Safer Gambling
Responsible Gaming Comes First
Gambling should only ever be entertainment. These tools and tips help you stay in control — and free, confidential help is always available.
National Gambling Helpline — free, confidential, 24/7
0808 8020 133Free, confidential information, advice and support for anyone worried about gambling.

Runs the National Gambling Helpline — 0808 8020 133, free and open 24/7, plus live chat.

Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

Specialist residential and online treatment programmes for people affected by gambling harm.
Last updated: 5 November 2026
Our Commitment
Crown Social Play is a free-to-play social casino: there is no real money and there are no prizes. But casino-style games can still take up a lot of time, and for some people they can lead towards real-money gambling. That is why our site is for adults aged 18 and over only, and why we put safer play messages and support links on every page.
Healthy Habits for Free Play
- Set a time limit before you start and take regular breaks.
- Remember that credits are virtual — a "win" in a demo game means nothing in the real world.
- Practice or success at social casino gaming does not imply future success at real-money gambling.
- Notice if free play is making you want to gamble with real money — and talk to someone if it is.
- Keep gaming one hobby among many, not the only one.
If You Gamble With Real Money Elsewhere
These golden rules can help you stay in control:
- Only gamble if you are 18 or over.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose — never money meant for bills, rent or essentials.
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start, and stop when you reach either one.
- Never chase losses or try to win back what you have spent.
- Do not gamble when you are stressed, low, upset or have been drinking.
- Take regular breaks and balance gambling with other hobbies and activities.
- Never treat gambling as a source of income or a way to solve financial problems.
Tools Every UK-Licensed Gambling Site Must Offer
- Spending limits — cap how much you can spend each day, week or month. Decreases take effect immediately; increases have a cooling-off period.
- Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing.
- Time-outs — take a short break from your account, from 24 hours up to six weeks.
- Self-exclusion — close your account for six months or longer. For all UK sites at once, use GAMSTOP.
- Account history — review your activity and spending at any time.
Is Gambling Still Fun for You? A Quick Self-Check
Answer these questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to any of them, consider reaching out for support:
- Do you spend more time or more than you intended on gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape stress, boredom or other problems?
- Have you tried to win back losses by gambling more?
- Have you borrowed or sold things in order to gamble?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down?
- Have you hidden your gambling from friends or family?
- Has gambling caused problems with work, studies or relationships?
For a fuller self-assessment, try the free tools at BeGambleAware.org.
Blocking Software
Free and paid apps such as Gamban, BetBlocker and Betfilter can block gambling websites and apps across your devices.
Protecting Children and Young People
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18. If children use your devices, install parental controls such as Net Nanny, Qustodio or your device's built-in family settings. Never leave gambling accounts logged in, and never share your login details.
Supporting Someone Else
If someone close to you is struggling, GamCare and GamFam offer free support for family members and friends. Talking openly, without judgement, is often the first step.
Need to Talk Now?
Call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133 (24/7), or contact our team if you would like help finding the right service.
