Safer gambling and where to get help

Gambling can be addictive. If it is causing you worry, or you are worried about someone else, help is available.

National Gambling Helpline

GamCare lists the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 as free, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by phone, live chat or WhatsApp.Source: GamCare

The helpline’s website is gamcare.org.uk.

Block yourself from gambling sites

GAMSTOP is a free online self-exclusion service. Once registered you are blocked from gambling websites and apps run by gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain, for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 5 years with auto-renewal.Sources: GAMSTOP; Gambling Commission

You can register on the GAMSTOP website.

Free advice and tools

GambleAware offers free advice, tools and support to help keep people safe from gambling harms, including free tools to block or limit gambling.Source: GambleAware

See GambleAware.

Age limits

BookieLens is for adults aged 18 and over.

In the Gambling Act 2005 a child is under 16 and a young person is 16 or 17, and it is an offence to invite, cause or permit a child or young person to gamble, apart from listed exceptions such as lotteries, football pools and private non-commercial betting.Source: legislation.gov.uk

All online gambling businesses must ask you to prove your age and identity before you gamble.Source: Gambling Commission