Last updated: 9 October 2026
Gambling is a paid leisure activity with a negative expected return. It is not a source of income and not a solution to money problems. OtherPlay publishes research on casino operators and their sister sites, and that research carries the same limit: no brand or bonus on this site makes gambling safe.
Gambling is restricted to adults aged 18 or over. OtherPlay does not knowingly direct content at anyone under 18.
Staying in Control
Most players keep gambling within a budget. Several habits make that easier.
- Set a deposit limit before the first deposit and treat it as spent money.
- Fix a time limit for each session and stop when it ends.
- Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, food or debt repayments.
- Avoid gambling when tired, upset or under the influence of alcohol.
- Do not chase losses. A larger bet after a loss increases the expected cost, not the chance of recovery.
- Keep a record of deposits and withdrawals, so that total spend is visible.
Signs of Harm
Gambling harm often builds gradually. The following patterns are common early signs.
- Spending more money or time than planned.
- Borrowing money, or selling possessions, to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when not gambling.
- Returning to recover losses.
- Neglecting work, study or relationships.
One or more of these signs is a reason to pause and seek support. Help is free and confidential.
Support Services
- GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, open 24 hours a day, with online chat and support groups.
- BeGambleAware offers information, self-assessment tools and routes to treatment.
- GamStop is the free UK self-exclusion scheme for licensed online operators.
- Gamban provides software that blocks gambling sites and apps on a device.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK runs fellowship meetings for people who want to stop.
- Samaritans is available on 116 123 at any hour for anyone in distress.
Self-Exclusion and Sister Sites
Self-exclusion lets a player block access to gambling for a fixed period. GamStop applies it across operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so one registration covers every UKGC-licensed brand.
Sister sites that hold a licence from another jurisdiction, such as Curaçao, sit outside GamStop. A GamStop registration does not block them. Self-exclusion at one brand also does not reliably carry across the other brands an operator runs. A player who has excluded should treat any site outside the scheme as unprotected.
Players who want a block that covers offshore sites can use blocking software such as Gamban and set their own limits with their bank. Several UK banks let customers block gambling transactions on a debit card.
Operator Tools
UKGC-licensed operators must offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. Offshore operators may offer similar tools, but without the same regulatory oversight or access to UK dispute services. OtherPlay lists the tools each operator publishes on its profile page, and states where none are published.
Help for Family and Friends
Gambling harm affects the people around the player. GamCare and BeGambleAware both offer support for family members and friends, including advice on talking to someone about their gambling and protecting shared finances.
Age Restriction
Players must be aged 18 or over. Operators are required to verify age before allowing a player to gamble. Parents and guardians can use device-level controls and blocking software to keep children away from gambling sites.