Safer Gambling
Last updated: 6 August 2026
Win Select UK wants gambling to stay entertainment. The operators we compare are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and must offer tools that help you stay in control. Use them early — limits work best before a problem starts.
Practical tools on licensed sites
- Deposit limits — set a daily, weekly or monthly cap. UK players must set a deposit limit before their first deposit.
- Time and session limits / reality checks — reminders or hard stops that interrupt long sessions.
- Cool-off periods — short breaks from an account when you need space without full self-exclusion.
- Loss and spend overviews — clear history so you can see patterns honestly.
- Self-exclusion — longer blocks at a single operator, or national exclusion via GAMSTOP.
GAMSTOP — national online self-exclusion
GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Once you register, UKGC-licensed operators must prevent you from opening or using accounts for the period you choose. It is one of the strongest steps available if you need a hard stop across brands.
Helpline and support
The National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) is free and available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133. You can also explore TalkBanStop, visit BeGambleAware, or reach organisations such as Gordon Moody (gordonmoody.org.uk) and Gamblers Anonymous UK.
Blocking software and bank blocks
Tools such as Gamban can block gambling sites and apps across your devices. Many UK banks also offer gambling merchant blocks — ask your bank how to switch them on.
Self-assessment prompts
- Are you betting more than you can afford to lose?
- Are you chasing losses or hiding play from people close to you?
- Does gambling interfere with work, sleep or relationships?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut back?
If several answers are yes, pause and use the helpline or GAMSTOP. There is no shame in asking for help — support exists because many people need it.
Underage gambling
Gambling is strictly 18+ in the UK. Never allow minors to access gambling accounts, payment methods or devices used for play.