Responsible gambling
Betting on horse racing should be something you enjoy — part of a day at the races or a Saturday afternoon in front of the television. For most people it is. But gambling can become a problem for anyone, and it often happens gradually. This page explains how to keep it under control, the warning signs to look out for, and where to get free, confidential help.
If you need to talk to someone now, call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133. It is open 24 hours a day, every day.
Keep it fun
- Set a budget before you start, and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Never use money meant for bills, rent or food.
- Set a time limit. Decide how long you’ll bet for, and stop when you reach it.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back what you’ve lost is the fastest way to lose more.
- Don’t bet when you’re upset, stressed or drinking. Your judgement suffers.
- Treat any winnings as a bonus, not as income. Gambling is not a way to make money.
- Take breaks. Regular time away from betting keeps it in proportion.
Warning signs
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you:
- spend more money or time gambling than you meant to
- borrow money, or sell things, to gamble or to pay gambling debts
- chase losses, or bet bigger to feel the same excitement
- hide your gambling from family or friends, or lie about it
- feel anxious, guilty or irritable about gambling
- miss work, sleep or time with family because of it
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone, and help is free.
Tools to control your gambling
Every bookmaker licensed by the UK Gambling Commission must give you these tools. Use them before you need them.
Deposit limits. Set a daily, weekly or monthly limit on how much you can deposit. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising one involves a cooling-off period.
Reality checks. Regular on-screen reminders of how long you’ve been playing.
Time-outs. Lock your account for a short period, from a day to six weeks.
Self-exclusion. Close your account for six months or longer. You can self-exclude from one bookmaker in its account settings.
GAMSTOP. A free service that excludes you from every gambling website and app licensed in Great Britain at once, for six months, a year or five years. Register at gamstop.co.uk.
Gambling blocks on your bank card. Many UK banks let you block gambling transactions on your debit card in their app.
Blocking software. Apps such as Gamban and BetBlocker block gambling websites and apps on your devices.
Free, confidential support
National Gambling Helpline — 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day. Run by GamCare. You can also chat online at gamcare.org.uk.
GambleAware — information, advice and a route to free treatment at gambleaware.org.
GAMSTOP — free self-exclusion from all GB-licensed gambling websites and apps at gamstop.co.uk.
Gamblers Anonymous — free peer support meetings across the UK at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
Gam-Anon — support for family and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.
NHS gambling services — specialist NHS clinics treat gambling problems. Ask your GP, or find out more on the NHS website.
Under 18? You can’t gamble
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in Great Britain. Every bookmaker we feature verifies your age and identity before you can bet. Bets & Horses is for adults only.
If children use your devices, parental control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block gambling sites.
Our commitment
Bets & Horses is for adults aged 18 and over. We show the significant terms of every offer we feature, we include the 18+ and GambleAware message wherever an offer appears, and we never suggest that betting is a way to make money or solve money problems. We only feature bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
18+. Gambling can be addictive — please play responsibly. National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 · GambleAware.org · GAMSTOP.co.uk