If you're reading this, something might not feel right. That's a sensible instinct to follow. Gambling works as entertainment when you stay in control of the time and money you put in — and the moment that stops being true, the tools and support on this page exist to help you step back.
Alf runs games and sports betting for players aged 18 and over in the UK, and we want your experience to stay enjoyable. This page covers the warning signs worth watching for, questions to ask yourself, the limits you can set with us, and where to reach someone who can help — all of it free and confidential.
Why This Matters
Gambling is a choice, not an obligation. It's meant to be a bit of fun with money you can afford to lose — never a way to recover debts, solve financial problems, or escape from stress. When it starts feeling like work, or when the losses hurt more than they used to, that's the point to pause and take stock.
Most people gamble without running into trouble. A small proportion find it becomes something harder to manage. Recognising the early signs and acting on them — setting a limit, taking a break, talking to someone — makes the difference between a short rough patch and a longer, more damaging one.
Warning Signs Gambling Is Getting Out of Hand
These behaviours are concrete markers that the balance has shifted. If more than one or two apply to you, it's worth taking them seriously:
- Gambling with money set aside for bills, rent or groceries
- Chasing losses — putting in more to win back what you've already lost
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you're spending
- Borrowing money, selling belongings, or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut down or stop
- Gambling to escape worries, low mood or boredom rather than for enjoyment
- Neglecting work, relationships or other responsibilities because of gambling
Questions Worth Asking Yourself
A short self-check can help clarify where you stand. These aren't diagnostic — they're prompts to consider honestly:
- Do you gamble for longer or with more money than you planned?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Does gambling take up time you'd normally spend on other things you enjoy?
- Have you lied about your gambling, or hidden it from people close to you?
- Do you gamble to feel better when you're down, stressed or anxious?
- Have you borrowed money or used savings meant for something else to gamble?
- Has your gambling caused arguments or strained relationships?
- Do you feel guilty or regretful after you gamble?
If you answered yes to several of these, it's worth reaching out. The organisations listed below offer free, confidential support — no judgment, just practical help.
The Tools We Offer
We provide self-exclusion as a formal way to block your access to our site. Once active, you won't be able to log in, deposit or play until the exclusion period ends. To request it, contact our support team at [email protected] and let them know you want to self-exclude. They'll confirm the period and put it in place.
Self-exclusion through us applies only to Alf. For broader protection across all UK-licensed sites, sign up to GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) — it's free, takes a few minutes, and covers you everywhere that licence reaches.
Practical Limits That Work
Setting boundaries before you start makes it easier to stick to them. Here are a few that many people find useful:
- Decide a cash limit for the week or month — once it's gone, you stop. Treat it as entertainment spending, like cinema tickets or a meal out.
- Set a time limit — 30 minutes, an hour, whatever feels reasonable. Use a timer on your phone and step away when it goes off.
- Never gamble on credit — use only money you already have, and only money you can afford to lose without consequence.
- Avoid chasing losses — if you lose your limit, accept it and walk away. Putting more in to win it back is how small losses become large ones.
- Keep gambling separate from other parts of life — don't gamble when you're tired, upset, drinking, or trying to avoid something else.
- Take regular breaks — a day off, a week off, or longer. Distance gives you perspective.
Where to Get Help in the UK
If gambling is becoming a problem, free and confidential support is available. You don't have to wait until things get worse — reaching out early makes it easier to turn things around.
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) — it's free, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit gamcare.org.uk for live chat, forums and information.
BeGambleAware offers advice, self-assessment tools and links to treatment services. Visit begambleaware.org for guidance that's practical and non-judgmental.
GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme. Once you sign up at gamstop.co.uk, you're blocked from all licensed gambling sites for the period you choose — six months, one year, or five years.
Gordon Moody provides residential and online treatment programmes for people with serious gambling problems. Find out more at gordonmoody.org.uk.
Blocking Software
Software tools can add an extra layer of protection by blocking access to gambling sites across all your devices:
- Gamban (gamban.com) — works on phones, tablets and computers. Subscription-based, with a free trial available.
- BetBlocker (betblocker.org) — free, open-source, and covers multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows and Mac.
Protecting Minors
Our site is for adults only — you must be 18 or over (18+) to register or play. If you share a device with someone under 18, consider installing parental-control software such as Net Nanny, Qustodio or the controls built into your device's operating system. These tools can block access to gambling sites and help keep younger users safe.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it stops feeling that way, the support listed here is free, confidential, and available whenever you're ready. You can also reach our team at [email protected] with any questions about the tools we offer.
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.