Your wellbeing matters. Learn how to gamble safely, recognise warning signs, and find support when needed.
At EngSlots, we believe that gambling should only ever be a form of entertainment. While video slots can provide exciting gameplay experiences, it is crucial to approach them with the right mindset and safeguards in place. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling and ensuring our readers have access to the resources they need.
The UK has some of the strongest gambling regulations in the world, thanks to the UK Gambling Commission. All licensed operators must provide responsible gambling tools, but ultimately, protecting yourself is your responsibility too. This page provides comprehensive information to help you gamble safely.
If you are struggling with gambling and need immediate support, please contact:
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free, 24/7)
Or chat live at GamCare.org.uk
Responsible gambling means staying in control of your gambling activity. It involves setting limits, understanding the risks, and recognising when gambling stops being fun. Here are the fundamental principles every player should follow:
Treat gambling as a leisure expense like cinema tickets or concert admission. Never rely on gambling to pay bills or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge.
Before each session, decide how much time and money you can afford to spend. Use casino deposit limits and session reminders to enforce these boundaries automatically.
Losing is part of gambling. When you lose, accept it and walk away. Attempting to win back losses by increasing bets almost always leads to larger losses.
Alcohol and drugs impair judgement. Gambling while intoxicated leads to poor decisions and overspending. Only gamble when you can think clearly.
Set timers to remind yourself to step away. Extended gambling sessions diminish perspective and increase the risk of overspending.
Problem gambling can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. Being honest with yourself about these warning signs is the first step toward addressing any issues:
If you recognise several of these signs in yourself, it may indicate a gambling problem. This is not something to be ashamed of - gambling disorder is a recognised condition that responds well to treatment. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
All UKGC-licensed casinos must provide tools to help you control your gambling. Make use of these features:
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets. Decreasing limits takes effect immediately; increasing limits has a 24-hour cooling-off period.
Some casinos also offer loss limits that pause your account when you have lost a specified amount within a timeframe. This provides an additional safety net beyond deposit limits.
Set maximum session durations after which you will be automatically logged out. Reality checks display pop-ups showing how long you have been playing and your win/loss status.
Take short breaks from gambling with cooling-off periods lasting 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. During this time, you cannot access the casino but your account is not closed.
For longer breaks, self-exclusion closes your account for a minimum of six months. You cannot reopen it during this period. For comprehensive protection, use GAMSTOP to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites simultaneously.
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, these UK organisations provide free, confidential support:
Free information, support and counselling for anyone affected by gambling. 24/7 helpline and live chat available.
Treatment, support and advice hub promoting responsible gambling and helping those harmed by gambling.
Free self-exclusion scheme to stop you gambling with all UKGC-licensed online gambling companies.
Fellowship of people who share experience, strength and hope to recover from gambling addiction.
If you are worried about someone else's gambling, you are not alone. Supporting a loved one with gambling problems can be challenging. GamCare offers specific support for friends and family members of problem gamblers through their helpline and online forum.
Remember that you cannot force someone to stop gambling - they need to recognise the problem themselves. However, you can encourage them to seek help, avoid lending them money for gambling, and look after your own mental health during this difficult time.
Gambling should be fun. If it stops being enjoyable or starts causing problems in your life, it is time to step back. There is no shame in asking for help, and effective support is available. Taking control of your gambling is always the right decision.