We built Huippu for entertainment, and we want it to stay that way. If gambling starts to feel like a chore rather than a choice, or if you find yourself chasing losses instead of enjoying the games, it's time to step back. This page covers the control tools we offer, the warning signs worth watching for, and where to get help in the UK when you need it.
Why this matters
Gambling should fit into your life without crowding out the rest of it. When it works, it's a way to unwind with a slot session or a few hands of blackjack. When it doesn't, it can quietly become the thing that dictates your evening, your weekend, or your payday. The shift is gradual, which is exactly why checking in with yourself matters.
We provide tools to help you stay in control – deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion – but the tools only work if you use them before things get difficult. Waiting until you've already spent more than you can afford, or until gambling is affecting your relationships, makes it harder to pull back. The earlier you act, the easier it is to adjust.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
These behaviours are concrete warning signs, not vague feelings. If more than one applies to you, it's worth taking them seriously:
- Spending more than you planned – regularly depositing beyond the amount you decided was acceptable, or chasing losses to recover what you've already spent.
- Borrowing to play – using credit cards, payday loans, or money meant for bills to fund your account.
- Hiding your activity – deleting transaction emails, clearing your browser history, or lying to family about how much you've deposited or lost.
- Gambling to escape – turning to slots or table games to avoid stress, boredom, or difficult emotions rather than for enjoyment.
- Neglecting responsibilities – missing work, skipping social plans, or ignoring household tasks because you're playing or thinking about playing.
- Irritability when you can't play – feeling restless, anxious or short-tempered when you're away from the site or when someone interrupts a session.
Questions worth asking yourself
A short self-check can clarify whether gambling is still entertainment or whether it's becoming a problem. Answer these honestly:
- Have you ever lied to someone about how much you've spent or lost?
- Do you gamble with money needed for rent, bills, or groceries?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop, and found you couldn't?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed after a session?
- Has gambling caused arguments with family or friends?
- Do you gamble to win back money you've already lost?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund your play?
- Does gambling interfere with your work, studies, or daily routine?
If you answered yes to two or more of these, it's a signal that gambling may be causing harm. This isn't a diagnosis, but it is a reason to reach out for support or to set stricter limits on your account.
Our control tools
We offer several tools designed to help you manage your spending and your time on the site. These are not failsafes – they require you to set them actively – but once in place, they work automatically.
Deposit limits
You can set a maximum amount you're allowed to deposit over a day, a week, or a month. Once you reach that limit, further deposits are blocked until the period resets. The limit applies across all payment methods, so you can't bypass it by switching from a card to an e-wallet. Changes to increase a limit take 24 hours to come into effect, giving you a cooling-off window before the new cap applies.
Time-out
A time-out lets you take a break from your account for a set period – anything from 24 hours to six weeks. During a time-out, you cannot log in, deposit, or place bets. Any bonuses expire, but your account balance remains intact and is available when the time-out ends. This is useful if you want a short pause without closing your account permanently.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion closes your account for a minimum of six months, and you can extend it up to five years. During this period, you will not be able to reopen the account or create a new one. Any remaining balance can be withdrawn before the exclusion takes effect. Marketing emails and promotional messages stop immediately. Self-exclusion is the strongest tool we offer, and it's the right choice if gambling is causing serious harm.
Practical limits that work
Beyond the formal tools, a few everyday habits can keep your play manageable:
- Decide your spend before you log in. Set a figure you can afford to lose, and stop when you reach it. Do not deposit more to chase a loss.
- Set a time limit for each session. Use your phone's timer. When it goes off, log out – whether you're up or down.
- Never gamble on credit. Only deposit money you already have. If you're using a credit card or borrowing to play, that's a red flag.
- Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen every 30 to 45 minutes. A short walk or a drink of water interrupts the flow and gives you a chance to reassess.
- Keep gambling separate from other activities. Don't play while working, studying, or spending time with family. Treat it as a distinct, limited activity.
- Track your spending. Check your account history weekly. If the total surprises you, it's a sign you've lost track.
Where to get help in the UK
If gambling is affecting your mental health, your finances, or your relationships, free and confidential support is available. These organisations do not judge and do not share your details without your consent.
GamCare
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week). You can also visit gamcare.org.uk for online chat and email support. GamCare offers one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and a network of local face-to-face services across the UK.
BeGambleAware
Visit begambleaware.org for information, self-assessment tools, and links to treatment providers. BeGambleAware funds the National Gambling Helpline and provides resources for families affected by someone else's gambling.
GamStop
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme. Registering blocks your access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for a minimum of six months. The exclusion is enforced across the entire industry, so you cannot open a new account at a different operator during the exclusion period. It takes effect within 24 hours of registration.
Gordon Moody
For those who need more intensive support, Gordon Moody offers residential treatment programmes as well as online therapy. The charity specialises in gambling addiction and provides a structured recovery environment for people who need to step away completely.
Blocking software
If you want to prevent access to gambling sites on your devices, two tools are widely used in the UK:
- Gamban – gamban.com – blocks all gambling sites and apps across your phone, tablet, and computer. The software runs in the background and cannot be easily removed once installed. It costs around £3 per month after a seven-day free trial.
- BetBlocker – betblocker.org – free, open-source software that works on most devices. It blocks gambling sites for a set period (minimum 24 hours) and is effective for both browsers and apps.
Protecting minors
Access to our site is restricted to players aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone under 18, parental-control software can help prevent accidental access. Tools such as Net Nanny, Qustodio, and Norton Family let you block specific categories of websites, including gambling, and monitor activity on phones, tablets, and computers. Most operating systems also include built-in parental controls that can restrict access by age rating.
Get in touch
If you need to adjust your limits, request a time-out, or self-exclude, contact our support team at [email protected]. We aim to respond within 48 hours. For urgent help with problem gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Access to this site is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). If gambling ever stops feeling like entertainment, free and confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.