Free Support Organisations
The following organisations provide free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling-related harm. You do not need to be in crisis to contact them - early conversations can make a real difference.
BeGambleAware.org
The National Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential information and support for people concerned about their gambling or that of someone they know.
| Freephone | 0808 8020 133 |
|---|---|
| Availability | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Website | begambleaware.org |
GamStop - Self-Exclusion
GamStop is the free UK self-exclusion scheme. Registering with GamStop prevents you from accessing online gambling sites and apps licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, including WestAce.
| Cost | Free |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years |
| Website | gamstop.co.uk |
GamCare
GamCare is the leading provider of free information, support, and counselling for people with gambling concerns in the UK. Support is available by phone, live chat, and face to face.
| Helpline | 0808 8020 133 |
|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 |
| Website | gamcare.org.uk |
Gordon Moody
Gordon Moody provides residential and online treatment programmes for those with severe gambling disorders. A specialist service for those who need intensive support.
Visit Gordon MoodyGamblers Anonymous UK
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience and support each other to recover from gambling problems. Meetings are available across the UK.
Find a MeetingSupport for Families
GamCare also provides a dedicated service for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling. Call the helpline or visit their website for details.
Get SupportResponsible Gambling Tools at WestAce
A range of responsible gambling tools are available directly within your WestAce account. These tools are free to use and can be activated or adjusted at any time through your account settings or by contacting the support team.
Deposit Limits
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit to control how much you put into your account. Limits take effect immediately when reduced, and a cooling-off period applies before limits can be increased.
Session Time Limits
Set a maximum duration for each gaming session. When the limit is reached, you will be notified and logged out automatically. This helps prevent extended unplanned play.
Loss Limits
Set a ceiling on the amount you can lose within a given period. Once the limit is reached, you will be unable to place further bets until the period resets.
Reality Checks
Enable periodic on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and your net gain or loss during the session. A useful prompt to pause and consider your activity.
Cool-Off / Break
Take a short break from gambling by activating a cool-off period of 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. During this period your account will be restricted from deposits and gameplay.
Self-Exclusion
Request a self-exclusion period of a minimum of 6 months, or indefinitely. Your account will be closed for the duration and you will not be able to re-register until the period ends. For UK-wide exclusion, use GamStop.
To activate any of the above tools, log in to your WestAce account and go to the Responsible Gambling section in your account settings. Alternatively, contact the 24/7 support team via live chat and they will set the tool on your behalf immediately.
Access Your AccountSigns of Problem Gambling
Gambling becomes a problem when it starts to negatively affect your life or the lives of those around you. The following are common warning signs:
- Spending more money on gambling than you intended or can afford.
- Gambling to try to win back losses ("chasing losses").
- Borrowing money to fund gambling, or using bill money to gamble.
- Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when you are not gambling.
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Missing work, school, or family commitments because of gambling.
- Gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or other problems.
- Feeling unable to stop gambling even when you want to.
If any of the above applies to you, please reach out for help. Support is available free of charge, and seeking help early makes recovery more straightforward. Call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133 (24/7) or visit BeGambleAware.org.
Tips for Safer Gambling
Following these practices can help keep gambling enjoyable and under control:
| Set a budget | Decide how much you are willing to spend before you start and stick to it. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. |
|---|---|
| Set time limits | Decide in advance how long you will play. Set an alarm or use the session time limit tool in your account. |
| Do not chase losses | If you have lost your budget, stop. Chasing losses is the quickest way to turn a bad session into a serious problem. |
| Take regular breaks | Step away from the screen regularly. Sustained uninterrupted gambling can lead to poor decision-making. |
| Balance your time | Gambling should be one leisure activity among many. If it is taking over your free time, that is a warning sign. |
| Never gamble under the influence | Alcohol and drugs impair judgement. Avoid gambling when your decision-making may be affected. |
| Keep gambling and finances separate | Use a separate payment method or budget account for gambling funds to make it easier to track spending. |
18+ Only
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you think someone underage may be accessing a gambling account, contact the support team immediately or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.