Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling

Gambling problems rarely announce themselves. They tend to creep in slowly. If any of these feel familiar, it may be time to take a step back and seek support.

Spending more than you planned, or more than you can afford to lose

Chasing losses, placing more bets to try to win back what you've lost

Hiding your gambling from family or friends, or lying about how much you bet

Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, loneliness or other difficult feelings

Difficulty stopping or cutting down, even when you want to

Gambling affecting your finances, relationships, work or mental health

Spending increasing amounts of time thinking about gambling

Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using credit to fund gambling

Check In With Yourself

GambleAware's free self-assessment tool takes a few minutes and can help you understand your relationship with gambling more clearly. No account needed, completely private.

GambleAware Self-Assessment

A short quiz that helps identify whether gambling is becoming a problem. Provided free by GambleAware, the UK's leading safer gambling charity.

Take the quiz →

Practical Tips

Most recreational gamblers stay in control by following a few basic principles. If you're not already doing these, they're worth starting now.

  • Only bet money you can genuinely afford to lose, not rent, bills or savings
  • Set a budget before you bet, and stick to it regardless of results
  • Never chase a loss. If you've had a losing run, stop, don't try to win it back in one bet
  • Take regular breaks from gambling, even when things are going well
  • Use the deposit limit, time limit and self-exclusion tools your bookmaker provides
  • Don't bet when you're upset, stressed, drunk or trying to escape a problem
  • Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money
  • Talk to someone if gambling feels like it's getting on top of you

Our Commitment To You

Race Of The Day is a horse racing analysis service, not a bookmaker. We don't take bets or handle money. But we're still part of the wider racing ecosystem, and we take our responsibilities seriously.

  • Pre-race selections only. Every tip is published before the race goes off. No retrospective selections, no cherry-picking.
  • Full verified record, always public. Our complete tip history, wins and losses, is available to view at raceoftheday.com/record before anyone subscribes.
  • Realistic staking guidance. We advise members to use small, level stakes. We do not encourage high-risk staking or bet-building.
  • No pressure marketing. We don't use countdown manipulation, false scarcity or high-pressure tactics to push people into betting more than they should.
  • No subscription to under-18s. Membership is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. We enforce this across all sign-up channels.
  • Safer gambling resources on every page. GambleAware links, the National Gambling Helpline number and responsible gambling messaging appear throughout the site.

Support Organisations

All of the following offer free, confidential support, for those affected by their own gambling, and for family members and loved ones.

GambleAware

begambleaware.org

The UK's leading safer gambling charity. Information, self-assessment tools, and a network of free treatment services.

GamStop

gamstop.co.uk

The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register once to be excluded from all licensed UK gambling sites and apps.

GamCare

gamcare.org.uk

Free counselling, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Live chat available.

Gamblers Anonymous

gamblersanonymous.org.uk

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience and support each other in recovery from problem gambling.

GamFam

gamfam.org.uk

Support for families, partners, friends and children affected by someone else's gambling. You don't have to cope alone.

Citizens Advice

citizensadvice.org.uk

Free advice on debt and financial hardship caused by gambling, including options for managing money and creditors.

Helplines

If you need to talk to someone right now, these free helplines are available.

National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 Free to call ยท 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
GamCare Live Chat gamcare.org.uk Live chat & online support available
Text Support (Samaritans) 116 123 If you're in crisis. Free, confidential, always open

18+ Only

18+

Race Of The Day is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. By subscribing, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. If you are concerned about underage gambling, please visit YGAM.org for resources and support.