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Taking control of your gambling

If, having read through some of the information on this site, you recognise that you would like to get some control of your gambling, there are a number of practical steps you can take right now.

Below are a number of resources that can limit your access to online websites and apps that you might use to gamble (self-exclusion services). You can also take steps to change personalised advertising that might tempt you to gamble (ad limits) and you can take steps to manage your money differently if that is also a temptation for you (setting bank limits).

Self-exclusion services

MOSES is a self-exclusion service for betting shops in the UK and allows you to ask any betting shops to exclude you from gambling with them. The service is free and you will be excluded for a fixed term period of 12 months.

View the MOSES website

SENSE is a self-exclusion programme that is available for anyone who may be experiencing gambling problems to enrol in a scheme to exclude themselves nationally from all land-based casinos in Great Britain licensed by the Gambling Commission. You can also speak to the manager at your local casino.

Visit the SENSE website

The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme is part of the Bingo Association and allows people to self-exclude from licensed bingo premises in the UK. You can also speak to the manager at your local bingo hall.

Visit the Bingo Association website

You can call 020 3930 9769 to self-exclude from amusement arcades or, speak to the manager at your local arcade.

The National Lottery offers ways to control your gambling, including limiting your spending and play. Take a look at their website to access these tools and find out more.

Visit The National Lottery website

You can also self-exclude from other local lottery services, such as the Postcode Lottery, which you can find more about on their websites.

GAMSTOP is a great tool for UK players who would like to self-exclude themselves from all gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in the UK, for a period of your choosing. The service is free and quick to sign-up to.

Gamban is an app that is specifically designed to keep users safe and will ban casinos and bookies on more than 40,000 sites, including those that are not under the UK Gambling Commission. The app will also block Facebook gambling games and deposits from individual banks, along with other related content. A free version of the tool is compatible with Android, Windows, and iOS mobile devices. Warning: some non-Gamban casino sites are still available to UK players.

Download the app

Downloading BetBlocker on your mobile phone enables online casino players to block more than 6700 gambling websites. This app is compatible with Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Unlike Gamstop, the BetBlocker app also covers overseas gambling sites that don’t fall under UKGC jurisdiction. If you usually play on several devices, you’ll be happy to know that you can install the app on an unlimited number of gadgets.

Get the BetBlocker app

If you are tech-savvy, you can ban gambling sites from your WiFi router. You can enter the IP addresses of the websites or use the parental controls on your router. An added benefit of banning gambling sites via your router is that any children in the house will also be protected from underage gambling issues.

Many mobile carriers in the UK offer their customers an opportunity to block all gambling sites on the phone. This means you don’t have to worry about additional software or complicated settings.

How can I limit gambling ads?

Gambling blocking apps give some protection from gambling ads. Social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter allow customers to change the types of ads they would like to see. Google also has a feature where customers can mute ads of a similar nature. So, if you see a gambling advert, you can ensure that similar ads are limited in future. And remember, you can switch TV channels if you see gambling ads coming up!

How can I avoid gambling settings?

There are lots of ways in which you can avoid gambling settings such as betting shops, casinos, or slot machines. Here are some suggestions:

Change your route home after work so that you don’t pass any gambling venues.
Plan alternatives to going to the races.
Avoid the slot machines at pubs, arcades, bowling alleys etc.
If your local pub has fruit machines, don’t go on your own when you could be tempted to use them.
If a friend wants you to go with them to the casino, suggest something different to do together.
Plan ahead when you know an engagement is coming up that could be challenging. Think of potential exit strategies and identify someone you can ask for support if needed.

Managing your finances

Set a limit from the start on how much you are willing to spend in a gambling session or in a week, and stick to it.
Cancel or leave credit/cash cards at home when you go out.
Set withdrawal limits on your bank account.
On payday, aim to pay all your bills first or transfer money out of your account to a savings account.
Sign up to a bank that offers a block on any gambling-related transactions from their cards (most major banks do). Contact customer support to access this feature. You can also use banking apps that keep track of your spending so that you can make more informed decisions regarding your online gambling.
Give clear instructions to friends and family that they are not to lend you money.
If you can’t manage the above, consider allowing someone else to handle your money for an agreed period.

If you have already run up debts as a result of your gambling, now is a good time to take action to manage your money and address the financial costs of gambling.
Please click here for links to organisations that can help you with Debt Management support.

Taking control of your gambling

Self-exclusion services

MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Service)

SENSE (Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion)

The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme

Amusement arcades

The National Lottery

Other lotteries

GAMSTOP

Gamban

BetBlocker

Ban via home router

Restrict access via mobile carrier

How can I limit gambling ads?

How can I avoid gambling settings?

Managing your finances

What to do when you have money

What to do when you don't have money

Accessibility tools