This page is here to help you keep gambling enjoyable. Hit is a platform built for entertainment, and it should stay that way – the moment it stops being fun, something's wrong. Below you'll find practical tools, warning signs worth knowing, and places to turn if you need support.
Why responsible gambling matters
Gambling is a form of leisure, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Most people play without issue, but for some it can become compulsive. The difference between entertainment and a problem often comes down to awareness – recognising when habits shift and knowing where the boundaries are.
Setting limits before you start, rather than chasing losses after the fact, keeps the experience light. Responsible gambling isn't about avoiding risk altogether; it's about playing within your means and stopping when it stops being enjoyable.
Warning signs: when gambling gets out of hand
Some behaviours are worth paying attention to:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you planned
- Chasing losses – trying to win back what you've lost by placing bigger or more frequent bets
- Borrowing money to gamble, or gambling with money you need for bills or essentials
- Lying to friends or family about how much you're playing or spending
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you're not gambling
- Neglecting work, relationships or other responsibilities because of gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve stress
If any of these sound familiar, it's worth taking a step back.
A few questions to ask yourself
These aren't diagnostic – they're prompts to help you think honestly about your habits. Answer yes or no:
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
- Have you ever lied to people important to you about how much you gamble?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling?
- Have you gambled to escape worry, anxiety or other problems?
- After losing money, do you often return another day to try and win it back?
- Have you jeopardised a relationship, job or opportunity because of gambling?
- Have you relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
One or two "yes" answers don't automatically mean you have a problem, but they're worth reflecting on. If several ring true, speaking to someone – a friend, a counsellor, or one of the organisations listed below – can help.
Control tools available at Hit
The operator provides several practical measures to help you stay in control:
| Tool | How it works |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Set a daily deposit cap to control how much you add to your account |
| Loss limits | Contact support to arrange your own loss ceiling |
| Self-exclusion | Block your account for a minimum of six months, or permanently |
These aren't fail-safes – they work best when you use them before a problem develops, not after. Setting a deposit limit at the start of the week keeps spending visible; waiting until you've already overspent makes the tool reactive rather than preventive.
Self-exclusion is the strongest measure available. Once activated, you won't be able to log in or deposit for the duration you choose. The minimum period is six months, though you can opt for a permanent block. If you're unsure whether self-exclusion is right for you, the support organisations below can talk it through with you.
Tips for gambling sensibly
A few straightforward habits make a difference:
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not income – set aside only what you can afford to lose
- Decide on a budget and a time limit before you start, and stick to both
- Never gamble with money you need for rent, bills or other essentials
- Take regular breaks – step away from the screen or your phone every so often
- Don't gamble when you're upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol
- Keep track of how much time and money you're spending – it's easy to lose sight of both
Where to find help in the UK
If gambling is causing problems, several organisations offer free, confidential support:
GamCare – Provides information, advice and practical help for anyone affected by problem gambling. You can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) or visit gamcare.org.uk for live chat and other resources.
BeGambleAware – Offers a range of tools and guidance for safer gambling, including a self-assessment quiz and links to treatment services. Visit begambleaware.org.
GamStop – A free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling sites for a period you choose (six months, one year, or five years). Register at gamstop.co.uk.
Gordon Moody – Provides residential treatment and online support for people with serious gambling problems. More information at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking software
If you'd prefer a technical barrier, two widely used tools can block access to gambling sites across all your devices:
Gamban – Blocks gambling content on phones, tablets and computers. There's a subscription fee, but it's reliable and works across platforms. Download it at gamban.com.
BetBlocker – A free, open-source alternative that does much the same job. Available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS at betblocker.org.
Protecting minors
This site and the platform it reviews are restricted to people aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone younger, consider using parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to prevent access to gambling sites.
Keeping login details private and logging out after each session also helps ensure that a device left unattended doesn't become a route to underage gambling.
Good to know: talking to younger people in your household about gambling – what it is, why it's age-restricted, and the risks involved – is more effective than relying on software alone.
If you have questions about the content on this page, you can reach the editorial team at [email protected].
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it ever feels like the latter, the resources above are there to help you reset.
This content is provided for information and marketing purposes. We are not a gambling operator, bookmaker or organiser of betting or gaming activity. This site is restricted to visitors aged 18 and over (18+). Free, confidential support with gambling is available at BeGambleAware.org.
Last updated: