Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money or escape problems. Fatpirate is built for players who want to enjoy slots, live games and sports betting without letting it take over. This page explains the signs that matter, the questions worth asking yourself, and the tools we offer to keep things under control.
Why responsible gambling matters
Gambling becomes a problem when it stops being a choice. When you are chasing losses, hiding spending, or feeling anxious about the next bet, the entertainment is gone. Responsible gambling is about recognising those moments early and having a plan before they escalate.
We offer deposit limits, self-exclusion and account closure to help you stay in control. The tools are straightforward, and using them is not a sign of failure – it is the opposite.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
These behaviours are concrete warning signs, not vague feelings:
- Spending more than you planned, regularly
- Borrowing money to gamble or to cover losses
- Lying to family or friends about how much you are spending
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Missing work, social plans or other responsibilities to gamble
- Feeling restless, irritable or guilty when you are not gambling
If two or more of these apply to you, it is time to act.
Questions worth asking yourself
Answer these honestly. They are not a diagnosis, but they will help you see where you stand:
- Do you gamble with money you need for bills or essentials?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you could not?
- Do you gamble to escape worry, boredom or depression?
- Have you lied about your gambling to someone close to you?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win it back?
- Has gambling caused arguments or damaged a relationship?
- Do you gamble longer or with more money than you intended?
- Have you borrowed, sold anything, or done something illegal to fund gambling?
A single yes does not mean you have a problem, but several yes answers suggest you should talk to someone.
Fatpirate's control tools
We provide two main tools to help you manage your account:
Self-exclusion: Request this by emailing [email protected]. Once active, you will not be able to log in or place bets for the period you choose. Self-exclusion lasts a minimum of six months, and it cannot be reversed early.
Account closure: If you want to close your account permanently, contact our support team at [email protected]. Closure is immediate, and any remaining balance will be returned to you via your registered payment method.
Neither option is instant – you must email us to start the process. If you need something to take effect today, consider using GamStop (see below), which blocks access to all UK-licensed sites immediately.
Practical limits that work
Set boundaries before you play, not during a session when decisions are harder:
- Decide your budget for the week or month, and do not exceed it. Treat that money as spent, like a night out.
- Set a time limit – one hour, two hours – and stop when it is up, win or lose.
- Never gamble with money you need for rent, bills, food or debt repayments.
- Avoid gambling when you are upset, drunk, or under stress. Decisions made in those states cost more later.
- Take regular breaks. Walk away from the screen, even if you are winning.
- If you are chasing a loss, stop. That session is over.
Where to get help in the UK
Free, confidential support is available 24/7, and you do not need to be in crisis to use it:
GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline – call 0808 8020 133 any time, day or night. You can also visit gamcare.org.uk for live chat and online support groups.
BeGambleAware offers practical advice, a spending tracker, and links to local services. Visit begambleaware.org to find what works for you.
Gordon Moody provides residential treatment and online therapy for people with serious gambling problems. Find out more at gordonmoody.org.uk.
GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme. Register at gamstop.co.uk, and you will be blocked from all UK-licensed gambling sites for six months, one year, or five years. It takes effect within 24 hours.
Blocking software
If you want to prevent access to gambling sites on your devices, two options are widely used:
Gamban (gamban.com) blocks gambling sites and apps across all your devices. It costs £2–£4 per month, and once installed it cannot be easily removed until the subscription ends.
BetBlocker (betblocker.org) is free and works on phones, tablets and computers. It blocks gambling sites and can be configured to stay active for a set period.
Protecting minors
You must be 18 or over (18+) to use Fatpirate. If you share a device with someone under 18, parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block access to gambling sites. These tools are straightforward to set up and work across all browsers and apps.
Gambling should stay entertainment. If it stops feeling that way, the support above is there, and it is free.
For questions about responsible gambling tools or to request self-exclusion, email [email protected].
This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+). If gambling ever stops feeling like entertainment, free and confidential help is available at BeGambleAware.org.