Setting limits and taking breaks

Set boundaries before gambling

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set spending and time limits before starting. Treat limits as a ceiling, not a target, and do not chase losses.

Pause or self-exclude

If gambling is causing harm, stop and speak to a trusted person or a qualified health professional. Check operator closure and self-exclusion options, and ask your bank about available payment controls. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Talk to someone

If gambling is causing harm, stop and speak to a trusted person or a qualified health professional. Check operator closure and self-exclusion options, and ask your bank about available payment controls. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Choosing limits that work for you

Start with a monthly figure you could lose without affecting bills, savings or plans, then divide it into weekly or daily limits. Set the limit in your account before you deposit, not after. A time limit can be just as useful as a money limit, because longer sessions make it easier to lose track.

Reality checks show a pop-up after a set period with your time played and net position. Choose a short interval, such as 30 minutes, so you have regular moments to decide whether to continue.

Time-outs, self-exclusion and blocking

If gambling is causing harm, stop and speak to a trusted person or a qualified health professional. Check operator closure and self-exclusion options, and ask your bank about available payment controls. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Blocking software stops gambling sites and apps loading on your devices, and bank gambling blocks stop card payments to gambling merchants. Combining several tools gives stronger protection than relying on one.

Habits that help

Avoid gambling when you are stressed, low, tired or after drinking. Do not gamble to win back losses or to pay for something. Take regular breaks away from the screen, and keep gambling as one activity among many rather than the main way you relax.

Turn off marketing emails, texts and push notifications in your account and phone settings. Fewer prompts make it easier to stick to the plan you made.

If gambling stops feeling like entertainment

If gambling is causing harm, stop and speak to a trusted person or a qualified health professional. Check operator closure and self-exclusion options, and ask your bank about available payment controls. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Common questions

What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion? A time-out is a temporary break. Self-exclusion is intended to help you stop; duration and scope depend on the service.

Can I end a self-exclusion early? Check the service’s exclusion and reopening rules. Do not assume that an exclusion can be cancelled early.

Do limits apply across all my accounts? If gambling is causing harm, stop and speak to a trusted person or a qualified health professional. Check operator closure and self-exclusion options, and ask your bank about available payment controls. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Further wellbeing guidance