Gambling is meant to be entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. When it stops being fun, or when the amounts or time spent start to affect other parts of life, it is worth stepping back and asking a few honest questions.
Recognising when it stops being entertainment
Certain patterns signal that gambling has moved beyond recreation. Chasing losses—trying to win back what was lost—usually deepens the problem rather than fixing it. Borrowing money to gamble, hiding spending from family or friends, or feeling anxious about stopping are all signs that the balance has shifted.
Other warning signs include gambling with money set aside for bills or savings, losing track of time while playing, or feeling irritable when not gambling. If any of these feel familiar, acting now prevents the situation from worsening.
Questions worth asking yourself
A short self-check can clarify whether gambling is still under control. Answer honestly:
- Have you spent more than you intended on gambling in the past month?
- Do you ever feel guilty or worried after gambling?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?
- Has someone close to you expressed concern about your gambling?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, but found yourself unable to?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve uncomfortable feelings?
More than one yes does not mean a diagnosis, but it does mean speaking to someone with experience in this area would be useful.
Limits and breaks you can set
Gambling sites licensed in Great Britain must offer tools that let you control how much you deposit and how long you play. A deposit limit caps the amount you can add to your account over a day, week or month. Set it before the first deposit, based on what you can afford to lose without affecting bills, rent or savings.
Time-outs temporarily block access to your account for a period you choose—usually between a day and six weeks. During that time you cannot log in, deposit or play. Self-exclusion is a longer break, typically six months or more, and covers all products the site offers. Both take effect immediately and cannot be reversed early.
GamStop is a free national scheme that lets you self-exclude from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once. The exclusion lasts for six months, one year or five years, and you choose the period when you register at gamstop.co.uk.
Practical habits that help
Keep gambling separate from everyday life. Never gamble with money earmarked for essentials, and avoid gambling when tired, upset or under the influence of alcohol. Set a time limit before you start, and stop when it is reached—whether ahead or behind.
Take regular breaks during a session. A pause of even five minutes helps you assess whether you are still enjoying the activity or chasing a result. Do not use gambling as a way to cope with stress, boredom or loneliness; those feelings need a different response.
Support organisations and help lines
Several organisations in the UK provide free, confidential support for anyone affected by problem gambling. GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The line is free from landlines and mobiles. Visit gamcare.org.uk for more information.
BeGambleAware offers guidance, self-assessment tools and links to treatment services at begambleaware.org. Gordon Moody provides residential and online treatment for gambling addiction; details are at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software can prevent access to gambling sites on all devices. Gamban is a paid subscription service covering computers, tablets and phones; find it at gamban.com. BetBlocker is free and works across multiple platforms; download it at betblocker.org.
Protecting minors on shared devices
Online gambling is for people aged 18 and over. If a device is used by anyone under that age, install parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to block access to gambling sites. Keep login details private, and never leave an account logged in on a shared device.
Taking the first step
Reaching out for help is not a failure; it is the most effective way to regain control. Whether through a help line, a conversation with someone you trust, or registering with GamStop, taking action today stops the problem from growing. Support is confidential, non-judgemental and available right now.
This page is for general information only. Efes Kebab does not sell any goods or services related to gambling. Online gambling is restricted to people aged 18 and over. For free, confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
How do you set a deposit limit if you have never done it before?
Log in to your account, find the responsible gambling or safer gambling section in settings, and choose a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit. The site applies it immediately, and you can only increase it after a cooling-off period—usually 24 to 72 hours.
Can you reverse a self-exclusion once it has started?
No. Self-exclusion cannot be undone until the period you chose has fully elapsed. This is by design, to give you time away without the option to return in a moment of impulse.
What happens to your account balance if you self-exclude through GamStop?
GamStop blocks your access to gambling sites, but it does not close your accounts or forfeit balances. Contact each site's customer service directly to withdraw any remaining funds before the exclusion takes effect.
Does blocking software work if someone uses a mobile network instead of home Wi-Fi?
Yes. Gamban and BetBlocker install on the device itself, so they block gambling sites regardless of which network you use—home broadband, mobile data or public Wi-Fi.
Can you get help if the person with the gambling problem is someone else in your household?
Yes. GamCare and other support organisations offer guidance for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling. The National Gambling Helpline is confidential and free for anyone calling about their own gambling or someone else's.
How long does a time-out last if you need a short break but not full self-exclusion?
Most sites let you choose a time-out period from 24 hours up to six weeks. You pick the length when you activate it, and your account is locked for that entire period with no option to log in early.