Safer gambling

Our position

TallyBet is for adults aged 18 or over. We review casinos, but we do not want anyone to gamble more than they can afford.

We see gambling as entertainment that costs money, like a ticket to a match or a night out. It is not a source of income and not a way to pay bills or clear debts. Over time, casino games are designed to return less than players put in, so most people who gamble lose.

If you choose to play, set a budget you can afford to lose before you start, and stop when it is gone.

Signs gambling may be a problem

Gambling problems can build slowly, and they are easier to tackle early. Ask yourself honestly whether any of these apply to you:

• You spend more money or time gambling than you planned.
• You chase losses, trying to win back money you have lost.
• You gamble with money meant for rent, bills, food or debts.
• You borrow money, use savings or sell things to gamble.
• You feel restless, anxious or irritable when you try to cut down.
• You hide your gambling or lie about it to people close to you.
• You gamble to escape stress, low mood or other problems.
• Gambling is causing arguments or affecting your work, study or sleep.
• You need to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement.
• You have tried to stop before and found you could not.

If you recognised yourself in one or more of these, it is worth talking to someone. The support services listed below are free and confidential.

Practical controls before you play

Most casinos offer tools that help you stay within limits. It is easier to set them up before you start playing than in the middle of a session. Look in the account settings or “responsible gambling” section of the casino.

Deposit limits

Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. At most casinos a lower limit applies straight away, while raising a limit takes effect only after a waiting period.

Time-outs

A time-out locks your account for a short period you choose. It is useful when you want a break without closing your account.

Reality checks

A reality check is a pop-up that reminds you how long you have been playing and, at some casinos, how much you have won or lost. Set it to appear at regular intervals.

Self-exclusion at the casino

Self-exclusion closes your account for a longer period, usually months rather than days. During that time the casino should not let you play or send you marketing. If you self-exclude, do not open a new account at the same casino.

The GAMSTOP limitation

GAMSTOP is a free self-exclusion scheme in the UK. One request blocks you from all online gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.

It is important to understand what it does not cover. GAMSTOP applies only to sites licensed by the Gambling Commission. Most casinos listed on TallyBet are not licensed by the Gambling Commission, so GAMSTOP does not block them.

If you have self-excluded through GAMSTOP, please do not look for sites outside the scheme, including the casinos on this site. Self-exclusion works only if you stick to it. Instead, add the extra protections below, such as blocking software and a bank gambling block, and talk to one of the support services.

Blocking software

Blocking software stops gambling websites and apps from loading on your devices. Unlike GAMSTOP, it can block sites regardless of where they are licensed.

Gamban is a widely used option. It blocks gambling sites and apps on phones, tablets and computers. Install it on every device you use, and choose a long block period so you are not tempted to remove it.

Bank gambling blocks

Many UK banks offer a gambling transaction block in their app. When it is switched on, the bank declines card payments to gambling companies.

Many banks add a delay before the block can be turned off again. This cooling-off period gives you time to think. Check your bank’s app or website for “gambling block” to see what is available.

Free support services

The services below are free and confidential. You do not need to be in crisis to contact them.

Helping someone else

Gambling problems affect partners, families and friends too. If you are worried about someone:

• Choose a calm moment to talk, and focus on how their gambling affects you rather than blaming them.
• Avoid lending money or paying off gambling debts, as this can make the problem last longer.
• Protect your own finances, for example by keeping separate accounts.
• Look after yourself. GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous also support people affected by someone else’s gambling.

You cannot make someone stop, but you can let them know help exists and get support for yourself.

Protecting children

Gambling is for adults only. If children use your devices:

• Keep casino logins private and never save passwords on shared devices.
• Use the parental controls on phones, tablets, computers and app stores.
• Install blocking software such as Gamban, or use content filters from your broadband provider, to block gambling sites.
• Log out of gambling accounts when you have finished.

Contact us

If you have a question about this page, or you think one of our pages does not meet these standards, email [email protected]. We aim to reply within 5 working days.

We cannot close casino accounts or set limits for you. Please contact the casino directly, or one of the support services above.