Enlisting support

Many people feel they have to face their difficulties on their own. However, it may be helpful to talk to someone you can trust early on. They can try to understand what you are going through, the reasons why you want to stop gambling, and the support and encouragement you need.

How to start the conversation:

  • Set aside some time when you can talk freely without interruption.
  • Remember that both of you may find the subject difficult and emotionally charged. Try and avoid ‘blame’ statements and walking out on each other half way through.
  • Be honest, and do be prepared for a loss of trust in you and doubts over what you say or do, whether you gamble or not. This is understandable, but you can rebuild this trust.
  • Recognise that your trusted person is more likely to be concerned about you and your wellbeing and how they can help, if they understand what is going on and receive open communication from you.

Tips and tools to reduce or stop gambling

You need three resources to gamble: access to gambling outlets, money and time. There are a number of practical measures you can take to help reduce or stop your gambling, with immediate effect.

Don’t go to venues or events where gambling takes place

Bookies, casinos, amusement arcades, races and the local bingo hall, clearly represent risk. If you keep going to these places, you are likely to feel tempted to gamble in ways that are hard to resist.

There are lots of ways in which you can avoid gambling settings:

  • Change your route – so that you don’t pass any gambling venues.
  • Avoid the slot machines at pubs, arcades, bowling alleys etc, try different places.
  • Don’t go to on your own if you think you could be tempted.
  • If a friend asks you to go to the casino, suggest something different to do together.
  • Plan ahead when you know something is coming that could be challenging, such as Ascot or the World Cup. Think of potential exit strategies and identify someone you can ask for support if needed.

Use a self-exclusion service

Self-excluding yourself from casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, online betting and other gambling routes is a great way to limit or stop your gambling. See our list of recommended self-exclusion services below.

Self-exclusion services

  • MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Service)

    View the MOSES website

    MOSES is a self-exclusion service for betting shops in the UK and allows you to ask any betting shops to exclude you from gambling with them. The service is free and you will be excluded for a fixed term period of 12 months.

  • SENSE (Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion)

    Visit the SENSE website

    SENSE is a self-exclusion programme that is available for anyone who may be experiencing gambling problems to enrol in a scheme to exclude themselves nationally from all land-based casinos in Great Britain licensed by the Gambling Commission. You can also speak to the manager at your local casino.

  • The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme

    Visit the Bingo Association website

    The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme is part of the Bingo Association and allows people to self-exclude from licensed bingo premises in the UK. You can also speak to the manager at your local bingo hall.

  • Amusement Arcades

    You can call 020 7730 644 to self-exclude from amusement arcades or, speak to the manager at your local arcade.

  • The National Lottery

    Visit The National Lottery website

    The National Lottery offers ways to control your gambling, including limiting your spending and play. Take a look at their website to access these tools and find out more.

  • Other Lotteries

    You can also self-exclude from other local lottery services, such as the Postcode Lottery, which you can find more about on their websites.

  • GAMSTOP

    Register with GAMSTOP

    GAMSTOP is a great tool for UK players who would like to self-exclude themselves from all gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in the UK, for a period of your choosing. The service is free and quick to sign-up to.

  • Gamban

    Download the app

    Gamban is an app that is specifically designed to keep users safe and will ban casinos and bookies on more than 40,000 sites, including those that are not under the UK Gambling Commission. The app will also block Facebook gambling games and deposits from individual banks, along with other related content. A free version of the tool is compatible with Android, Windows, and iOS mobile devices. Warning: some non-Gamban casino sites are still available to UK players.

  • BetBlocker

    Get the BetBlocker app

    Downloading BetBlocker on your mobile phone enables online casino players to block more than 6700 gambling websites. This app is compatible with Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Unlike Gamstop, the BetBlocker app also covers overseas gambling sites that don’t fall under UKGC jurisdiction. If you usually play on several devices, you’ll be happy to know that you can install the app on an unlimited number of gadgets.

  • Ban via Router

    If you are tech-savvy, you can ban gambling sites from your WiFi router. You can enter the IP addresses of the websites or use the parental controls on your router. An added benefit of banning gambling sites via your router is that any children in the house will also be protected from underage gambling issues.

  • Restrict Access via Mobile Carriers

    Many mobile carriers in the UK offer their customers an opportunity to block all gambling sites on the phone. This means you don’t have to worry about additional software or complicated settings.

Managing your finances

  • Cancel or leave credit cards/cash at home when you go out.
  • Set withdrawal limits on your bank account.
  • Aim to pay all your bills first or transfer money to a savings account.
  • Set up bank blocks on any gambling-related transactions from their cards (most major banks do). Contact customer support to access this feature.
  • Give clear instructions to friends, family, owners of gambling establishments that they are not to lend you money.
  • Set a limit from the start on how much you are willing to spend in a gambling session or in a week, and stick to it.
  • Think about debt repayment – debt management support, visit our resources page.

If you can’t manage the above, consider allowing someone else to handle your money for an agreed period.

Support sites

There are many services providing advice and support to help manage the impact of gambling difficulties, such as debt, housing, legal or relationship advice, mental health and drug and alcohol services. Take a look at our recommended support sites below.

For more information on services that are available in your area, visit your local authority or CCG website.

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