Safer Gambling
Last updated: September 2026
An online lottery is still gambling. UK Cause Draw wants it to stay entertainment. Play is strictly for adults aged 18 and over, and only with money you can afford to lose.
Before you buy a ticket
- Decide a monthly or weekly limit and keep to it
- Treat a subscription as a repeating payment, not a one-off
- Never chase a missed draw with money you need for bills
- Read how to cancel before you subscribe
Tools that keep you in control
- Deposit and spend limits on the operator's account
- Time and session limits with reality checks
- Cool-off periods
- A clear view of what you have spent
- Self-exclusion
GAMSTOP self-exclusion
GAMSTOP is the free national online self-exclusion scheme. Registering at gamstop.co.uk blocks you from UK-licensed online gambling, including licensed online lotteries, for the period you choose.
Blocking software
Gamban (gamban.com) blocks gambling apps and websites across your devices, and many banks let you switch on a gambling block on your cards.
Where to find help
The National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133, 24/7, run by GamCare (gamcare.org.uk). You can also use TalkBanStop, contact Gordon Moody (gordonmoody.org.uk) or Gamblers Anonymous UK.
Warning signs
- Spending more on tickets than you planned
- Hiding lottery spend from people you live with
- Borrowing to play
- Feeling unable to skip a draw
Under-18s
Lottery play is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you share devices, consider parental-control software to keep gambling content away from minors.