Gambling should stay entertainment
Gambling should never be treated as income, a debt solution or a way to recover previous losses. A person should only gamble with money they can afford to lose, and only when the activity remains controlled and voluntary.
If a deposit feels urgent, secret or emotionally necessary, that is a warning sign. Stop before opening an account or returning to a cashier.
When gambling becomes risky
Gambling becomes risky when it affects bills, relationships, work, sleep, mental health or honesty. Borrowing money to gamble, increasing stakes after losses, hiding transactions or feeling unable to stop are serious warning signs.
Risk can appear before a person reaches a crisis. Early support is easier than waiting until debts, disputes or emotional pressure become severe.
Warning signs
- Spending more than planned or returning to recover losses
- Borrowing, selling items or using credit to gamble
- Hiding gambling from family, friends or colleagues
- Feeling anxious, angry or restless when unable to gamble
- Opening new accounts after setting limits elsewhere
- Ignoring self-exclusion, blocking tools or previous decisions to stop
Self-exclusion and blocking tools
GAMSTOP is the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme for UKGC-licensed operators. Other tools can include bank gambling blocks, device blocking software, transaction limits and operator-level account closures.
If you are already self-excluded, do not look for alternative gambling sites. Use the exclusion period as a protection, not as an obstacle to work around.
Why non-GamStop sites are not suitable for self-excluded users
Do not use non-GamStop gambling sites if you are self-excluded, trying to stop gambling, or gambling to solve financial problems. These sites are not part of the UK self-exclusion scheme and may not provide the same protection as UKGC-licensed operators.
Using offshore sites during self-exclusion can undermine recovery and increase harm. Seek help rather than opening new accounts.
UK support resources
- GAMSTOP – online self-exclusion for UKGC-licensed gambling sites
- GamCare – support, advice and the National Gambling Helpline
- GambleAware – information and treatment referral resources
- Take Time To Think – safer gambling guidance
- Gambling Therapy – international support
- NHS gambling support – UK health information and treatment routes
Practical limits before you gamble
Set a strict spend limit, time limit and stop point before gambling. Do not increase the limit during a session. Avoid gambling when upset, intoxicated, tired or under financial pressure.
Use bank blocks, deposit limits and cooling-off tools before problems appear. A limit that is set before emotion enters the session is more protective than a limit decided after losses.
Get help now
If you feel unable to stop, contact a support organisation immediately. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. For gambling-specific support, GamCare and NHS routes can help you find next steps.
Do not send Webillet private account documents or crisis messages that require emergency response. Use professional support services for urgent help.
Final reminder
18+ only. Do not gamble with borrowed money. Do not chase losses. Do not use non-GamStop sites if you are self-excluded or trying to stop gambling. If gambling no longer feels like entertainment, stop and seek help.