Betting should never be a way to make money or solve money problems. If you bet, keep it small, planned and occasional.
Simple rules
- You must be 18 or older.
- Decide a monthly budget before you bet and never top it up.
- Never chase losses with bigger stakes.
- Do not bet with borrowed money, savings or money meant for bills.
- Do not bet when you are upset, tired or drinking.
- Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
Warning signs
- You spend more than you planned, or hide how much you spend.
- You feel you need to win back what you lost.
- Betting causes arguments, debt or problems at work or study.
- You feel restless or irritable when you try to stop.
Getting help
If any of this sounds familiar, stop betting and talk to someone you trust. Most sportsbooks offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion in the account settings — use them. Free support and self-help tools are available from Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org) and GamCare (gamcare.org.uk), and a doctor or counsellor can refer you to local help.