Gambling involves risk
Bookmakers are businesses. Their odds contain a margin that means, on average, they expect to take in more than they pay out. Treating sports betting as a reliable way to earn money — to clear debt, cover bills or recover earlier losses — will, in most cases, make things worse. If you choose to bet, do so with money you can afford to lose.
Practical things you can do
- Set a deposit limit. UKGC-licensed bookmakers must offer daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits. Set one before you start, not after a losing run.
- Use reality checks. A pop-up reminder after 30 or 60 minutes helps you notice how long a session has actually lasted.
- Use time-outs. A 24-hour, 7-day or 30-day cooling-off period can be activated from your account settings without contacting support.
- Keep betting funds separate. Use a dedicated payment method and avoid topping up with money earmarked for bills, rent or food.
- Don’t chase losses. Increasing stake sizes after a losing sequence rarely changes the outcome and usually makes the session worse.
- Talk about it. If a bet or session leaves you anxious or irritable, talk to someone you trust or one of the support services below.
Age restriction
Online sports betting in the UK is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. Bookmakers are required to carry out identity and age verification. Helping someone under 18 to gamble is illegal.
Taking a longer break: GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme. Registering blocks your access to all UKGC-licensed gambling sites and apps for six months, one year or five years. It is free to use and covers sports betting as well as casino products.
Where to get free, confidential help
The following UK organisations offer free and confidential support. They are independent of UK Prime Bets and of any of the bookmakers listed on this site.