Quick answer: Safer Gambling Week runs from 16 to 22 November 2026. It’s a UK-wide campaign, backed by bookmakers including William Hill and 888, to raise awareness of the tools that help you stay in control, such as deposit limits, reality checks and time-outs, and of where to get free, confidential support. This year’s theme is “Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling.” If you need help now, call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.
What is Safer Gambling Week?
Safer Gambling Week is an annual campaign that brings the UK betting and gaming industry together to talk about safer gambling. This year it runs from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November. Bookmakers, charities and sites like ours use the week to remind people that betting should be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money, and to make sure everyone knows about the free tools and support available.
The theme for 2026 is “Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling.” The idea is simple: the more openly we talk about our betting, with friends, family or a support service, the easier it is to spot when it stops being fun.
The safer gambling tools in your betting app
Every bookmaker licensed by the UK Gambling Commission must offer these tools. You’ll usually find them in your account settings, under a section called Safer Gambling or Responsible Gambling. On the William Hill app, for example, it’s under Account > Safer Gambling.
Set a budget
Deposit limits
Set a maximum you can deposit each day, week or month. You can lower a limit straight away, but raising it takes time to come into effect, so you can’t increase it in the heat of the moment.
Keep track of time
Reality checks
A pop-up reminds you how long you’ve been logged in and what you’ve won or lost, at intervals you choose.
Take a break
Time-outs
Lock your account for a short period, from a day up to several weeks. You can’t bet or deposit until it ends.
Step away
Self-exclusion
Close your account for at least six months. To exclude yourself from every UK-licensed gambling site at once, use GAMSTOP.
Watch the numbers
Activity statements
See your deposits, withdrawals and net position over time, so there are no surprises.
Block it
Bank and app blocks
Many UK banks let you block gambling payments on your card in their app, and free tools such as BetBlocker block gambling sites on your devices.
Signs betting might be becoming a problem
It can be hard to notice when betting stops being fun. These are common warning signs:
- Spending more money or time than you planned, or more than you can afford.
- Chasing losses: betting more to try to win back what you’ve lost.
- Borrowing money, or using money meant for bills, to bet.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you’re not betting, or betting to escape problems.
- Hiding your betting from people close to you.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth talking to someone. Support is free and confidential, and you don’t have to stop betting completely to ask for advice.
Where to get free support
| Service | What it offers | How to reach it |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) | Free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends | Call 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, or live chat at gamcare.org.uk |
| BeGambleAware | Information, self-assessment tools and links to free treatment | begambleaware.org |
| GAMSTOP | Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed online gambling sites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years | gamstop.co.uk |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support meetings across the UK | gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
| NHS gambling support | Specialist NHS clinics for people with gambling problems | Search “NHS gambling support” on nhs.uk |
How we’re supporting Safer Gambling Week
Throughout the week we’ll be highlighting safer gambling tools across Football Betting Apps. Every bookmaker we list is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, and every review shows where to find its safer gambling tools. Our partners, William Hill and 888sport, are also backing the campaign.
Our advice all year round: set a deposit limit before your first bet, only bet what you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. Football is more fun when the stakes are ones you’re comfortable with.
Safer Gambling Week FAQs
When is Safer Gambling Week 2026?
From Monday 16 to Sunday 22 November 2026.
What is the theme of Safer Gambling Week 2026?
“Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling,” which encourages open conversations about betting and the support available.
How do I set a deposit limit on a betting app?
Go to your account settings and open the Safer Gambling or Responsible Gambling section. Choose a daily, weekly or monthly limit. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away; raising it takes longer.
What is GAMSTOP?
A free service that lets you exclude yourself from all online gambling sites and apps licensed in Great Britain for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
Who can I talk to about my gambling?
The National Gambling Helpline is free and confidential on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day. You can also live chat with GamCare or visit BeGambleAware.
18+ only. If betting stops being fun, take a break. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 · BeGambleAware.org · GAMSTOP.