Keep betting fun

How to keep betting under control

• Decide how much you're happy to lose before you start. Treat it as spent.
• Never chase losses. Doubling up to win it back is how small losses become big ones. Our Martingale guide shows why.
• Don't bet with money meant for bills, rent or food.
• Don't bet when you're upset, stressed or have been drinking.
• Take breaks, and keep other hobbies in your week.

Tools your bookmaker must offer

Every UK licensed bookmaker has to give you tools to stay in control. Look in your account settings for:

• Deposit limits for a day, week or month.
• Time outs to pause your account for a short break.
• Self exclusion to close your account for six months or longer.

Many also offer reality checks that remind you how long you've been playing.

To block yourself from every UK licensed betting site and app at once, sign up to GAMSTOP. It's free.

Signs it might be a problem

• Spending more time or money than you meant to.
• Borrowing money or selling things to bet.
• Hiding your betting from people close to you.
• Feeling anxious, low or irritable about betting.
• Betting to win back money you've lost.

If any of these sound familiar, talking to someone helps. The services below are free and confidential. The National Gambling Helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133.