Getting Help
If gambling is causing you harm, help is free and confidential. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7) or visit BeGambleAware.org.
This site covers non-Gamstop sites, which sit outside the UK's main consumer-protection framework. That makes responsible gambling more important here, not less.
GamStop & Self-Exclusion
GamStop is the UK's free self-exclusion scheme. Registering blocks you from every UKGC-licensed site for six months, one year or five years, and the minimum term cannot be cancelled early. Non-Gamstop sites aren't part of it — so if you self-excluded to protect yourself, using them undermines that decision.
Blocking Tools That Reach Offshore Sites
Account-level limits cover one account. The tools that behave the way GamStop behaves — across everything at once, including offshore sites — are device-level blockers.
| Tool | What it does | Devices | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GamStop | Blocks UKGC sites | Account-based | Free |
| Gamban | Blocks gambling sites/apps incl. offshore | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Free via GamCare |
| BetBlocker | Blocks gambling sites incl. offshore | Multiple devices | Free |
| GamBlock | Blocks gambling content | Windows, Mac, mobile | Paid |
Staying in Control
- Set deposit, loss and session limits before you play.
- Never chase losses or gamble to solve money problems.
- Only stake what you can comfortably afford to lose.
- Take regular breaks; don't gamble when stressed or under the influence.
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
Where to Get Help
- BeGambleAware.org — advice and self-assessment
- GamCare — National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (24/7)
- NHS National Gambling Support Network — free treatment and talking therapies
- Gambling Therapy — global online support
- Gamblers Anonymous — peer support groups
James Halloran
Senior iGaming Analyst · fact-checked by Charlotte Hughes
James has spent over a decade reviewing online casinos and bookmakers across both the UK-licensed and offshore markets. He reads the wagering terms before the headline, tests every recommended site with a real deposit and withdrawal, and would rather flag a slow payout than bury it. More about the team and how we rate.