Three steps to stop gambling
TalkBanStop has a three-step process to help you stop gambling and maintain a successful recovery journey. You can choose to do one or multiple steps of the process, depending on what’s right for you.
With TalkBanStop’s free tools, you can:
Watch GAMSTOP's intro video (1 min 16 secs)
Watch GAMSTOP's intro video (1 min 16 secs)
1. Talk – contact the National Gambling Helpline
If you're worried about how gambling is making you, or someone else feel, get in touch with a trained Gamcare adviser from the National Gambling Helpline. They’re always ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will not judge you, and can offer free advice, information and emotional support.
You can contact the National Gambling Helpline below:
2. Ban – get gambling blocking software
If you or someone you know is struggling to stay in control of gambling online, gambling blocking software, such as Gamban, might help. A gambling blocker can be used as a first step to reducing gambling and getting the support you need.
Gambling software blocks can be downloaded onto your phone, tablet, or computer. It limits access to websites, apps, and other services available online.
Gambling-specific blocking software you can use includes:
Some device and internet providers also allow you to set restrictions without needing to download software. You can find out more about this by contacting your device or internet provider.
If you need help understanding which product is best for you, reach out to the National Gambling Helpline. They can also help you get free access to the Gamban app.
2. Ban – get gambling blocking software
3. Stop – try self-exclusion
If you think you’re spending too much time or money gambling, you can volunteer to ban yourself from in-person or online gambling for a set length of time. This is called self-exclusion.
In this time, you will not be able to gamble within the company's venue, or on their website or app. This is usually between six months and five years.
By law, gambling companies must offer you the option to self-exclude.
A lot of people who are experiencing an escalation of harms, also known as gambling addiction, find that excluding themselves from gambling is a useful step towards taking control of their gambling. It can lead to less time and money spent gambling, and less negative feelings about it.
How to self-exclude
There are several ways you can exclude yourself from gambling.
How you self-exclude from gambling will depend on whether you want to self-exclude from:
- several gambling companies at once
- a single gambling operator
Self-exclusion from online gambling
GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion app that will block you from logging into, or setting up accounts with, all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. You can register to be excluded for six months, one year, or five years.
84% of people who used GAMSTOP to self-exclude say they felt safer from gambling harms and more in control of their gambling.
GAMSTOP is only available for UK residents.
Self-exclusion from multiple gambling companies
You can self-exclude from several gambling operators at the same time. These schemes are free, and registration is quick and easy.
Self-exclusion from one website or app
If you want to self-exclude from one website or app:
1. Go to the website or app
2. Find a page called ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Safer Gambling’
3. Follow the instructions for self-exclusion
If you cannot see how to self-exclude, contact the company’s customer services.
Self-exclusion from one arcade, betting shop or casino
If you want to self-exclude from an arcade, betting shop or casino you should visit the venue and speak to staff. You should let them know you want to self-exclude.
You should:
- take some identification and passport size photos with you
- get a copy of the completed self-exclusion form for your records
- try not to take any money or bank cards with you so you cannot gamble
Other ways to stay in control of your gambling
If you're trying to quit gambling, the amount of gambling advertising you see could make it more difficult.
To make your journey to stopping gambling as successful as possible, you can also try to limit the gambling ads that you see on:
- social media channels
- websites you visit
