Responsible gambling at Rockstar
Start playingGambling works best when it stays what it was meant to be: a bit of entertainment you choose to spend time and money on, not something that takes over. Rockstar offers tools to help you stay in control, and this page walks you through the warning signs, the questions worth asking yourself, and where to turn when you need support. If you're 18 or over (18+) and playing on the platform, these resources exist for exactly this reason.
Why responsible gambling matters
The line between a hobby and a problem isn't always obvious while you're on one side of it. Gambling becomes harmful when it stops being a choice – when you're chasing losses, hiding what you've spent, or using money meant for bills. Recognising the shift early gives you options before things get worse. The tools Rockstar provides, the help lines listed below, and the honest self-check questions in the next section all exist because stepping back is easier the sooner you start.
Warning signs: when gambling gets out of hand
Good to know: any one of these on its own might mean nothing, but a pattern across several should get your attention.
- You're spending more time or money than you planned, repeatedly.
- You've borrowed money to gamble or to cover losses.
- Gambling is affecting work, relationships or your sleep.
- You feel anxious or irritable when you try to cut back.
- You're lying about how much you've lost or how often you play.
- Winning feels like it only covers what you've already lost, rather than a reason to stop.
A few questions to ask yourself
These aren't a diagnosis – they're a starting point. Answer honestly; nobody else needs to see them.
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve stress?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back what you lost?
- Have you lied to family or friends about how much you gamble?
- Has gambling caused you financial problems?
- Do you gamble until your last penny is gone?
- Have arguments, frustrations or disappointments created an urge to gamble?
If you answered yes to several of these, it's worth talking to someone – a friend, a counsellor, or one of the organisations listed further down this page.
Control tools Rockstar provides
The operator gives you a self-exclusion option: send a message to the Customer Support Department from your registered email address stating you wish to self-exclude, and the request takes effect within 24 hours. Your account stays disabled until you contact them again to lift it. In practice: this removes the temptation without needing willpower every day, which is the point of a proper exclusion tool.
Beyond self-exclusion, the platform does not publish deposit limits or timeout options in its terms. If you need a break shorter than a full exclusion, ask support directly whether they can set one manually – some operators handle these requests case by case even when the tools aren't automated.
Tips for gambling sensibly
Keeping it under control is easier with structure in place before you start, not rules you invent halfway through a session.
- Set a budget you can lose – money that won't affect rent, food or bills if it's gone – and stick to it.
- Decide how long you'll play before you start, and use a timer.
- Never chase losses. If you're down, accept it and walk away.
- Take regular breaks – every 30 minutes, stand up and do something else for five.
- Don't gamble when you're upset, stressed or drunk. It clouds judgement.
- Keep other hobbies active. Gambling shouldn't be the only thing you do for fun.
Where to find help in the UK
If gambling is causing you stress, these organisations offer confidential support at no cost. You don't need to be in crisis to call them – early contact is better than waiting until things are worse.
| Organisation | What they offer | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare | Free helpline, live chat, face-to-face counselling and group support | 0808 8020 133 (24/7, free) | gamcare.org.uk |
| BeGambleAware | Information, advice and treatment referrals | begambleaware.org |
| GamStop | Free national self-exclusion scheme across all UK-licensed sites | gamstop.co.uk |
| Gordon Moody | Residential treatment and online therapy programmes | gordonmoody.org.uk |
Blocking software
If you want to remove the option to gamble across all devices, these tools block access to gambling sites at the system level.
- Gamban – paid software that blocks gambling sites and apps across phones, tablets and computers. Works alongside GamStop for an extra layer. Visit gamban.com.
- BetBlocker – free, open-source blocking tool for multiple platforms. Download it at betblocker.org.
Protecting minors
The platform restricts access to those 18 and over, but a shared device at home is a real risk. Parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block gambling sites for younger users, and most routers let you set restrictions by device. If a child in your household has accessed a gambling account, contact the operator's support team immediately and set up proper device-level controls.
Get in touch
For questions about the content on this page, write to [email protected]. We aim to respond within 48 hours. For account-related issues or support requests tied to your play on the platform itself, contact the operator's own support channels directly.
Disclaimer: This page is for information and marketing purposes only. We are not a casino operator, a bookmaker or an organiser of gambling. Access to this content is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). We encourage you to gamble responsibly – for free, confidential support visit BeGambleAware.org.