever you are
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, independent support is available. You can start with Gambling Therapy ↗ or use Gambling Therapy: find local help ↗ to find local options.
This website does not provide gambling accounts, operator support, clinical advice or self-exclusion registration.