# Responsible Gambling: Tools, Warning Signs & Free Help

URL: https://gambgenius.com/responsible-gambling/
Updated: 2026-10-19
Source: GambGenius (https://gambgenius.com/). 18+ only. Cite figures with the page URL; RTP figures are provider-published and can vary by casino.

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Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. Here is how to stay in control — and where to get help.

Updated 19 October 2026

Need help now?

If gambling is causing you harm, free and confidential help is available. Each service is listed with the country or region it serves.

National Gambling Helpline (UK)
[0808 8020 133 ](https://gambgenius.comtel:08088020133)

BeGambleAware (UK)
[Website ](https://www.begambleaware.org/)

GamCare (UK)
[Website ](https://www.gamcare.org.uk/)

GAMSTOP (UK)
[Website ](https://www.gamstop.co.uk/)

1-800-GAMBLER (National Council on Problem Gambling) (US)
[1-800-GAMBLER ](https://gambgenius.comtel:18004262537) · [Website ](https://www.ncpgambling.org/)

Gamblers Anonymous (International)
[Website ](https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/)

Private self-check

Not sure whether gambling is still under control? Think through a few honest questions. There is no score, and nothing you tick is saved or sent.

[Take the self-check ](https://gambgenius.com/responsible-gambling/self-check/)

On this page

- [How to stay in control](https://gambgenius.com#stay-in-control)
- [Warning signs](https://gambgenius.com#warning-signs)
- [Self-exclusion and blocking tools](https://gambgenius.com#tools)
- [Where to get support](https://gambgenius.com#support)
- [Underage gambling](https://gambgenius.com#underage)
Remind me to take a break (this device)

Saved in this browser only. Members can also take a short break or self-exclude in [Safer gambling settings](https://gambgenius.com/account/#safer).

## How to stay in control

- **Set a budget** you can afford to lose before you start, and never top it up in the same session.

- **Use deposit limits** — every licensed operator we list offers daily, weekly and monthly limits.

- **Set time limits** and take regular breaks. Reality checks show how long you have been playing.

- **Never chase losses.** Losses are the cost of entertainment, not a debt to win back.

- **Don't gamble** when stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol.

## Warning signs

- Spending more money or time than you intended
- Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
- Lying to family or friends about gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or recover losses

## Self-exclusion and blocking tools

Self-exclusion lets you block yourself from gambling sites for a set period. UK players can use [GAMSTOP](https://www.gamstop.co.uk/) to exclude from all UK-licensed sites at once. Blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker can stop access on all your devices. GambGenius members can also hide every offer on our site, take a 24-hour to 7-day break, or self-exclude from their account.

## Where to get support

National Gambling Helpline (UK)
[0808 8020 133 ](https://gambgenius.comtel:08088020133)

BeGambleAware (UK)
[Website ](https://www.begambleaware.org/)

GamCare (UK)
[Website ](https://www.gamcare.org.uk/)

GAMSTOP (UK)
[Website ](https://www.gamstop.co.uk/)

1-800-GAMBLER (National Council on Problem Gambling) (US)
[1-800-GAMBLER ](https://gambgenius.comtel:18004262537) · [Website ](https://www.ncpgambling.org/)

Gamblers Anonymous (International)
[Website ](https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/)

Problem with a casino? Use our [complaint helper](https://gambgenius.com/complaints/) to find the right route for your complaint.

## Underage gambling

You must be 18 or older (21 in some jurisdictions) to gamble. Parents can use filtering software such as Net Nanny or the built-in parental controls on devices to block gambling sites.

Managing your money well is part of staying in control — read our [bankroll management guide](https://gambgenius.com/strategy/bankroll-management/).