Keep it fun, keep it in check

The tools every UK operator must give you

Because they're licensed, all five brands on this site have to offer the same set of controls. They're in the account settings, usually under “safer gambling”, and turning them on takes a minute.

• Deposit limits. Cap how much you can put in per day, week or month. A drop in your limit is usually applied straight away; an increase has to wait, which is the point.
• Reality checks.A pop-up at an interval you set — say every 30 minutes — telling you how long you've been playing and where you stand.
• Time-outs. A short cooling-off, from a day up to six weeks, that locks you out without closing the account.
• Self-exclusion. A longer block, typically six months to five years, at a single operator.

Signs it's worth a pause

Plenty of people gamble without any problem, but it's worth being honest with yourself. Chasing losses, betting more than you planned, hiding it from people close to you, or borrowing to play are all signs to stop and reach out. None of this means you've done anything wrong — it just means now is a good time to use the support below.

Free, confidential UK support

You can call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133, any day of the week. The services below are independent, free and there for you or for someone you're worried about.