Safer Gambling

What Safer Gambling Means

Safer Gambling is a way for players to enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment without risking harm. It’s not about rules or judgment. It’s about awareness, balance, and using tools designed to support you. This includes not only casino safer gambling tools, but also setting limits and ensuring that gambling remains a fun and safe activity. 

It’s essential to note that these tools are not intended for self-diagnosis, and clinical information should be obtained through reputable organisations such as GambleAware or the NHS Gambling Help. 

Remember that you must be over the age of 18 to gamble in the UK, and you should only ever play with sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission to ensure your protection as a player.

Safer Play Habits (Practical Strategies)

By being aware of how you play, players can reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. The ideas below can help you maintain control to ensure that gambling remains a form of entertainment, rather than an emotional or financial burden. 

• Set a weekly budget: Decide in advance how much you are comfortable spending and try to stick to it. It’s best to spend only from your disposable income once your essential expenses are covered. 
• Pick time limits and reality checks: Before you start your session, decide on how long you will play. Using the in-app tools can help you stick to these limits. Reality checks are notifications that pop up at set intervals to remind you of your activity. 
• Choose your payment and withdrawal preferences: Avoid gambling with money you don’t have. The UK banned the use of credit cards for gambling to protect players from debt. Some platforms may offer an auto withdrawal function, which pays out any winnings at the end of your session to avoid the temptation of using your winnings to keep playing. 
• Pause when you’re upset, tired, or under the influence: Your emotional state can significantly impact your decision-making. For example, if you’re stressed or upset, gambling can become an escape, which can then lead to impulsive and high-risk betting. Similarly, if you’re tired or under the influence, your ability to make a rational decision decreases, and self-control can be reduced. 
• Balance gambling with other activities: Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial, and a positive way to do this is to plan enjoyable activities in your free time. This could be as simple as meeting up with friends for a coffee or starting a new hobby. 
• Take a break when needed: Losses are a regular part of gambling. Chasing these losses can quickly increase the risk of harm. If you notice the temptation to keep playing, take a step back and give yourself at least 24 hours before deciding whether to continue.

Limits & Controls (Operator Tools)

Alongside managing how you play, online casino sites have several tools available to support you in playing safely.

Deposit, loss, and wager limits

You can set limits on the amount you want to spend, lose, and wager within any given timeframe. By setting these limits, you can remain aware of your play and ensure it stays enjoyable.

Session limits and reality checks

To help you keep track of your playtime, session limits can be set. This tool allows you to set the maximum playtime for a single session. Reality checks, on the other hand, send you a pop-up notification to provide a summary of your game time and balance. 

Time-outs and self-exclusion

If you need a break, you can take a time-out period, which allows you to pause your account for a few days, weeks, or even a few months. During this time, you won’t be able to deposit funds, place bets or play games. 

Compared to time-outs, self-exclusion is a more long-term commitment that you can arrange directly with the operator, and it can last anywhere from six months to a permanent period. Once this is agreed, the operator, by law, must take the necessary steps to ensure that players are unable to access their accounts or create new ones. 

Device-Level Protections

Players can use several device-level protections to limit or block access to gambling sites. Unlike the safer gambling tools provided by an operator, these tools are managed by the players themselves. 

Blocking and filters

Gambling-specific blockers and filters are designed to block gambling-related sites and applications. Once installed on your device, these tools utilise a blocklist of gambling websites and apps that you input yourself. Well-known options include BetBlocker and Gamban.   

App & site restrictions

Using your device’s built-in controls is an easy way to restrict access to online gambling sites and apps, in-app purchases, and similar categories. On iOS devices, you can use the ‘Screen Time’ feature to filter web content, prevent the download of gambling apps and delete existing ones, and restrict the download of apps and games that use in-app purchases. For Android devices, ‘Google Play Parental Controls’ allows you to do the same. These tools come at no extra cost as they are built into your device. They also allow you to set separate passwords, meaning you can ask a trusted person to manage these settings on your behalf.

Browser settings

By adjusting your browser settings, you can make gambling feel less impulsive. For example, if you remove autofill payment details from your browser, you add an extra step when making a deposit, giving you additional time to reconsider and make informed decisions.

Session reminders

Session reminders mean adding calendar reminders and timers to your session to help you take a break or stop playing. This can be done through setting a timer or adding an event to your device calendar.

Banking & Payments Safety

Setting financial boundaries is an integral part of safer gambling, helping you manage spending in a way that feels comfortable and keep your winnings secure.

Bank gambling-block features 

Most UK banks now offer a feature that allows you to block transactions to gambling operators. This can be a helpful way to manage your spending and add an extra layer of protection. Some banks that offer gambling-block features include: 

• Bank of Scotland
• Barclays
• Halifax
• HSBC
• Lloyds Bank
• MBNA
• Monzo
• NatWest
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Santander
• Starling

Separate spending accounts

Using a separate prepaid or secondary card specifically for gambling can help you set clear boundaries and stay within your chosen budget.

Withdrawal practices

If you have winnings, a good step is to remove them from your gaming account as soon as possible to reduce the temptation to re-deposit them. To do this, you could enable auto-withdraw, avoid reversal windows and transfer your winnings to a non-gambling account. 

Recognising Early Warning Signs

Being aware of small changes in how you gamble can help you recognise when it might be time to pause or reach out for support.

• Chasing your losses 
• Breaking your own rules
• Borrowing to gamble or taking out payday loans 
• Opening new e-wallets/cards 
• Skipping social plans/meals/work 
• Lying about where you have been and how much you’ve spent 
• Irritability when not gambling
• Using work devices to gamble 
• Using gambling as a way to cope with low moods, loneliness or stress
• Switching sites to dodge limits
• Feeling unable to stop once you start

If you think that gambling is starting to have a negative impact on your life, reach out to GambleAware or GamCare for 24/7 free support. Check out our guide on Experiencing Gambling Harms for further guidance.

Supporting Friends or Family

If you’re concerned that a friend or family member might be affected by gambling, having a supportive and empathetic approach can make a real difference. Here are a few ways you can offer support:

• Do: Listen without judgment, set boundaries, share helpful resources, and protect shared finances.
• Don’t: Offering money to cover losses or using judgmental language.

For further information, be sure to read GambleAware’s guide on how you can help someone who gambles. 

Understanding Product Risk 

Although many products have features that are designed to help reduce risks, some gambling products carry higher risks due to the way they’re created. Recognising these features can help you choose safer options.

Examples of higher-risk features include:

• Fast game cycles: Games that allow you to place many bets or spins per minute can make it easy to spend more time or money than you intended.
• Autoplay or quickspin options: The autoplay feature eliminates the need for players to spin manually, while the quickspin mode accelerates the animations to make the game faster. Some features (e.g., autoplay/accelerators) are restricted in the UK; instead, choose slower settings and take regular breaks.
• Continuous markets: This includes frequent cash-out options, which remove any natural breaks during playtime, making it easier to play for longer without noticing.
• Multi-screen play: Playing multiple games simultaneously may sound like a good way to increase your winning chances, but it can make it harder to monitor your spending across multiple games. 
• Always on access: Having access to gambling 24/7 and on your mobile device makes it difficult to maintain a balance between day-to-day life and gambling. 
• High variance/volatility products: High volatility games are ones that payout large sums, but less frequently. Having a long losing run can lead to the urge to chase your losses. 

Before you play, you might find this safer-choice helpful checklist:   

• Pace: Look for games that have a slower pace, giving you more time to decide before each bet. 
• Stakes: How high are the stakes? Look for games with lower stakes, as this limits the potential for larger losses. 
• Session length: Does this game have a defined session length, such as a set number of rounds? Playing games with a natural start and end can help you manage your gaming time effectively.   
• Social context: Finally, try to avoid playing in an isolating environment. Playing in a social setting or with a friend can help you stay aware of your play. This can help you take more breaks and reduce the likelihood of impulsive betting. 

Using Casino Bonuses Safely

At first glance, casino bonuses can seem like free money, but they always come with a set of rules that affect how they work. Before using bonuses and opting for it, take a moment to understand what the terms and conditions entail. If the bonus does not fit within your limits or the rules feel unclear, it’s okay to skip it. 

Before you accept 

Before opting into a casino bonus, review a few key details to understand exactly how the offer works:

• Wagering requirements: These outline the total amount you need to bet before you can withdraw any winnings. As an example, if the wagering requirement is 35x on a £100 bonus, you need to bet £3500 before you can cash out. Remember to check if the wagering requirement applies to just the bonus. If it applies to the deposit and bonus, it can cause the process to take longer to complete.
• Time limits: All bonuses will have a deadline attached to them. If you don’t meet the wagering requirements before the deadline, you’ll lose the bonus and any winnings from this bonus. Be mindful of offers that expire within 24 hours, as they often require faster play.
• Maximum bet while wagering: Some bonuses may have a max bet when the bonus is active. Betting more than this amount can make the bonus null. 
• Game weighting and excluded games: Please note that not all games contribute equally to wagering. More often than not, slot games contribute 100%, but other casino games may contribute considerably less or be excluded altogether. 
• Maximum cashout: Bonuses may cap the amount you can win. Be sure to check this because even if you win a larger amount, you will only be able to withdraw the maximum amount stated in the terms.
• Payment method and device exclusions: Certain bonuses are not available to players using specific payment methods (such as Skrill or Neteller). This is also the case with devices; some offers may be designed for players on particular devices, such as promotions for mobile casino app users. 
• Contribution order (real vs. bonus first): Check the order you will be playing with – is it your real funds or your bonus money? If you’re playing with your own money, you can withdraw your deposit and any winnings from it, but you may lose the bonus. 

While you play                      

If you’ve found a casino bonus that fits your requirements and seems fair, keeping these three points in mind can help you make the most out of it.

1. Avoid adding new deposits: Try not to deposit more money to chase losses or to meet wagering requirements. 
2. Check the max-bet limits: Remember to stay within the stated max-bet to avoid voiding the bonus. 
3. Play eligible games: Focus on playing games that contribute towards the wagering requirements. 

After you finish playing

No matter the outcome after you finish or the time ends, having a clear plan helps you stay in control. If you’ve met the wagering requirements, consider withdrawing your winnings or enabling auto-withdrawal, and try to avoid redepositing the winnings for at least 72 hours. If you are unable to complete the wagering requirements, record your loss in your budget tracker and take a break before deciding whether to play again. 

Support and Resources

For further support, services and resources, check out: 

• BeGambleAware: BeGambleAware is an independent charity that offers advice and resources to UK players. Contact number: 0808 8020 133
• BigDeal: BigDeal is part of GamCare and offers young people advice and guidance on gambling. Contact number: 0808 8020 133
• GamCare: GamCare offers free support and counselling to those facing problems with gambling. Contact number: 0808 8020 133 
• Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous is a place to share experiences and support with others who are experiencing the same problems. Contact number: 0330 094 0322. Contact email: [email protected]
• Gambling Therapy: Gambling Therapy is a global service offered by Gordon Moody to provide free advice and support to individuals affected by gambling. Contact email: [email protected]
• NHS Northern Gambling Service: The NHS Northern Gambling Service delivers support and treatment for gambling-related harms. Contact number: 03003001490. Contact email: [email protected] 
• BetBlocker: BetBlocker is a fully funded charity that offers a free service globally to restrict or block gambling applications on your devices. Contact email: [email protected]
• Gordon Moody: Gordon Moody can provide individuals with residential treatment and support for gambling-related harms. This is done in a safe and supported environment. Contact number: 01384 241292. Contact email: [email protected]  
• Gamban: Gamban helps those suffering from gambling-related harm to take control of addiction. This is done by blocking access to gambling websites and apps. Contact email: [email protected]
• GamBlock: GamBlock blocks gambling sites completely, even when individuals attempt to use a VPN or Tor. Contact email: [email protected]. 
• NetNanny: NetNanny utilises artificial intelligence to scan webpages, blocking any sites with harmful content. Contact email: [email protected]
• Take Time To Think: Take Time To Think is a national campaign designed to introduce players to safer gambling tools. Contact email: [email protected]

This list is not exhaustive and is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as an endorsement of any kind.

Disclaimer: This page has been written in accordance with the GambleAware Language Guide to ensure the content uses supportive, non-judgmental language when discussing gambling harms.

Co-author

Steven

Responsible Gambling Compliance Officer

Steven Gillis Vrolijk is the Compliance Officer of QMRA, which Casino Hawks is a member of.  An iGaming-specialist by training, Steven holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws, Private Law, and has worked in the iGaming industry since 2016.  Steven reviews our content to ensure it meets the UK Gambling Commission's requirements and the ASA/CAP codes, providing clear, fair, and transparent information, particularly regarding licensing and safer gambling messaging.