If gambling is causing worry, you do not need to handle it alone. The National Gambling Helpline, operated by GamCare, is available free of charge 24 hours a day, every day:
Call 0808 8020 133
You can also use live chat at gamcare.org.uk. Support is available to people who gamble and to partners, relatives and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental-health help that is not an immediate emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123.
BetAtlas is a UK betting-comparison and affiliate website. We believe betting content must be presented with clear information about risk, eligibility, offer terms and the support available when gambling becomes difficult.
Gambling should be optional entertainment—not a source of income, a solution to debt or a way to escape personal problems. There is no risk-free strategy and no bookmaker, market or promotion can guarantee a profit.
We encourage visitors to pause before opening an account, set firm limits before betting and stop immediately if gambling is no longer affordable, controlled or enjoyable.
BetAtlas provides general information, comparisons and links to third-party bookmakers. We do not accept bets, open accounts, process payments, hold gambling funds, monitor individual betting activity or operate safer-gambling controls.
We are not a medical service, counselling provider or crisis service and cannot assess your personal risk. The tools described on this page are provided by bookmakers, banks and independent support organisations.
If you need help with a bookmaker account, contact that operator directly. If you are worried about gambling harm, use the independent services listed on this page rather than contacting BetAtlas for treatment.
Before gambling, decide what you can genuinely afford to lose after essential costs, savings and financial commitments. Treat that amount as a hard limit—not a target.
Gambling harm can develop gradually. Warning signs may include:
You do not need to experience every sign before asking for help. If any behaviour concerns you, take a break, restrict access and speak with a support service.
Licensed online bookmakers provide tools designed to help customers manage gambling. Available controls may include:
Set limits while thinking clearly and avoid increasing them in response to a loss. Check how and when a requested increase takes effect, as operator rules can differ.
A time-out can help break an impulsive cycle by blocking gambling access for a selected period. Consider one if you are chasing losses, gambling emotionally, repeatedly exceeding a limit or finding it difficult to step away.
During the break, remove gambling apps, turn off marketing, review finances and speak to someone you trust. If a short break does not feel sufficient, use self-exclusion and seek independent support.
GAMSTOP Online is a free self-exclusion service for UK residents. It can prevent access to gambling websites and apps operated by companies licensed in Great Britain.
You can choose a minimum exclusion period of six months, one year, five years or five years with auto-renewal. The exclusion cannot be removed during the selected minimum period. Register and keep your personal details current at gamstop.co.uk.
Self-exclusion works best as part of a wider plan: withdraw accessible balances, unsubscribe from marketing, add bank and device blocks, and seek support. Contact individual operators about account closure and returning any remaining funds.
Extra barriers can reduce opportunities to gamble during a vulnerable moment:
No single block is perfect. Combining several controls with professional or peer support provides stronger protection.
Promotions and sports-related advertising can trigger an urge to gamble. Use bookmaker settings to unsubscribe from marketing, disable push notifications and close promotional emails without opening them.
Adjust advertising preferences on social platforms, block gambling accounts and avoid comparison or betting content when taking a break. If you are self-excluded, report gambling marketing from an operator that should have removed you from its lists.
List essential monthly costs first and never gamble with money allocated to them. Check bank statements and bookmaker histories to understand the complete amount spent rather than relying on memory.
If gambling has contributed to debt, stop gambling and obtain free, independent debt advice. Do not attempt to clear debt through larger bets, new accounts or borrowing. A trusted person, bank block and lower card or transfer limits can add immediate protection while you seek support.
BetAtlas and the betting services discussed on this Website are intended only for adults aged 18 and over. Licensed online gambling businesses must verify age and identity before allowing customers to deposit or gamble.
Adults should keep gambling passwords and payment methods private, sign out of accounts, avoid saving login details on shared devices and use parental-control or filtering software. Never ask another person—especially someone under 18—to open or use an account on your behalf.
If a young person is affected by gambling, seek specialist advice promptly and protect access to money, accounts and devices.
Someone else’s gambling can affect finances, trust, wellbeing and family life. You can contact the National Gambling Helpline even if you do not gamble yourself.
Choose a calm time to talk, describe specific behaviour without blame and encourage professional support. Protect shared finances where necessary, but avoid paying gambling debts or lending money in a way that enables further gambling. Seek independent financial, legal or safeguarding advice if the situation requires it.
| Service | What it provides | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline / GamCare | Free, confidential information and support, 24/7. | 0808 8020 133 gamcare.org.uk |
| GAMSTOP Online | Free self-exclusion from licensed online gambling websites and apps. | gamstop.co.uk |
| GambleAware | Information, practical guidance and routes to support. | gambleaware.org |
| NHS urgent mental-health help | Urgent assessment and advice when mental health is at crisis point. | Call 111 and select the mental-health option |
| Samaritans | Confidential listening support at any time. | 116 123 samaritans.org |
These organisations are independent of BetAtlas. Their services, opening arrangements and eligibility may change, so use their official websites for current information.
Before opening an account, verify that the business is currently licensed for the activity it offers. Licensed gambling websites serving customers in Great Britain must display their licensed status and link to the Gambling Commission’s public register.
A BetAtlas listing is not a substitute for checking the register. Licence status and permitted activities can change, and an operator’s own terms govern your account.
Regularly ask yourself:
If an answer concerns you, act early. Stop, apply restrictions and contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Questions about this page or responsible presentation of content on BetAtlas can be sent to contact@affworldmedia.com or through our Contact page.
BetAtlas cannot provide counselling, treatment, self-exclusion or emergency help. For gambling support, contact the National Gambling Helpline. For account controls or complaints, contact the bookmaker directly. In an immediate emergency, call 999.