01 / THE DETAILS
Protect the boundary you have already set
GamStop is a free self-exclusion service covering participating online gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain. Its protection does not extend to every website on the internet, which makes keeping your own boundary especially important.
If you have self-excluded, do not register with another operator to get around that decision. Combine exclusion with gambling-blocking software, bank gambling-payment blocks where available and support from someone you trust.
02 / THE DETAILS
Notice what gambling is taking from you
Harm is not defined only by the amount lost. Gambling can affect sleep, relationships, concentration and how secure you feel about your finances. Chasing losses, hiding transactions or repeatedly breaking your own limits are signs to pause and seek support.
You do not have to wait for a crisis or prove that the problem is ‘serious enough’. Help is appropriate whenever gambling is causing distress, including when you are worried about someone else.
- Borrowing or using essential money to gamble
- Returning to recover a previous loss
- Feeling unable to stop at the planned time
- Concealing play or its financial impact
03 / THE DETAILS
Make the next hour easier
Close gambling pages, log out and stop notifications. If possible, move essential spending money out of easy reach and ask a trusted person to stay with you while the urge passes. Avoid making financial decisions while distressed.
Contact your bank about gambling blocks and review recurring marketing messages. These practical barriers are not a cure, but they can give you time to choose a different next step. Never treat gambling as a way to repay debt.
04 / THE DETAILS
Speak to a service that understands
In Great Britain, GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline is available on 0808 8020 133. You can also visit GamCare for online support and GamStop to learn about self-exclusion. People affected by someone else’s gambling can ask for help too.
If you feel in immediate danger or may harm yourself, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department. For emotional support in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123.
Common questions
Should I switch casinos after self-excluding?
No. Switching to a site outside the scheme undermines the protection you chose. Keep the exclusion in place and seek support instead.
Can someone help if I am worried about a family member?
Yes. GamCare supports people affected by another person’s gambling, not only those who gamble themselves.
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