Guide · Great Britain
Safer-gambling tools you can use
Published 2026-08-01 · Updated 2026-09-04 · Written by Editorial team
Every operator licensed for Great Britain must give you tools to limit or stop your own gambling: deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion. They are free, take effect quickly, and using them does not affect withdrawing money you already hold. GAMSTOP blocks you from every licensed site at once.
Tools on your account
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly caps. A decrease applies straight away; an increase is delayed, usually by at least 24 hours.
- Loss and stake limits, where the operator offers them.
- Time-outs: a short break from 24 hours up to six weeks, during which you cannot deposit or play.
- Reality checks: on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing.
- Account closure: a straightforward close with no fixed minimum period.
How to set a deposit limit
- Open the account menu or the "safer gambling" section.
- Choose deposit limit.
- Set the amount and the period (daily, weekly or monthly).
- Confirm. A decrease takes effect immediately; an increase waits out the cooling-off period.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion closes your account for a minimum of six months. During that time the operator must stop marketing to you and take reasonable steps to stop you opening a new account. It cannot be cancelled early, and there is usually a further cooling-off period after it ends before the account can reopen.
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is a national self-exclusion scheme with no charge to use. One registration blocks you from the websites and apps of all Gambling Commission-licensed operators for six months, one year or five years. Every licensed operator must take part.
GAMSTOP only covers operators licensed by the Gambling Commission. Sites without a Great Britain licence are not part of it, and gambling on those sites has none of the protections on this page.
Steps beyond the operator
- Ask your bank to block gambling transactions. Most UK banks offer this in the app.
- Use blocking software such as Gamban on your phone and computer.
- Contact the GamCare National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential advice.
- Tell someone you trust, so you are not managing it alone.
Warning signs
- Spending more time or money than you intended.
- Chasing losses, or gambling to escape stress or low mood.
- Borrowing money, or missing commitments, to gamble.
- Hiding your gambling from people close to you.
If gambling is causing you harm, free treatment is available on the NHS through the National Gambling Support Network.
We score every operator on how complete these tools are and how easy they are to find. See how we score responsible gambling tools and our responsible gambling page.
Common questions
Does setting a deposit limit affect my current balance?
No. Limits only cap new deposits. You can still withdraw money already in your account.
How quickly does a deposit limit take effect?
A decrease applies straight away. An increase is delayed, usually by at least 24 hours, so it cannot be done on impulse.
What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?
A time-out is a short break, from 24 hours up to six weeks. Self-exclusion is longer, a minimum of six months, and the account stays closed for the whole period.
Does GAMSTOP cover every gambling site?
It covers every operator licensed by the Gambling Commission. It does not cover sites without a Great Britain licence, and gambling on those has none of these protections.
Can I cancel self-exclusion early?
No. Once it is set it runs for at least the minimum period you chose, and there is usually a further cooling-off period after that before the account can reopen.
Next steps
More guides
General information for people in Great Britain aged 18 and over. Not financial or legal advice. Gambling can be addictive - please play responsibly.