Responsible gambling

MyHorseBets is for adults aged 18 and over. Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. Treat betting as entertainment you pay for, like a ticket to the races, not as a way to make money.

Ways to stay in control

• Set a budget before you start and only bet what you can afford to lose.
• Decide how long you'll bet for, and stop when the time is up.
• Never chase losses. A bigger bet to win it back usually makes it worse.
• Don't bet when you're upset, stressed or have been drinking.
• Use the tools your bookmaker must offer: deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion.
• Keep gambling separate from money for bills, rent and food.

Warning signs

• Spending more money or time on betting than you planned.
• Borrowing money, or selling things, to bet.
• Hiding your betting from family or friends.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you aren't betting.
• Betting to escape problems.

If any of these sound familiar, talk to someone. Help is free and confidential.

Free support in the UK

• National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, or live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
• BeGambleAware: advice and self-assessment at begambleaware.org.
• GAMSTOP: free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps at gamstop.co.uk.
• Gamblers Anonymous UK: local and online meetings at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
• NHS: specialist gambling clinics; see nhs.uk.

Blocking software

Tools such as Gamban and BetBlocker block gambling websites and apps on your devices. Many banks also let you block gambling payments from their app.