Alterplay
Alterplay

Responsible Gambling

Last reviewed: 12 October 2026

Gambling can harm your finances, relationships and health. No form of gambling is risk-free, and choosing not to gamble is always an option.

At Alterplay, we publish information about casino sister sites, operators and networks. Understanding those connections can help explain who runs a gambling website, but it does not make gambling safe or guarantee a positive experience.

This page explains how to recognise gambling harm, restrict access to gambling and find support for yourself or someone close to you.

Get Help Now

You do not need to wait until gambling becomes a crisis before asking for help.

  • Gambling support: Call the National Gambling Helpline through GamCare on 0808 8020 133. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also speak to an adviser through live chat.
  • Someone to talk to: Call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time, if you feel distressed or overwhelmed.
  • Immediate danger: If someone’s life is at risk, or you cannot keep yourself or another person safe, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department.

Recognising Gambling Harm

Gambling harm is not defined only by how much money you lose. Changes in your behaviour, mood and relationships can be just as significant.

Signs that gambling may be causing problems include:

  • Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
  • Returning to gamble because you want to recover losses.
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions or using money needed for household bills.
  • Hiding gambling activity or being dishonest about spending.
  • Finding it difficult to stop, even when you want to.
  • Thinking about gambling so often that it affects work, sleep or relationships.
  • Feeling anxious, guilty or distressed about gambling.

You do not need to experience every warning sign to seek support. If gambling is affecting your daily life, speaking to someone now can help you decide what to do next.

If You Choose to Gamble

Set boundaries before you begin, while you can make decisions without the pressure of a gambling session.

Keep money for rent, food, bills, savings and other commitments separate. Never borrow to gamble, and do not treat gambling as a way to earn an income or repay debt. If losing the money would affect your essential needs, do not gamble with it.

Decide how much time you will spend gambling and take regular breaks. Avoid gambling when you are distressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trying to recover losses by continuing to play can increase the harm.

Look at your total spending across every gambling account you use. Several small deposits at different sister sites can add up to a much larger amount than you intended. A limit on one account should not be treated as a budget to repeat elsewhere.

If you repeatedly break your own boundaries, consider stopping and seeking support rather than setting a higher limit.

Taking a Break and Self-Excluding

A short break and self-exclusion serve different purposes.

A time-out temporarily restricts access to an account. Check the operator’s settings for the available periods and which services the restriction covers.

Self-exclusion is a formal request to prevent you from gambling. Make the request through the operator’s self-exclusion process or customer support, and keep confirmation of what has been put in place. Simply deleting an app or requesting ordinary account closure does not necessarily activate self-exclusion.

Gambling Commission rules require relevant licensed operators to take reasonable steps to prevent self-excluded customers from gambling, close their accounts and return funds held in those accounts.

GAMSTOP Online

GAMSTOP Online is a free self-exclusion service covering participating gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain.

Exclusion periods range from six months to five years, with an automatic renewal option available. You cannot cancel the exclusion during your chosen period, and reaching the end of that period does not automatically remove it. Keep your registered details up to date so the service can continue to identify your accounts.

GAMSTOP Online does not replace separate exclusion arrangements for gambling premises. If you also gamble in betting shops, casinos, bingo halls or arcades, ask about the relevant venue or multi-operator exclusion scheme.

Self-Exclusion and Casino Sister Sites

Because Alterplay covers related casino brands, this distinction matters: a different website name does not necessarily mean a different gambling operator.

Under Gambling Commission rules, self-exclusion normally extends across a customer’s accounts with the same licensee. The rules also require reasonable steps to apply the relevant protections across group companies. Shared games or platform software alone do not establish the scope of an exclusion.

Ask the operator to confirm in writing which accounts and brands your exclusion covers. Do not test an exclusion by attempting to register or deposit at another site. If you can still access gambling while excluded, stop and report the issue to the operator and, where relevant, GAMSTOP.

Our sister-site information should never be used to get around an exclusion or continue gambling after reaching a limit.

Block Gambling Access and Payments

Using several forms of protection together can help create distance between an urge to gamble and the ability to act on it.

Block websites and apps. Gambling-blocking software can restrict access on your phone, tablet and computer. GamCare’s blocking software guidance explains options including BetBlocker and Gamban. Check device compatibility and any charges, and install protection on every device you use.

Ask your bank about gambling blocks. Many banks offer controls that block card payments identified as gambling transactions. Check whether you need to activate the block separately for each card. Coverage varies, so ask your bank what its protection includes.

Reduce reminders to gamble. Turn off gambling-app notifications, unsubscribe from promotional messages and use advertising controls where available. Blocking software, payment restrictions and self-exclusion work best alongside personal support; none should be treated as a complete solution on its own.

Help With Gambling Debt

Trying to gamble your way out of debt can make the situation worse. Protect money needed for essential living costs and seek advice before taking on further borrowing.

StepChange Debt Charity provides free debt advice and information specifically for people affected by gambling. An adviser can help you understand your financial position and consider suitable next steps. Gambling support and debt advice can be used together.

Supporting Someone Else

Someone else’s gambling can affect your finances, relationships and wellbeing. You are entitled to support even if that person is not ready to change.

Choose a calm moment to explain what you have noticed and how it affects you. Offer to help them contact a support service, while setting boundaries around lending money and access to shared finances.

GamCare also supports people affected by another person’s gambling. You can ask for advice about your own circumstances without taking responsibility for managing someone else’s recovery.

Protecting Under-18s

Alterplay’s casino content is intended for adults aged 18 and over.

Keep gambling accounts, passwords and payment details inaccessible to children. Sign out on shared devices, avoid leaving gambling apps open and use parental controls to restrict gambling content.

If you are concerned about a young person’s gambling, seek advice from a qualified support service or healthcare professional.

Alterplay’s Role

Alterplay is an information and affiliate website. We do not accept bets, hold player deposits or manage casino accounts. We may receive commission through some links on our website. A listing, rating or commercial relationship is not a guarantee of safety or suitability.

We cannot activate self-exclusion, change gambling limits or provide treatment. Contact the relevant operator or exclusion service directly to put restrictions in place.

For help finding treatment, speak to your GP or consult the NHS guidance on gambling harm. Support is available whether you want to discuss an early concern, stop gambling or return to recovery after gambling again.