Responsible gambling – help and resources
This page is here to help you keep gambling enjoyable. F1 offers slots, live tables and other games for entertainment – not as a way to solve problems or chase losses. If you ever feel the balance tipping, the tools and contacts below can help you regain control.
Why keeping it balanced matters
Gambling works best when it stays what it's meant to be: a bit of fun with money you can afford to lose. The moment it starts costing you more than cash – your time, your sleep, your relationships – it's worth pausing and taking stock.
You're not alone if things have got harder to manage. Thousands of people in the UK use the free, confidential support services listed further down this page every year, and many find their way back to a healthier balance. Recognising the signs early makes a real difference.
Behaviour worth watching
These warning signs don't mean you have a problem – but if several ring true, it's worth taking them seriously:
- Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses to win back what you've lost
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you've spent
- Gambling when you're stressed, anxious or low, using it to escape rather than enjoy
- Borrowing money to fund gambling, or missing bills because the money went elsewhere
- Neglecting work, hobbies or time with people you care about
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back
Questions to ask yourself
A short self-check can clarify whether gambling is still under your control. Answer honestly – no one else will see your answers:
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more money to get the same thrill?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to finance gambling?
- Has gambling caused arguments with family or friends?
- Have you missed work, study or important commitments because of gambling?
- Do you gamble to forget worries or escape from problems?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win it back?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Has gambling caused you to feel anxious, guilty or depressed?
If you answered yes to three or more, consider reaching out to one of the organisations below. They're there to listen, not to judge.
Tools you can set with the operator
F1 provides two main controls to help you stay within limits you choose yourself:
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Cap how much you can deposit over one day, one week or one month. Once set, you can't exceed it until the period resets. |
| Self-exclusion | Block your account for a fixed period: one day, one week, two weeks, one month, three months, six months, nine months, one year, three years or permanently. You won't be able to log in or deposit during that time. |
Both are found in your account settings. If you're unsure how to activate them, contact the operator's support team – they'll walk you through it without asking why.
Practical steps for safer play
Small habits can keep gambling in its proper place:
- Set a budget before you start, and stick to it – treat it as the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
- Use a timer or alarm to limit sessions; it's easy to lose track of time once you're playing.
- Never gamble when you're upset, drunk or trying to solve a financial problem.
- Keep gambling separate from everyday money – don't use the same card you need for rent or groceries.
- Take regular breaks, and balance screen time with other activities you enjoy.
- Talk to someone you trust if you're worried – keeping it to yourself usually makes it harder.
Where to find help in the UK
These organisations offer free, confidential support with no waiting lists or referrals needed. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out – early conversations often prevent bigger problems later.
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access live chat, email support and face-to-face counselling through www.gamcare.org.uk.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice and links to treatment services at www.begambleaware.org. Their online chat and self-assessment tools can help you understand where you stand.
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling sites at once. Register at www.gamstop.co.uk – it takes five minutes and lasts for six months, one year or five years, depending on what you choose.
Gordon Moody offers residential treatment and online programmes for people with severe gambling problems. Learn more at www.gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software
If you want to prevent access to gambling sites across all your devices, consider installing blocking software. Gamban (gamban.com) works on phones, tablets and computers, blocking tens of thousands of gambling sites automatically. BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is free and open-source, covering multiple platforms and available in several languages.
Protecting young people
All online gambling in the UK is restricted to those aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device or household with someone under 18, consider installing parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio. These tools can block access to gambling sites, limit screen time and monitor online activity without being intrusive.
Talk openly with younger family members about the risks – making gambling seem forbidden can increase curiosity, while an honest conversation often has the opposite effect.
Taking a break
Stepping back doesn't mean admitting defeat. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause, reset and return only if and when it feels right. Use the self-exclusion tool for as long as you need – a day, a week, or longer. There's no shame in prioritising your wellbeing over a game.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it stops feeling like fun, these resources exist to help you find your way back – or to something better.
For questions about the content on this site, write to [email protected]. For help with your account or gameplay, contact the operator's own support channels directly through their platform.
This page is for information and marketing purposes. We are not a gambling operator, bookmaker or organiser of any betting or gaming activity. Access to this content is restricted to visitors aged 18 and over (18+). If gambling is affecting your life, free confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.
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