Responsible gambling at Shakebet: tools, support and where to get help
Start playingShakebet provides several built-in tools to help players stay in control — deposit limits, time limits and self-exclusion among them. This page explains those controls, what the warning signs of problem gambling look like, and where to find free, confidential support in the UK if you or someone you know needs it. Gambling is entertainment; it works best when it stays that way.
Why responsible gambling matters
Most people who gamble do so without harm. But for some players, what starts as a leisure activity can gradually shift into something harder to manage. The consequences — financial pressure, strained relationships, poor mental health — can build quietly before they become visible. Catching those signs early makes a real difference.
Responsible gambling is not about telling people to stop. It is about giving players the information and tools to make genuinely free choices: to set a budget and stick to it, to take a break when they want one, and to ask for help if gambling stops feeling like fun.
Warning signs: when gambling gets out of hand
Problem gambling rarely announces itself. These are the patterns worth watching for:
- Spending more than you intended, or chasing losses to try to win money back
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling
- Neglecting work, family or other commitments because of time spent gambling
- Hiding your gambling activity from people close to you
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood or difficult circumstances
Recognising one or two of these does not make someone an addict. It is a signal worth taking seriously. Several of the organisations listed below offer free, confidential helplines staffed by people trained to help — no commitment required to call.
A few questions to ask yourself
These questions are not a clinical diagnosis. They are a prompt to honest reflection:
- Have you ever bet more than you could comfortably afford to lose?
- Do you find it difficult to stop gambling once you have started?
- Have you ever gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to pay for gambling?
- Has gambling ever caused you to feel guilty, ashamed or worried?
- Have you ever lied to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling?
- Has gambling ever made you neglect your work, studies or family?
- Do you sometimes feel that gambling is the main thing you look forward to?
If several of these ring true, speaking to someone at GamCare or BeGambleAware is a sensible next step — and it costs nothing.
Shakebet's control tools
Shakebet gives players direct access to a set of practical controls. These sit within your account and can be adjusted without contacting support in most cases.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Set a cap on how much you can deposit over a chosen period |
| Time limits / playtime tracking | Restrict the amount of time you spend in a session, or track it over time |
| Self-exclusion | Request a break of between 6 months and 5 years, or exclude permanently — by emailing Shakebet's support team |
Self-exclusion requests must be submitted by email to Shakebet's support team. A temporary cooling-off period is available if you need space without a long-term commitment. Permanent exclusion closes the account with no option to reopen it.
Tips for gambling sensibly
A few straightforward habits make gambling easier to keep in proportion:
- Set a budget before you start — treat it as the cost of entertainment, not as an investment with an expected return
- Use the deposit-limit tool so the budget enforces itself, rather than relying on willpower alone
- Take regular breaks during sessions; a time limit set in advance removes the need to decide in the moment
- Never gamble to recover losses — chasing rarely ends the way you hope, and it is one of the clearest warning signs
- Avoid gambling when you are tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol — decisions made in those states rarely reflect what you actually want
Where to find help in the UK
Every organisation below offers free support. None of them requires you to have hit rock bottom before reaching out — a conversation at any stage is worthwhile.
- GamCare — runs the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Offers counselling, online chat and a peer support forum.
- BeGambleAware — information, self-assessment tools and referrals to treatment services across the UK.
- GamStop — free national self-exclusion scheme covering all UK-licensed operators. One registration excludes you from all participating sites.
- Gordon Moody — provides residential treatment programmes and online therapy for people with serious gambling problems.
Blocking software
If you want a technical barrier rather than — or in addition to — an account-level restriction, two tools are worth knowing about. Gamban blocks access to gambling sites and apps across every device it is installed on; it is designed to be difficult to remove on impulse. BetBlocker is free, covers multiple platforms and takes only a few minutes to set up. Both work alongside Shakebet's own self-exclusion tool rather than replacing it.
Protecting minors
You must be 18 years old, or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction if that is higher, to hold an account with Shakebet. Anyone who registers must confirm they meet this requirement. 18+ access applies without exception.
If you share a device with a young person, parental-control software provides an additional safeguard. Tools such as Net Nanny and Qustodio can block access to gambling sites at the network or device level, independent of any account settings. Setting these up takes a few minutes and runs quietly in the background.
If you are concerned that someone under 18 has accessed a gambling account, contact Shakebet's support team directly and reach out to GamCare on 0808 8020 133 for guidance.
For any questions about the content on this portal, write to us at [email protected]. Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore.