Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to make money, solve money problems or win back what you have already lost. If it has stopped feeling like a pastime, help is available. The services are free and confidential, and their details are listed above, so you can call or write whenever you need to.
Warning signs and what to do
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you notice any of these:
- you spend more time or money on gambling than you planned
- you find it hard to stop once you have started
- you feel you must chase losses to get back to where you were
- you hide your gambling from family or friends
- you feel restless or irritable when you are not gambling
- you gamble to escape stress, worry or low mood
If you recognise several of these, stop for now. Set your gambling aside for a while, and tell someone you trust how you feel. You do not need to have everything worked out before you call. GamCare runs a free National Gambling Helpline, and its advisers can talk through your situation with you.
Tools to stay in control
UK-licensed operators must offer a set of player protection tools. These include deposit limits, reality checks that show how long you have been playing and how much you have spent, time-outs for a short break, and self-exclusion for a longer period. Using these tools early is far easier than using them after a bad run.
GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion scheme. When you register, you are blocked from all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once. Registration is at gamstop.co.uk.
Two further steps work on any site. Your bank or banking app may let you block gambling payments on your card or account. You can also install blocking software on your phone or computer to limit access to gambling websites and apps.
These protections come from the rules for licensed operators. Betti does not hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission, so those rules and GAMSTOP do not cover it. You can check the Commission's public register yourself at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. If you want to limit your activity at Betti, ask its support team directly what tools it offers, and use a bank-level block on gambling payments.
If someone close to you is affected
If you are worried about a family member or friend, start with a calm conversation at a quiet time. Describe specific things you have noticed, such as missing money or changes in mood, rather than making accusations. Avoid blame, and do not expect one talk to fix things.
You can also contact a helpline yourself. GamCare's support services are available to families and partners of people who gamble, and advisers can help you decide what to say and what to do next. Taking care of your own wellbeing matters too, and the same free services are there for you.