Gambling should stay fun
Whether you’re spinning Sunken Riches or backing a Premier League match on the SpinBob sportsbook, gambling is a form of paid entertainment. The house always has an edge, so over time most people lose more than they win. That is the cost of the entertainment — not a problem in itself, as long as it stays affordable and enjoyable.
A few simple habits help keep it that way:
- Set a budget before you play and treat it as spent.
- Never chase losses by depositing more to win money back.
- Don’t gamble when you’re stressed, low, angry or have been drinking.
- Take regular breaks and keep an eye on the clock.
- Keep gambling money separate from money for bills, rent and food.
- Balance gambling with other hobbies and time with friends and family.
Warning signs to look out for
Problem gambling can creep up gradually. Be honest with yourself if you notice any of these:
- Spending more money or time than you planned, again and again.
- Needing to bet bigger amounts to feel the same excitement.
- Chasing losses or feeling you must win it back.
- Borrowing money, using savings or selling things to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from partners, family or friends, or lying about it.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or guilty about gambling.
- Gambling affecting your work, studies, sleep or relationships.
- Thinking about gambling most of the time.
If one or more feels familiar, it’s a good moment to use the tools below and talk to someone.
SpinBob’s safer gambling tools
Every SpinBob account has a Safer Gambling area under Account → Safer Gambling. Here’s what’s available and how each tool works.
| Tool | What it does | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps what you can deposit daily, weekly or monthly | Offered at sign-up; decreases instant, increases after 24h cooling-off |
| Loss limits | Caps your net losses over a chosen period | Set in Account → Safer Gambling |
| Reality checks | Pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve played | Choose the interval that suits you |
| Time-out | Short break from gambling | 24 hours to 6 weeks |
| Self-exclusion | Long-term block on your account | 6 months to 5 years |
| GAMSTOP link | Multi-operator self-exclusion | Covers all UKGC-licensed online sites |
| Activity statement | History of deposits, bets and results | Helps you see the real picture |
- Log in and open Account → Safer Gambling.
- Choose the tool — for example a weekly deposit limit.
- Enter your amount or period and confirm.
- Check your activity statement regularly to stay on track.
Need help logging in first? See our SpinBob login guide. If your account is already restricted after a time-out or self-exclusion, our account blocked guide explains why — and why a self-exclusion can’t be lifted early.
UK game rules that protect you
UK Gambling Commission rules add extra safeguards at SpinBob and every licensed site: online slot stakes are limited to £5 per spin (£2 for players aged 18–24), autoplay and turbo or quick spin are banned, each spin takes at least 2.5 seconds, and there are no “losses disguised as wins” celebrations. Bonus wagering is capped at 10x. VIP perks in the Pearl Society are subject to affordability and safer-gambling checks.
GAMSTOP and blocking tools
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is a free national self-exclusion scheme. One registration blocks you from all online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain — including SpinBob — for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
Bank gambling blocks
Many UK banks and card providers, including most app-based banks, let you switch on a gambling block in their app. It stops debit card payments to gambling merchants. Some blocks come with a cooling-off period before they can be removed, which is exactly the point. Check your banking app or ask your bank.
Gamban and BetBlocker
Blocking software such as Gamban and BetBlocker stops gambling websites and apps loading on your phone, tablet and computer. They work alongside GAMSTOP and bank blocks, adding a third layer of protection.
💡 Layer your protection
The strongest set-up combines a SpinBob self-exclusion, a GAMSTOP registration, a bank gambling block and blocking software. Each one covers a gap the others might leave.
Free help and support in the UK
You don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to ask for help. These services are free, confidential and independent of SpinBob:
| Organisation | How to reach them | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare — National Gambling Helpline | 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) | Advice, support and referrals to free treatment |
| BeGambleAware | begambleaware.org | Information, self-help and links to treatment |
| GAMSTOP | gamstop.co.uk | Free multi-operator self-exclusion |
| Gordon Moody | gordonmoody.org.uk | Residential and online treatment programmes |
| Gamblers Anonymous UK | gamblersanonymous.org.uk | Peer support meetings |
| NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic | Via the NHS | Specialist NHS treatment |
| UK Gambling Commission | gamblingcommission.gov.uk | Regulator; check licences and your rights |
For disputes about money or bets (rather than gambling harm), use SpinBob’s complaints process and then IBAS — see our support guide.
Take the self-test: is gambling becoming a problem?
Answering a few honest questions can help you see your gambling more clearly. The nine questions below take about two minutes to answer.
Gambling self-test — 9 questions
Thinking about the last 12 months, choose how often each statement applies to you. Your answers stay on this page and are not sent anywhere.
ℹ️ A guide, not a diagnosis
This self-test is based on widely used screening questions (PGSI-style). It’s a guide to help you reflect, not a medical diagnosis. Whatever your score, if gambling worries you, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Support for family and friends
Gambling harm affects partners, children, parents and friends too. If someone close to you is struggling:
- Talk calmly at a good moment, without blame, and focus on how things affect you both.
- Avoid paying off their debts or lending money for gambling.
- Protect your own finances — separate accounts can help.
- Encourage them to use GAMSTOP, blocking tools and a bank gambling block.
- Get support for yourself: GamCare and BeGambleAware help affected others as well as gamblers.
18+ and age verification
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over in Great Britain. SpinBob must check your age and identity before you can play anything, including free-play demos. Expect an automatic check at registration and possibly a request for documents — see our KYC verification guide and registration guide.
If children use your devices, keep logins private, don’t save passwords in shared browsers and consider parental-control software. Before you deposit, check the licence details in SpinBob’s site footer against the Gambling Commission’s public register.
Play for fun, set limits, and stop when it stops being fun.
Quick answers
How do I set a deposit limit at SpinBob?
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Go to Account → Safer Gambling and choose a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit. SpinBob also offers a limit when you register. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately, while increases only apply after a 24-hour cooling-off period.
What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?
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A time-out is a short break of 24 hours to 6 weeks. Self-exclusion is a longer block of 6 months to 5 years, during which your account is closed to gambling and you should not receive marketing. For a block across every UK-licensed site, register with GAMSTOP.
Does GAMSTOP cover SpinBob?
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Yes. GAMSTOP is free and covers all online gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. If you register, SpinBob must block you for the period you choose.
Who can I call for help with problem gambling in the UK?
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The National Gambling Helpline run by GamCare is free and open 24/7 on 0808 8020 133. You can also find support through BeGambleAware, Gordon Moody, Gamblers Anonymous UK and the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic.
Can I gamble at SpinBob if I'm under 18?
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No. Gambling is strictly 18+ in Great Britain. SpinBob must verify your age and identity before you can play anything, including free-play demos, and accounts opened by under-18s are closed.
Is the self-test on this page a diagnosis?
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No. It is a short guide based on widely used screening questions, designed to help you reflect on your gambling. If anything concerns you, talk to GamCare or another support service.