Legalcasino’s Tips for Safer Gambling
First and foremost, there are two key tips you should remember with every spin:
- Gamble for entertainment, not income. While occasional winnings can be a bonus, your primary goal should always be enjoyment.
- Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. When the money at stake becomes something you’re emotionally tied to, the risk outweighs the fun.
You might think these warnings don’t apply to you, but no one is immune to gambling addiction. It can develop gradually and silently, regardless of background or experience. That’s why it's important to use special tools to maintain control.
Responsible Gambling Tools
To help keep you safe, licensed casinos provide dedicated features in your account settings. Here are some of the most useful:
A deposit limit lets you set a cap on how much you can transfer within a given time frame—daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you hit your limit, you won’t be able to add more funds to your account until the set time has passed. Adjusting your limit is simple. Lowering it takes effect immediately. Increasing it, however, usually requires a waiting period to prevent impulsive changes. This safeguard ensures that the system works as intended.
Many gambling platforms send you notifications to let you know how long you’ve been active—typically every hour. These reminders help you stay aware of the time spent gambling and make it easier to step away when needed. While often automatically enabled, some websites allow you to adjust the frequency.
If gambling becomes problematic, you can choose to self-exclude from one or more sites. Every UK-licensed casino is legally required to offer this option. This tool will lock your account for a set period—or permanently—and block access to creating new ones on the same platform.
However, self-exclusion from one site doesn’t stop you from joining others. For a more comprehensive block, consider GAMSTOP, which restricts access across multiple platforms.
Self-Assessment Quiz
Staying safe while gambling is a shared responsibility, but it begins with you. Only you truly know what you can afford to lose and how much time you’re comfortable spending on gambling. That’s why self-assessment is essential. Ask yourself the following questions—and answer honestly:
- How often do you gamble?
- Do you ever place bets spontaneously, without planning?
- How do you feel after a loss?
- Have you ever prioritised gambling over time with friends or family?
- Have you hidden losses or lied about your gambling?
- Do you chase your losses in an attempt to win back money?
- Why do you gamble in the first place?
If any of these questions raise concerns, take action. Read on to find out where to turn for help.
Responsible Gambling Database
Gambling should always remain enjoyable. If you ever feel it’s becoming a source of stress, anxiety, or conflict, it’s time to step back. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Recognising a problem is a sign of strength, and support is always available. We do recommend the following expert organisations for guidance, support, and solutions:
- BeGambleAware.org (call 0808 8020 133): Offers confidential support for anyone concerned about gambling, including family members and friends.
- GAMSTOP.co.uk: Lets you block access to gambling websites and apps in Great Britain. Once you sign up, you won’t be able to use them for the time you choose.
- Gamblock.com: A paid service that blocks access to gambling websites and apps. Aimed at helping users remove temptation entirely.
- Gamblers Anonymous (call 0330 094 0322): Peer support from others who understand the challenges of gambling addiction. Meetings are held across the UK.
- Gordonmoody.org.uk: Provides tailored treatment, including residential programmes, for individuals struggling with gambling problems.
- Stepchange.org: Free debt advice and long-term financial planning support. Ideal for those dealing with gambling-related money issues.