Responsible Gambling Guide: Recognize Harm, Find Support and Set Limits
Gambling-related harm can affect money, time, relationships and wellbeing. These resources explain warning signs, practical limits, independent support and when to stop. Gambling is not a way to earn guaranteed income.
Informational guidance · Not a gambling operator · Resources vary by country
Recognize warning signs
EARLY SIGNALSCommon signs of harm include gambling longer or spending more than planned, trying to recover losses with further bets, hiding activity, borrowing to gamble, and feeling anxious when unable to play. Harm can occur before a person considers their gambling severe.
Money pressure
Essential bills, borrowing or shared household finances are affected by gambling.
Loss of control
Attempts to reduce or stop gambling repeatedly fail, or play continues after a planned limit.
Emotional and relationship strain
Secrecy, distress, missed obligations or conflict become connected to gambling.
Programs, opening hours and eligibility can change; verify them with the linked provider.
Practical ways to reduce harm
CONTROL TOOLSSet a firm budget
Decide in advance what can be lost without affecting essentials; never borrow to gamble.
Use time restrictions
Take regular breaks, avoid lengthy sessions and consider blocking access when limits are not enough.
Avoid chasing losses
Do not increase stakes in an attempt to recover money already lost.
Reduce exposure
Consider banking gambling blocks, device blockers and limiting gambling advertisements or notifications.
Limits are not a treatment or guarantee. If control is difficult, self-exclusion and independent professional support may be more appropriate.
Programs, opening hours and eligibility can change; verify them with the linked provider.
Independent support by region
SUPPORT DIRECTORY| Location | Support option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | National Problem Gambling Helpline (US) | Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET; available across US states and territories. |
| United Kingdom / Great Britain | GambleAware — tools and support (Great Britain) | Find gambling-help services, assessment tools and blocking guidance. |
| Australia | Australian Government — gambling support | National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858; free, confidential support. |
| Other countries | Gambling Therapy — find local support | Find available support for your region. |
These organisations are independent of this website. Service coverage and eligibility depend on location.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline (US)
- Australian Government — gambling support
- Gambling Therapy — find local support
Programs, opening hours and eligibility can change; verify them with the linked provider.
When to consider self-exclusion
NEXT STEPSIf gambling limits are not working, consider a formal request to stop access to gambling platforms. An operator’s exclusion applies to that operator; a multi-operator scheme may cover a wider group of providers depending on its jurisdiction. Online exclusions do not automatically cover every country, every product or every unlicensed website.
Read our self-exclusion guide to understand how the process works, what it covers and where to register directly with an official scheme.
- UK Gambling Commission — self-exclusion
- GAMSTOP ONLINE — UK self-exclusion
- GamCare — self-exclusion guidance
Programs, opening hours and eligibility can change; verify them with the linked provider.
Getting urgent help
PRIORITY SUPPORTIf you or another person is in immediate danger, use local emergency services rather than this website or an operator’s account support. In the United States, call 911 for emergencies or 988 for a mental-health crisis. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is for gambling-related support and referrals, not emergency response.
If financial stress is severe, consider a qualified debt adviser as well as specialist gambling support.
Programs, opening hours and eligibility can change; verify them with the linked provider.