If you've opened this page because gambling has stopped feeling like entertainment, you're in the right place. Vegashero is committed to keeping play safe and enjoyable, and there are practical tools and free support available to help you stay in control.
Why responsible gambling matters
Gambling works as entertainment when it stays within limits you can afford—time and money both. The moment it starts solving other problems, filling gaps, or creating stress instead of relieving it, the balance has shifted. Recognising that early makes a real difference, and acting on it is easier than most people expect.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
Watch for these behaviours—they're warning signs, not judgements:
- Chasing losses by placing larger or more frequent bets than you planned
- Borrowing money, using credit, or dipping into savings meant for bills to fund play
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you've spent
- Neglecting work, responsibilities, or relationships because gambling takes priority
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you're not playing
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve low mood, rather than for enjoyment
Questions worth asking yourself
A short self-check can clarify where you stand. Answer honestly:
- Do you gamble with money you can't afford to lose?
- Have you ever lied about your gambling to someone close to you?
- Do you feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts to get the same feeling?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Does gambling interfere with your work, studies, or family time?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape worry, guilt, or depression?
- After losing, do you return another day to try to win it back?
If you answered yes to several of these, it's worth reaching out for support. You don't have to manage this alone.
Our control tools
We offer two direct options to help you manage or pause your play. Self-exclusion closes your account for a fixed period—you choose the length, and during that time you cannot reverse it or open a new account. It's a firm boundary when you need one. Taking a break is a shorter, flexible pause: you can step away for days or weeks, and the account stays closed until the period ends. Both are confidential, instant, and free to use. Contact our support team at [email protected] to activate either option.
Practical limits that work
Small, concrete actions can keep gambling within safe boundaries:
- Set a deposit limit before you start—decide on an amount you can afford to lose, and stop when you reach it.
- Use a session timer or alarm on your phone to cap how long you play in one sitting.
- Never gamble on credit, and keep a separate bank account for bills and essentials that gambling money never touches.
- Avoid gambling when you're tired, upset, or under the influence—decisions made in those states rarely go well.
- Balance gambling with other activities—if it's the only thing filling your free time, that's a warning sign.
- Talk to someone you trust about your limits, and ask them to check in with you now and then.
Where to get help in the UK
Free, confidential support is available around the clock, and you don't need to be in crisis to use it:
- GamCare offers counselling, advice, and peer support. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7).
- BeGambleAware provides information, self-assessment tools, and guidance on getting help.
- GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for a period you choose—six months, one year, or five years.
- Gordon Moody runs residential treatment programmes and online support for people with serious gambling problems.
Blocking software
Gamban and BetBlocker are apps that block gambling sites and apps across all your devices. BetBlocker is free and works on computers, tablets, and phones. Both run in the background and can't be easily bypassed once installed.
Protecting minors
Access to this site is restricted to those aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone under 18, parental control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block gambling sites and monitor activity. Keep login details private, and log out after every session.
For questions about our responsible gambling tools, contact [email protected]. Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore.
This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+). If gambling ever stops feeling like entertainment, free and confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.