Safe Path — Responsible Gambling

Free tools, helplines, and self-exclusion resources for UK bettors. No affiliate links in this section.

Know the Signs

Gambling problems can develop gradually and affect anyone, regardless of how experienced they are with betting. Common indicators that gambling may have become harmful include:

  • Spending more money on betting than you intended or can afford
  • Betting to recover previous losses ("chasing losses")
  • Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not betting
  • Neglecting work, relationships, or health to gamble
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund betting

Experiencing one or more of these signs does not mean you have a gambling disorder, but it does suggest a review of your gambling habits may be beneficial.

Free Tools Available from UKGC-Licensed Operators

Every operator listed on AvonPunt is required by UKGC licence conditions to provide the following responsible gambling tools free of charge:

  • Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on the amount you can deposit. Reductions take effect immediately; increases require a 24-hour waiting period.
  • Loss limits: Cap the amount you can lose over a chosen period. Applied in the same way as deposit limits.
  • Session time limits: Set an alarm or automatic log-out after a chosen duration. Required under UKGC Technical Standards.
  • Reality checks: On-screen prompts at intervals you select, showing how long you have been logged in and your net session result.
  • Self-exclusion (single operator): Exclude yourself from one operator for a minimum of six months. Cannot be lifted early once applied.
  • Cool-off / time-out: A shorter self-exclusion (1 day to 6 weeks) for temporary breaks from betting.

GamStop — National Self-Exclusion

GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion register. A single registration excludes you from all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators simultaneously, for a minimum of six months, one year, or five years. All operators listed on AvonPunt are enrolled with GamStop and check the register before processing registrations or deposits.

To register: visit gamstop.co.uk (takes approximately five minutes). Your exclusion becomes active within 24 hours of registration.

Support Organisations

GamCare

The leading provider of free information, support, and counselling for people affected by problem gambling in Great Britain.

Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)

Visit GamCare

BeGambleAware

Charity providing a national online and telephone helpline, self-assessment tools, and referrals to local treatment services.

Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Visit BeGambleAware

Gamblers Anonymous

Peer support fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problem.

Find a meeting

Gordon Moody

Specialist residential treatment for gambling addiction, including digital detox programmes and family support services.

Visit Gordon Moody

Blocking Software

Browser-level blocking tools provide an additional layer of protection alongside operator and GamStop exclusions. Tools available to UK users include:

  • Gamban: Blocks gambling across devices, including mobile apps. Subscription-based; discounts available via GamCare.
  • BetBlocker: Free to install; blocks access to registered gambling sites on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
  • GamBlock: Professional-grade blocking software used by GamCare counsellors; blocks gambling transactions and advertising.

Under 18?

If you are under 18 and have accessed this site in error, please close this page immediately. If you are concerned about an under-18 gambling, the GamCare Young People service provides specialist support: call 0808 8020 133 and ask for the young people's service.