Safer Gambling Week 2026 runs from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November. It’s a cross-industry campaign across the UK and Ireland, led by the Betting and Gaming Council, Bacta and the Bingo Association, and this year’s theme is “Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling”. The idea is simple: get people talking about how to keep betting fun, the tools that help you stay in control, and where to get support if you need it.
Need help now? The National Gambling Helpline is free and open 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales). In Wales you can also call the All Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 281 9265, in Northern Ireland 08000 886 725, and in the Republic of Ireland 1800 936 725.
The key messages
The campaign’s advice for anyone who bets is:
- Gambling isn’t a way to make money. Treat any stake as the cost of entertainment.
- Set your limits before you start, for both money and time.
- Take regular breaks.
- Don’t chase losses. If you’ve reached your limit, stop.
- Friends and family come first.
- Only bet with licensed operators. Check for a UK Gambling Commission licence number, and be wary of offers that look too good to be true: unlicensed sites don’t give you the same protection.
The safer gambling tools in your betting app
Every UK-licensed betting app gives you tools to stay in control. They take a minute to set up and you can use them whether or not you think you have a problem. These are the main ones:
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month. Lowering a limit works straight away; raising one takes time to come into effect. |
| Reality checks | A pop-up reminder of how long you’ve been logged in, at intervals you choose. |
| Time-outs | A short break, from a day up to six weeks, during which you can’t bet. |
| Self-exclusion | Closes your account for at least six months. It can’t be reversed during that time. |
| Activity statements | A record of your deposits, withdrawals and play, so you can see what you’ve really spent. |
William Hill
William Hill’s tools are in the account menu. Its deposit limits can be daily, weekly or monthly; they’re net limits, so withdrawals give you back allowance, and if you set more than one, the strictest applies. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately, while raising it has a 24-hour cooling-off period. There’s also a deposit tracker. Reality check reminders are compulsory for UK customers, time-outs run from one day to six weeks online, and self-exclusion starts at six months. For UK customers, a new self-exclusion also covers related accounts across the William Hill and 888 group brands.
888sport
888sport’s tools are in its Control Centre, opened from the shield icon at the top right of the app. You can set net deposit limits per day, week or month, choose a “Time Spent Reminder” at intervals such as every 30 minutes, and “Take a Break” for one day, two days, seven days, 14 days, one month or six weeks. Self-exclusion lasts at least six months and can’t be reversed during that time. The Control Centre also shows your deposits, withdrawals, winnings and time spent.
Want to see how these apps work for racing? Our guides cover the William Hill app and the 888sport app.
Tools outside the apps
- GAMSTOP is a free service that lets you self-exclude from every online gambling company licensed in Great Britain in one go.
- Bank gambling blocks: many banks let you block gambling payments on your card, often with a switch in your banking app.
- Blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker stops gambling sites and apps opening on your devices.
- Social media settings: you can limit the gambling content and adverts you see.
Let’s talk about safer gambling
This year’s theme is about conversation. Talking about betting, with a friend, a partner or someone you trust, makes it easier to notice when it’s stopped being fun. Some questions worth asking yourself:
- Am I spending more money or time on betting than I planned to?
- Am I chasing losses or betting to win back money?
- Am I borrowing money, or using money meant for bills, to bet?
- Am I hiding how much I bet from the people close to me?
If the answer to any of these is yes, use the tools above and talk to someone. If you’re worried about somebody else, the helplines below support family and friends too.
Where to get support
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline (England, Scotland, Wales), run by GamCare | 0808 8020 133, free, 24/7, or live chat at gamcare.org.uk |
| All Wales Gambling Helpline | 0808 281 9265, free, 24/7 |
| Northern Ireland Gambling Helpline | 08000 886 725, free |
| Republic of Ireland Gambling Helpline | 1800 936 725 |
| GAMSTOP (online self-exclusion) | gamstop.co.uk |
| Gamblers Anonymous | gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
| Gambling Therapy (online support in several languages) | gamblingtherapy.org |
| Safer Gambling Week | safergamblinguk.org |
Our commitment
Horse Racing Betting Apps is for adults only, and we don’t publish betting tips. Our bookmaker pages list each operator’s UK Gambling Commission licence, and our app guides point out the safer gambling tools as well as the racing features. Read our responsible gambling guide and how we rate betting apps.
Safer Gambling Week FAQs
When is Safer Gambling Week 2026?
Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November 2026.
What is the theme for 2026?
“Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling”. You’ll see it on social media as #SGWeek26.
Who runs Safer Gambling Week?
It’s a cross-industry campaign in the UK and Ireland, organised by the Betting and Gaming Council with Bacta and the Bingo Association, and supported by betting companies including William Hill and 888.
How do I set a deposit limit on a betting app?
Look for the safer gambling, responsible gaming or account settings in your app. On William Hill it’s in the account menu, and on 888sport it’s in the Control Centre under the shield icon. Lowering a limit works straight away.
Can I stop betting with every bookmaker at once?
Yes. GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain with a single sign-up.
Who can I call for help?
The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day. It also helps people worried about someone else’s gambling.
18+ only. Sources: Betting and Gaming Council; Safer Gambling Week and its helplines page; William Hill: Safer Gambling for UK customers; 888sport: Responsible Gaming (UK). Checked 9 November 2026.
