Gambling can be entertaining, but it carries real risks – especially for young people. This page explains what to watch for, how to set boundaries and where to find support if gambling becomes a problem.
When gambling stops being fun
Gambling harms the people it touches in different ways. A young person might chase losses and fall behind on schoolwork. A parent might spend money meant for bills. Someone close to you might become secretive or withdrawn. These changes matter because they signal that gambling has shifted from entertainment to something that is causing damage.
Harm often develops quietly. The person may not recognise it themselves until their relationships, finances or mental health have been affected. That is why knowing the warning signs – and being willing to name them – can make a real difference.
Questions worth asking yourself
Use these questions to check in with yourself or someone close to you. They are not a diagnosis; they are a way to step back and be honest.
- Are you spending more time or money on gambling than you planned?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable when you are not gambling or cannot gamble?
- Have you lied to someone about how much you gamble or how much you have spent?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop and found you could not?
- Are you gambling to escape worries, stress or difficult feelings?
- Have you missed school, work, family time or other commitments because of gambling?
- Has someone close to you expressed concern about your gambling?
- Are you borrowing money or going without essentials to fund gambling?
If you answer yes to more than one, that is a sign to reach out for support. Doing so early – before harm deepens – makes a real difference.
Limits and breaks you can set
Most gambling sites licensed in Great Britain must offer tools to help you control your play. These include deposit limits – a cap on how much you can spend in a set period – and time-outs, which lock you out of your account for a fixed number of days. Neither requires you to explain yourself or justify the choice.
Self-exclusion is stronger. It is a written request to stay out of your account, usually for a period you choose (typically weeks to months). You cannot reverse it early, even if you change your mind. It is designed to give you space when you need it most.
If you are in crisis or find yourself unable to stick to these tools, do not wait. Reach out to the support lines below – they are confidential, free and staffed by people trained to help.
National help lines and support
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24 hours a day, every day). You can call, text or chat online. If you are under 18 and need to talk, they listen without judgement.
BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) offers self-assessment tools, advice on setting limits and information on local services.
GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) lets you self-exclude from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once. You set the length – from six months to longer – and you cannot overturn it during that period, which makes it a powerful tool if you are struggling to stop.
Gordon Moody (gordonmoody.org.uk) offers residential and online treatment for people whose gambling has caused serious harm.
Protecting young people at home
If a young person in your care has access to a shared device – a phone, tablet or computer – gambling sites can still reach them. Parental control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block these sites at the device level, giving you a layer of protection alongside conversations about risk.
Blocking software designed for gambling is also available. Gamban (gamban.com) requires a subscription and blocks gambling sites across all browsers and apps on a device. BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is free and works on computers, phones and tablets.
These tools work best alongside open, non-judgmental conversations. Young people are more likely to come to you if they trust you will listen without immediate anger or punishment.
Talking to someone close to you
If you are worried about your own gambling or someone else's, telling another person is often the hardest step – and one of the most important. You might fear judgment, shame or not knowing what to say. Those feelings are normal.
Choose someone you trust. It might be a parent, teacher, friend or counsellor. You do not need to have all the answers. Saying "I am worried about my gambling" or "I think my brother is gambling too much" is enough to start.
If you are supporting someone else, listen more than you advise. Avoid blame or lectures. Offer to help them find support – a phone number, a website, an offer to make the first call together. Your presence matters more than having the right words.
Getting help today
If you are in crisis, having thoughts of self-harm or need to talk now, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. It is free, confidential and available right now.
You can also text GAMHELP to 80393 from any UK mobile, or reach GamCare online for instant chat support.
None of these calls will be traced back to your phone bill or device. The people answering are trained to listen without judgement, whatever you are facing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a deposit limit and how do I set one?
A deposit limit is a maximum amount you choose to spend on gambling in a fixed time period – usually daily, weekly or monthly. Once you set it, your account will not accept deposits beyond that amount. You can lower a limit immediately, but raising it usually requires a waiting period.
How does self-exclusion work and what makes it different from a time-out?
A time-out temporarily locks you out of your account for a period you choose, but you can end it early and resume playing. Self-exclusion is permanent during the period you set – you cannot reverse it, even if you change your mind, which makes it a stronger tool when you need to step away completely.
Can I use GAMSTOP if I am under 18?
GAMSTOP is available to anyone aged 18 and over. If you are under 18 and worried about gambling, reach the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or speak to a trusted adult who can help you access support and set boundaries.
What should I do if someone I know is gambling secretly or lying about how much they spend?
Secrecy and lying are warning signs that gambling may be causing harm. Try speaking to them calmly, without accusation. Let them know you are concerned and suggest they contact the National Gambling Helpline or a counsellor. You cannot force someone to get help, but you can make it clear you are there to support them.
Is there a way to block gambling sites on my child's device?
Yes. Parental control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block gambling sites at the device level. Dedicated blocking apps like BetBlocker (free) and Gamban (paid subscription) also work across browsers and apps. These tools are most effective when combined with open conversations about gambling and risk.
What counts as gambling harm?
Gambling harm includes financial loss, damaged relationships, missed school or work, anxiety, depression and using gambling to escape difficult feelings. Harm is not only about money – it is about any way gambling is negatively affecting life, health or wellbeing.
Can I call the National Gambling Helpline if I am worried about someone else?
Yes. The National Gambling Helpline is available to anyone affected by gambling harm – whether it is your own gambling or someone else's. Call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) to talk through your concerns and get advice on how to help.
What should I do if someone refuses to get help?
You cannot force someone to seek help, but you can set boundaries to protect yourself – for example, not lending money or refusing to cover costs of their gambling. Continue to express your concern clearly and share contact details for support services. Sometimes people are ready to change only when the harm becomes undeniable.