Responsible gambling at 1red
Start playingGambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or money you can't afford to lose. We run 1red on that principle, and this page exists to help you keep it that way—with practical tools, honest warning signs, and direct routes to support when you need it.
Why responsible gambling matters
For most people, placing a bet or spinning a slot stays fun. For some, it doesn't. The shift happens gradually—chasing losses, playing longer than planned, borrowing to gamble—and it's easier to spot in hindsight than in the moment. Recognising the behaviour early makes a real difference, which is why we're clear about the signs and the help available.
Our platform offers over 4,000 games from more than 40 providers, alongside live sports betting. The range is there for entertainment, but the scale also means you need boundaries—timers, limits, breaks—so the choice to play stays yours.
Behaviour that should worry you
These are the patterns that signal gambling has stopped being entertainment. If more than one applies, it's worth pausing to ask why.
- Gambling with money meant for rent, bills or groceries
- Chasing losses—depositing again to win back what you've just lost
- Lying to family or friends about how much you're spending or how often you play
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you're not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund a session
- Missing work, social plans or sleep because you're still playing
None of these behaviours is a moral failure. They're signals that the balance has tipped, and the right response is to act on them—not to hide them.
Self-assessment: questions worth asking yourself
A short, honest check-in can clarify whether your gambling is still under control. Answer yes or no to each question, and if you answer yes to three or more, consider reaching out for support.
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Do you gamble to escape problems, boredom or negative feelings?
- Have you lied about your gambling to someone close to you?
- Has gambling caused arguments or damaged a relationship?
- Have you borrowed money or sold something to gamble?
- Do you feel guilty or anxious after a session?
- Have you gambled with money you needed for something else?
- Do you return the next day to try to win back losses?
This is not a diagnosis. It's a prompt to think clearly about what's happening, and to decide whether the pattern you're seeing needs to change.
Our control tools
We provide several tools you can activate directly from your account. Each one serves a different purpose, and all of them are there to help you stay in control of your play.
| Tool | What it does | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Self-exclusion (24 hours) | Locks your account for a full day | Cannot be reversed early |
| Self-exclusion (7 days) | Locks your account for a week | Cannot be reversed early |
| Self-exclusion (30 days) | Locks your account for a month | Cannot be reversed early |
| Self-exclusion (6 months) | Locks your account for half a year | Cannot be reversed early |
| Self-exclusion (1 year) | Locks your account for twelve months | Cannot be reversed early |
| Permanent self-exclusion | Locks your account indefinitely | Can be revoked via written request, subject to a 7-day cooling-off period |
Once activated, a self-exclusion period cannot be shortened. You will not be able to log in, deposit, or place bets until the period expires. That's deliberate—the tool works because it removes the option to change your mind in a moment of impulse.
Our terms also mention deposit limits and time limits as helpful hints, though the full technical implementation of these in your account dashboard isn't detailed in the operator's published materials. If you want to set a spending or session cap, contact our support team at [email protected] and we'll walk you through what's available.
How to activate self-exclusion
Log into your account, go to the responsible gambling section of your settings, and select the period you need. The lock takes effect immediately. If you'd prefer to speak to someone first, email [email protected] or use the live chat—available 24/7—and a team member can guide you through the process.
Practical limits that work
Control tools are one layer. Day-to-day habits are another. These strategies help keep gambling in proportion, whether or not you're using a formal limit.
- Set a budget before you start. Decide what you can afford to lose—not what you hope to win—and stop when that amount is gone. Write it down if that helps you stick to it.
- Use a timer. An hour can feel like ten minutes when you're absorbed in a session. Set an alarm on your phone for 30 or 60 minutes, and when it goes off, take a break or stop entirely.
- Don't chase losses. The urge to deposit again after a losing streak is the single most common way spending spirals. Walk away instead. Tomorrow is another day.
- Keep gambling separate from other money. Use a dedicated account or e-wallet for deposits, so you always know what you're spending and you're not dipping into funds earmarked for bills or savings.
- Never gamble under the influence. Alcohol and tiredness both impair judgement. If you're drinking or exhausted, close the app.
- Take regular breaks. A week or a month away resets your perspective. If the thought of a break feels impossible, that's a sign the break is necessary.
Where to get help in the UK
Free, confidential support is available around the clock. These organisations are staffed by people who understand gambling harm, and reaching out to them is not an admission of failure—it's a practical step toward regaining control.
GamCare offers one-to-one counselling, group support and a 24/7 helpline. Call 0808 8020 133 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or visit gamcare.org.uk to start a live chat or book a session.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice and access to treatment services across the UK. Their site at begambleaware.org includes a self-assessment tool and a directory of local support options.
Gordon Moody runs residential treatment programmes and online courses for people whose gambling has become unmanageable. They offer a safe environment to step away and rebuild. Learn more at gordonmoody.org.uk.
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites in one step. Once registered, the block lasts for a minimum of six months and covers every operator signed up to the scheme. Register at gamstop.co.uk.
Blocking software
If you want to remove the temptation at device level, two tools are widely used and effective.
Gamban blocks access to tens of thousands of gambling sites and apps across all your devices—phone, tablet, laptop. It cannot be uninstalled without contacting customer support, so it works even when willpower doesn't. A subscription is required, but the first month is often discounted. Visit gamban.com to download it.
BetBlocker is free and works on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It blocks gambling sites and apps and can be configured to include or exclude specific categories. Download it at betblocker.org.
Protecting minors
Access to this site and all our services is restricted to players aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone under 18, consider installing parental-control software to prevent access to gambling sites. Tools like Net Nanny and Qustodio allow you to block categories of content and set time limits, and both work across multiple devices.
We verify the age of every account holder. Players are required to provide a government-issued photo ID when they make an aggregate total of deposits exceeding €2,000 or request a withdrawal of any amount. Accounts that fail verification are suspended from all transactions.
Contact us
If you have questions about any of the tools on this page, or if you'd like help activating a limit or a self-exclusion period, email us at [email protected]. Our team is available 24/7 and will respond within 48 hours.
This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+) only. If gambling ever stops being entertainment, free and confidential support is available at BeGambleAware.org.