Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be a leisure activity, not a source of income and not a way of managing difficult feelings. This page explains the tools available to UK players who want to gamble more safely – including the tools that work for non gamstop casinos, which are outside the UKGC's mandatory self-exclusion scheme.
If you need to talk to someone now: the National Gambling Helpline is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, on 0808 8020 133. Calls are free and confidential from any UK phone.
GamStop and its limits
GamStop is the UK's official self-exclusion register. Once you sign up, you cannot log into any UKGC-licensed online gambling site for the period you have chosen – six months, one year or five years. GamStop is a strong, industry-funded tool with one specific limitation: it only covers operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Non gamstop casinos are, by definition, licensed elsewhere, and GamStop cannot block them.
Tools that also cover non gamstop casinos
Three tools extend self-exclusion beyond the UKGC's list. Using them alongside GamStop is generally more effective than relying on any single one.
GAMBAN
GAMBAN is paid device-level software that blocks tens of thousands of gambling sites and apps, including offshore operators. It runs on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Once installed it is difficult to remove without a cooling-off period, which is intentional.
BetBlocker
BetBlocker is a free registered charity that provides worldwide device-level blocking. It covers both UKGC-licensed operators and non gamstop casinos. Because it is free, it is a good first step if you are unsure whether you need paid tools.
Bank-level blocks
Most UK banks – including Monzo, Starling, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and TSB – offer a gambling merchant block on debit and credit cards. Enable this in your banking app under card controls or spend limits. The block is not perfect (some crypto on-ramps are misclassified) but it removes friction from most impulse deposits.
Getting help
If you are worried about your gambling, or about someone else's gambling, several UK organisations offer free, confidential support.
GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline, an online chat service, and structured group programmes. The helpline number is 0808 8020 133 and it operates twenty-four hours a day.
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware is an independent charity that funds and coordinates gambling harm services in the UK. Their site is a good first stop for information and for finding local support in England, Wales and Scotland.
Gordon Moody
Gordon Moody provides residential treatment for people whose gambling has become severely harmful. Referrals are typically made through GamCare.
A note from the editorial team
We write about non gamstop casinos because they are part of the reality of the UK gambling market and readers deserve honest information about them. We would rather you had accurate information than none at all. But no editorial coverage on this site is a recommendation to gamble at any operator, and none of it is a substitute for the tools listed above if you feel you are losing control. If you are eighteen or older, please play responsibly. If you are under eighteen, please do not gamble.