Play informed
Responsible Gambling
Poker should be entertainment, not a financial plan. Knowing when to stop, using the tools available to you and getting support early can help keep gambling from becoming harmful.
Last updated: 19 August 2026Keep poker enjoyable
Gambling should never cost more than you can afford to lose.
Live and online poker involve financial risk. Results are uncertain, losses happen and there is no system that guarantees a profit. Treat gambling as paid entertainment and keep money needed for everyday life completely separate.
Money limits
Decide what you can afford to spend before playing and avoid increasing that amount simply because a session or tournament has gone badly.
Time limits
Long sessions can make it harder to keep perspective. Take regular breaks and pay attention to how much time gambling is taking away from the rest of your life.
Keep it optional
Gambling should be something you can comfortably choose not to do. If stopping or cutting back feels difficult, support and practical tools are available.
When to pay attention
Signs it may be time to stop or get support
One sign on its own does not define somebody’s situation. What matters is noticing when gambling is beginning to affect money, relationships, work or wellbeing.
Spending more money or time gambling than you originally intended.
Trying to win back previous losses by gambling more.
Using money needed for bills, essentials or other commitments.
Borrowing money or creating debt in order to continue gambling.
Hiding gambling activity or spending from people close to you.
Gambling beginning to affect your mood, work, relationships or sleep.
Practical controls
Use the tools available to you
Licensed gambling operators provide tools designed to help customers control their activity. Use them before gambling becomes difficult to manage.
Deposit and spending limits
Where available, set limits that fit your circumstances rather than treating the maximum amount offered by an operator as a target.
Time-outs and breaks
Taking a deliberate break can create distance from gambling and give you time to reassess whether you actually want to continue.
Self-exclusion
If you want to stop gambling, self-exclusion services can restrict your access. GAMSTOP provides a free online self-exclusion service for gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
UKPokerFinder’s role
UKPokerFinder is not a gambling operator.
We provide information about poker tournaments, venues and related services. We do not accept bets, wagers or deposits and we cannot control or close gambling accounts held with third-party operators. Account limits, exclusions and gambling transactions must be dealt with through the relevant operator or support service.
Independent support
Help and safer-gambling resources
If gambling is worrying you, affecting somebody close to you or simply no longer feels enjoyable, you do not need to wait for things to become worse before looking for support.
GamCare
Information, advice and confidential support for people affected by gambling harm.
Visit GamCare → Advice & supportGambleAware
Independent information, practical advice and support resources relating to gambling and gambling harm.
Visit GambleAware → Self-exclusionGAMSTOP
A free service that can block access to online gambling accounts with companies licensed in Great Britain.
Visit GAMSTOP → Official guidanceGambling Commission
Official information about safer gambling, player protections and tools for managing gambling activity.
View safer-gambling guidance →