Gambling should be entertainment you can afford — never a way to make money. These tools help keep it that way. Every reputable casino offers them; if one doesn’t, that’s a red flag.

Deposit limits

Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on what you can deposit. Decide the number before you play, when you’re thinking clearly. Most casinos apply increases only after a cooling-off delay (a good thing — don’t fight it).

Reality checks & session limits

A reality check pops up after a set time to show how long you’ve played and your net result. Session limits log you out automatically. Both break the “just one more spin” trance.

Time-outs and cool-offs

A short break — 24 hours up to 6 weeks — where your account is locked. Useful when you feel things slipping but aren’t ready to self-exclude.

Self-exclusion (GAMSTOP)

A longer, firmer block. In the UK, GAMSTOP excludes you from all licensed sites at once. Combine it with a bank gambling-block and a blocker like Gamban for full coverage.

If it’s stopped being fun

Talk to someone, free and in confidence: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7), BeGambleAware or GamCare. More on our responsible gambling page.

18+. You should never bet more than you can afford to lose.