Deposit limits
Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month. Decreases apply immediately; increases are subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period under UKGC rules.
Free, confidential help is available — 24 hours a day
Sports betting can be a fun part of watching live sport. For some people it stops being fun. If gambling is hurting you, someone close to you, or your finances, please reach out — the help below is free, confidential and works.
0808 8020 133National Gambling Helpline · 24/7 · free
Warning signs to look out for
Problem gambling rarely starts with one bad bet. It usually creeps in via small habits that add up. If two or more of the following apply to you (or to someone you live with), please consider speaking to one of the support services on this page.
- Spending more than you can afford to lose
- Borrowing money or selling things to fund gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety or low mood
- Hiding the amount you gamble from people close to you
- Chasing losses or trying to win it back
- Gambling causing arguments at home or work
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Lying to family members or therapists about gambling
Tools every UKGC sportsbook must offer you
The UK Gambling Commission requires every licensed sportsbook to provide all of the following tools, free of charge, to every customer. ExpertBetUK will never list a brand that fails to make these tools easy to find and use.
Loss limits
Cap how much you can lose during a defined period. The operator must block further play once you reach the limit.
Reality checks
Pop-up reminders that show you how long you have been playing and your net result. Available on slots and live casino by default.
Time-outs
Pause your account for 24 hours up to 6 weeks. You cannot reverse a time-out once it has started.
Self-exclusion
Block your account for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Combine with GAMSTOP to cover every UKGC-licensed online operator at once.
Affordability checks
Operators are required to assess whether your gambling is affordable. Co-operating with these checks protects you and the wider industry.
Where to get help — UK
Every organisation listed here is independent of ExpertBetUK and of any sportsbook. None of these links are affiliate links.
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential support 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Speak to a trained adviser by phone or live chat.
GamCare
UK leading provider of free information, advice and support for problem gambling. Group and one-to-one treatment available.
BeGambleAware
Independent charity providing safer gambling tools, self-assessment quizzes, and a directory of treatment providers.
GAMSTOP
Free national online self-exclusion scheme. Block yourself from every UKGC-licensed online operator in one step for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope to help each other recover from problem gambling.
Citizens Advice
Free, impartial advice on gambling-related debt, housing problems and benefits. Local offices across the UK.
Tips for staying in control
- Set a budget before you place a single bet — and treat it as the cost of entertainment.
- Set a deposit limit with the operator the moment you sign up. Decreases are immediate.
- Don't chase losses. Statistically, betting more after a losing run does not improve your chances of winning back what you lost.
- Take regular time-outs. Even short breaks (a single weekend) reset your perspective.
- Never gamble while under stress, intoxicated, or to escape low mood.
- Talk to someone. Telling a partner, friend or adviser about your gambling dramatically improves the odds of staying in control.
Need to speak to someone now? You can also visit our contact page. ExpertBetUK does not provide clinical or financial advice — please contact one of the regulated services above.