Responsible gambling
Last updated 31 August 2026
Betting loses money more often than it makes it
That is not a disclaimer, it is arithmetic. Bookmakers price their markets with a margin built in, so the average bettor loses over time. We publish the fair price we calculate and the best price we can find, which narrows that margin. It does not remove it, and it does not make betting a way to earn money.
Rules worth keeping
- Never bet money you cannot afford to lose completely.
- Decide what you will stake before you start, and stop when you reach it.
- Do not increase your stakes to recover a loss. This is the single most common way people get into serious trouble.
- Do not bet to escape stress, boredom or low mood.
- Do not borrow to bet.
- Take regular breaks, and keep track of the time and money you spend.
Signs it has stopped being fun
Betting more than you planned. Hiding it from people close to you. Chasing losses. Feeling anxious or irritable when you are not betting. Borrowing money, or missing work, sleep or commitments because of it. If any of that sounds familiar, please talk to one of the services below. They are free and confidential.
Where to get help
- BeGambleAware, free confidential advice and a 24 hour helpline (UK).
- GamCare, support, treatment and a live chat service (UK).
- Gambling Therapy, free support worldwide in multiple languages.
- Gamblers Anonymous, meetings in most countries.
Self exclusion and blocking
Most bookmakers let you set deposit limits, take a timeout, or self exclude for a fixed period. You can also block gambling sites on your devices with software such as Gamban or BetBlocker, and many banks can block gambling transactions on your card. If you want to stop, use these tools rather than relying on willpower alone.
