Responsible Gaming
Last updated: 12 October 2026
Need to talk now? The National Gambling Helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day: call 0808 8020 133 or use live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. Crown & Punt only lists operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, all of which must offer safer gambling tools. This page explains how to use them and where to get help.
Simple rules for safer play
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose — never with money meant for bills, rent or food.
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start, and stick to them.
- Treat any losses as the cost of entertainment and never chase them.
- Don't gamble when you are stressed, low, or have been drinking.
- Take regular breaks and balance gambling with other activities.
- Never borrow money or use savings to gamble.
Tools every UK casino must offer
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can pay in each day, week or month.
- Time-outs — take a short break of anything from 24 hours to six weeks.
- Reality checks — pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing.
- Self-exclusion — close your account for six months or longer.
- Account history — see exactly how much you have deposited, won and lost.
Warning signs
It may be time to stop or seek support if you:
- Spend more money or time gambling than you intended.
- Chase losses or feel you need to win money back.
- Hide your gambling from family or friends, or lie about it.
- Borrow money, sell belongings or miss payments because of gambling.
- Feel anxious, irritable or guilty about gambling.
- Find gambling affecting your work, studies or relationships.
Free support in the UK
| Service | What it offers |
|---|---|
| GamCare | Runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) with phone and live chat support, 24/7. |
| GAMSTOP | Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps in a single step. |
| BeGambleAware | Advice, self-assessment tools and access to free treatment services. |
| Gambling Therapy | Free online support and counselling, available worldwide and in several languages. |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support meetings across the UK for anyone wanting to stop gambling. |
| GamAnon | Support for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling. |
Blocking software
Tools such as Gamban, BetBlocker and Net Nanny can stop gambling sites loading on your devices. Many UK banks also let you block gambling transactions directly from your banking app.
Protecting children
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If children use your devices, keep your login details private and consider parental control software. Our site is not aimed at anyone under 18.