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Responsible Gambling: Warning Signs, Tools and Help

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Responsible gambling warning signs, blocking tools and helplines

18+ only. Last checked: 4 October 2026

Gambling is paid entertainment, not a way to earn money. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so the longer you play, the more likely you are to end up behind. Only stake money you can afford to lose, the way you would pay for a night out, and never money meant for rent, bills or debts. You must be 18 or older, and above the legal gambling age where you live.

When the casino you were looking for does not exist

Many people reach this site looking for Ruby Royal codes or a Ruby Royal login. As our login page explains, there is no Ruby Royal casino to log in to. Bonus-code pages that use the name usually send you on to a different casino. A missing casino is a natural moment to stop and ask whether you want to play at all. If you do move to another site, set its limits before your first deposit, not after a loss.

Warning signs

  • You spend more money or time than you planned, or keep raising your stakes to get the same excitement.
  • You chase losses by betting again to win back what you have lost.
  • You borrow money, sell things or skip bills to gamble.
  • You hide your gambling from family or friends, or lie about how much you spend.
  • You feel restless, irritable or low when you try to cut down.
  • Gambling crowds out sleep, work, study or time with people close to you.
  • You gamble to escape stress, boredom or other problems.

If any of these sound familiar, take a break now and talk to someone.

Tools that help

  • Deposit limits. Licensed casinos usually let you set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits in your account. Set them before you play.
  • Time-out and self-exclusion. A time-out blocks your account for a short period. Self-exclusion closes it for months or longer. Ask the casino how long each option lasts and whether it covers its sister sites.
  • Gambling blocks at your bank. Some banks and card issuers let you block gambling payments in their app. Ask yours whether it offers this.
  • Blocking software. BetBlocker is free software from a registered Scottish charity. It blocks gambling websites and apps on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS, and you can schedule blocks in advance (betblocker.org). Gamban is a paid blocker for all major platforms (gamban.com).

A blocker works best alongside self-exclusion, because one casino's self-exclusion does not stop you signing up somewhere else.

Where to get help

  • GamCare: National Gambling Helpline (UK). Call 0808 8020 133. The line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day. gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamblers Anonymous. Free mutual-support meetings, no appointment needed. You can find a meeting on the website or call 0330 094 0322. gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Help in the other countries this site covers:

In other countries, look for the national gambling or addiction helpline. Your doctor can also refer you to support.