Is there free help in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland too?

Yes. The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 covers the whole of the UK, and GamCare's partner network offers free counselling across all four nations.

Will blocking software stop offshore sites?

Tools such as Gamban and BetBlocker block lists of gambling sites on your devices regardless of where the operator is licensed, which makes them more useful than GAMSTOP against offshore casinos.

Responsible gambling — help for players in the UK

Gambling should be something you can stop without effort. If it is not, here is where to turn — and which tools still work when the casino is offshore.

Warning signs

Spending more time or money than you meant to, more than once.
Chasing losses, or playing on to reach a cashback or bonus threshold.
Borrowing, using credit or overdraft, or selling things to gamble.
Hiding your gambling from people close to you.
Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you are not playing.

Free, confidential help in the UK

National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) — 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day, or live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org for advice and treatment options near you.
NHS gambling clinics — including the National Problem Gambling Clinic in London and NHS Northern Gambling Service. You can refer yourself.
Gamblers Anonymous — free peer-support meetings throughout the UK, with GamAnon for family and friends.

GAMSTOP — and its limits here

GAMSTOP excludes you from every Gambling Commission-licensed online operator at once. It is free and works well for UK sites. It does not cover Mad Casino or any other offshore operator. If you rely on GAMSTOP, add the tools below.

Tools that work against offshore sites

Gamban and BetBlocker — blocking software for phones and computers. BetBlocker is free.
Bank gambling blocks — many UK banks and card providers offer a block in their app that stops gambling card payments, often with a delay before it can be removed.
Operator self-exclusion — ask Mad Casino support to close your account for a fixed period. It applies only to that site.

Setting limits if you do play

Set a deposit limit before the first deposit. Set a session reminder. Keep a written note of what you have deposited this month in pounds. Stop when the budget is gone, and never top up to win it back.