Gambling is any activity that involves risking your money on an uncertain outcome, with the hope of getting more money back.
This includes scratch cards, online betting, and even in-game purchases.
Casual gambling can feel like an enjoyable way to escape stress. But if it turns into a habit, it can cause anxiety, shame or addiction, as well as putting your money at risk.
Please remember that there is support available to you if you are struggling and unsure of what to do.
Self-exclusion
To help restrict your online gambling, you can ask to be self-excluded.
This means that a gambling provider can exclude you from gambling with them, usually between 6-12 months but this can be extended.
Gambling businesses in the UK have to provide customers with the option to self-exclude. You can contact them independently to start your exclusion.
If you want to set restrictions across multiple gambling sites, there are free services that allow you to do this:
- GAMSTOP - allows you to control and restrict your online gambling
- GamBan - blocks access to gambling websites and apps
Online support
There is online support to help you recognise if gambling is negatively affecting your life, and advice on how to help combat your addiction.
