Safer Gambling Frequently Asked Questions
When is Safer Gambling Week 2026?
Safer Gambling Week 2026 will take place on 16-22 November 2026.
What is Safer Gambling Week?
Safer Gambling Week is an annual event led by the licensed gambling industry with the support of a wide range of partners. It aims to stimulate conversations around safer gambling and drive awareness of:
- How to approach gambling more safely – questions to ask and behaviours to consider
- The tools that are available to help you gamble more safely all year round
- Sources of further advice and support
How can I gamble more safely?
You can gamble more safely by reading our information about safer gambling and using safer gambling tools.
How can I set deposit limits for gambling?
You can use one of the safer gambling tools to set deposit limits. You can also set time limits. Find out more here.
How can I self-exclude from gambling?
You can use a gambling self-exclusion scheme. Find out more here.
How can I get help for my gambling?
You can get free, confidential gambling support and advice by calling:
National Gambling Treatment Service (England and Scotland): Call free on 0808 8020 133
All Wales Gambling Helpline (24/7): Call 0808 281 9265 (free from landlines and mobiles)
Northern Ireland National Gambling Helpline: Call free on 08000 886 725
Republic of Ireland National Gambling Helpline: all free on 1800 936 725
You can also find lots of support, advice and information at these websites:
GamCare - free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling. GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline in England and Scotland..
Be Gamble Aware - free, confidential help and support to anyone who’s worried about their – or someone else’s – gambling.
YGAM Parent Hub - provides parents with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their families.
YGAM Student Hub - find out more about gaming and gambling and the support available to you if you’re worried about yourself or someone else.
GamblingCare Ireland - information to get help and support quickly and effectively.
How can I tell if a gambling website is licensed?
Licensed operators show their Gambling Commission licence number on their website, usually at the bottom of the page. You can check any licence on the Gambling Commission’s public register. If you can’t find a licence number, don’t play.
What are the risks of using an unlicensed gambling website?
There’s no guarantee your money or personal details are safe, that the games are fair, or that you’ll be paid if you win. Unlicensed websites don’t have to offer safer gambling tools such as deposit limits, time limits or self-exclusion, and if something goes wrong you’ll have nowhere to turn. No licence means no protection.
Why do some websites say they are "not on GAMSTOP"?
GAMSTOP only covers gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain. Some unlicensed websites advertise themselves as “not on GAMSTOP” to target people who have self-excluded. If you’ve self-excluded, you can add extra protection by blocking gambling websites on your devices.
What is Responsible Gambling Week?
Safer Gambling Week used to be called Responsible Gambling Week.
Who Coordinates Safer Gambling Week?
This annual event is currently coordinated by the Betting and Gaming Council with the support of partners across the industry.