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We want to make sure that everyone is staying safe while gambling. These guides will give you advice and different ways to keep yourself safe.
Published: 23 September 2020
Last updated: 2 August 2021
This version was printed or saved on: 17 February 2025
Online version: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/ways-to-stay-safe-when-gambling
Overview: We want to make sure that everyone is staying safe while they gamble, and be able to reach out if they are struggling.
These guides give advice and different ways you can keep yourself safe.
If you feel that you are struggling with gambling, or that your gambling is becoming a problem, then talk to someone.
Talking to someone outside of the situation may help you to find a solution to the problem, and there are many organisations that can help.
More information about the signs of problem gambling can be found on the GambleAware website (opens in new tab) and GamCare website (opens in new tab).
They provide general information about gambling, including how to gamble safely and where to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing problems with their gambling.
There are many reasons why people gamble, and these reasons can vary and change over time. It may be helpful to think about why you are gambling, for example, is it a social activity or has it turned into a habit?
Think carefully about your motivations to gamble, and be aware if these begin to change.
Gambling should not be used to improve personal finances
If your main motivation to gamble is to escape debt or if you are using gambling in order to make money quickly, then speak to a financial adviser (opens in new tab) or student support services (opens in new tab) who will be able to help you with money concerns.
A useful way of keeping your gambling activity in control is to monitor how often you are gambling.
If you gamble online, the websites you use must provide access to your account activity, which means you will be able to see:
Having this information will allow you to control your gambling and make decisions based on your recent activity. You will be able to make informed decisions and set yourself limits.
If your gambling activity is increasing, think about why you are gambling.
If you notice that you are spending more money on gambling than usual, you can put limits in place that will control how much you spend.
Many gambling sites have a feature whereby you put a cap onto your account in order to make sure that you do not go over a certain amount.
You are also able to set a limit on how much you spend on gaming machines in betting shops.
Taking timeouts from gambling allows you to:
If you choose to take a timeout, you can block yourself from gambling for up to six weeks.
Almost 80% of gamblers do not read the terms and conditions on the websites they gamble on.
You should take the time to read the terms and conditions, making sure you are aware of exactly what you are gambling on, restrictions, promotions or bonus offers.
By doing this you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to continue gambling.
Before you gamble, check that the business has a Gambling Commission licence.
If the business has a Gambling Commission license, you will be protected by consumer and gambling protection rules in Great Britain.
Licensed gambling businesses must display that they are licensed and also provide a link to our public register.
The public register allows you to see what type of activities gambling businesses can offer, and if we have ever taken any regulatory action against them.
You should not share your personal details with third parties for use in opening online gambling accounts.
Online gambling websites are required to confirm the identity of their customers to comply with regulatory and legal requirements.
If someone asks you for your personal details in order to open new online gambling accounts, they may be trying to:
You should be wary of any approach to use your personal details or bank accounts by a third party for use with gambling companies.
Whilst such offers can often include financial incentives you should consider the associated risks which may include: