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Understanding the risks, knowing your limits, and accessing support are the foundations of a safe relationship with online gaming.
Online gaming should be treated as a form of entertainment, not as a source of income or a way to resolve financial problems. For the vast majority of people who engage with gaming platforms responsibly, it remains an enjoyable leisure activity. However, maintaining healthy habits is important for all users.
Key principles of healthy engagement with gaming platforms:
Effective time management is one of the most important tools available to gaming consumers. Many platforms provide built-in tools to help manage the time you spend on their services.
UK-licensed gaming operators are required by the Gambling Commission to provide a range of consumer protection tools. These are mandatory features, not optional extras. Consumers should familiarise themselves with the tools available before creating any gaming account.
You can set maximum amounts you are allowed to deposit per day, week, or month. Once set, you cannot increase these limits without a mandatory waiting period, giving you time to reconsider. Reductions take effect immediately.
Similar to deposit limits, loss limits cap the amount you can lose over a defined period. This tool is particularly useful for managing your actual net spending rather than just top-up amounts.
Reality check notifications appear at intervals you choose (e.g. every 30 or 60 minutes) to remind you how long you have been playing. They provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and decide whether to continue.
Session time limits automatically log you out of a platform after a set period. This prevents extended unplanned sessions and encourages mindful use.
A cooling-off period temporarily suspends your ability to access your account for a defined duration (typically 24 hours to several weeks). During this period, you will be unable to log in or deposit. This is a useful tool if you feel you need a short break.
Self-exclusion is the most significant protective tool available to consumers. It allows you to permanently or temporarily block yourself from accessing online gaming platforms. Self-exclusion options are available both at the individual platform level and through the national GamStop scheme.
GamStop is the UK's national online self-exclusion scheme. By registering with GamStop, you can exclude yourself from all UK-licensed online gaming platforms simultaneously, for a minimum period of six months, one year, or five years.
To self-exclude via GamStop, visit www.gamstop.co.uk. The process is free and typically takes only a few minutes. Once registered, your exclusion applies across all participating operators within 24 hours.
Individual gaming platforms also provide their own self-exclusion tools, accessible via the responsible gambling or account settings section of their websites. Platform-level self-exclusion is effective for that specific operator but does not automatically extend to other platforms — this is why the national GamStop scheme is recommended for those seeking comprehensive protection.
The following independent organisations provide free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling-related harm. Their services are available to individuals experiencing problems as well as to family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling.
Operates the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), provides free online counselling, and supports affected individuals and their families. Available 24/7.
www.gamcare.org.uk →
Funds treatment, education, and prevention services. Provides the NHS Northern Gambling Service referral pathway and self-help tools for consumers and professionals.
www.begambleaware.org →
Provides residential treatment programmes, one-to-one counselling, digital therapy, and support for problem gamblers and their families across the UK.
www.gordonmoody.org.uk →It can be difficult to recognise when gaming has become harmful. The following are commonly recognised indicators that a person's relationship with gaming may be causing harm:
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please contact GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline immediately. Help is available, and seeking it early significantly improves outcomes.
The National Gambling Helpline is operated by GamCare and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, completely free and confidential. You can also access online chat support through the GamCare website.
