# Reality checks, limits and time-outs at a live table

> Which safer gambling tools licensed casinos must offer for live games: limits, time-outs, reality checks and Gamstop, and where to find them.

Source: https://seatcheck.uk/safety-tools-at-the-table/
Updated: 2026-11-13

A licensed casino must give you responsible gambling information, and the financial limit rules in RTS 12A to 12E have applied since 31 October 2025. You can set limits, take a time-out or self-exclude with Gamstop. This is the position as of 13 November 2026. There are no adverts or operator links on this page.

## The tools, in plain terms

Checked 13 November 2026. These are the tools to look for in your account, before a hand is dealt:

- **Deposit limit.** A cap on what you can pay in over a period you choose. See [setting a deposit limit](https://seatcheck.uk/set-deposit-limit-before-you-play/).
- **Time-out.** A short break you set in your account.
- **Reality check.** A reminder of time played. We have not yet confirmed how each operator offers it.
- **Self-exclusion.** [Gamstop](https://www.gamstop.co.uk) blocks your online accounts across licensed operators. See [how to register](https://seatcheck.uk/register-with-gamstop/).

**In short:** set a limit first, and use a break when the session feels wrong.

## What the rules say

**Safer gambling rules · source: Gambling Commission · checked 13 November 2026**

| Rule | What it covers | Date |
|---|---|---|
| SR 3.3.1 | Responsible gambling information to customers | In force |
| RTS 12A to 12E | Financial limits: prompt to set a limit, limits at account level, link to limits, lowering takes effect at once, review every six months | 31 October 2025 |
| RTS 12B, second phase | Naming: "deposit limit" means a gross limit; "spend limits" become "stake limits" | 30 September 2026 |
| SR 3.5.5 | Remote licensees must take part in Gamstop | In force |

We have not confirmed how reality checks are required. We say so instead of guessing.

**In short:** limit rules are recent, so check the wording your casino now uses.

## Where to find them at a casino

Not yet checked for named operators. In general, look in account settings, the responsible gambling page and the footer. A table tile does not carry them. Our lobby snapshot of three casinos will show the exact path and the date.

**In short:** start in account settings, not at the table.

## Help, free and confidential

- National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day (GamCare).
- [GambleAware](https://www.gambleaware.org), support for people in Great Britain.
- [Gamstop](https://www.gamstop.co.uk) to block online gambling accounts.

18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Read [responsible gambling](https://seatcheck.uk/responsible-gambling/).

**In short:** if gambling feels out of control, use the helpline today.

## How we checked this

We read the Gambling Commission's rule pages as summarised for SR 3.3.1, SR 3.5.5 and RTS 12A to 12E, and the Gamstop About page. We did not open operator account areas.

**In short:** every statement here names its source, and anything we could not read is marked as not yet checked.

## What changed

13 November 2026: first published. Nothing has changed since.

**In short:** this is the first version of the page.

## FAQ

**Can I set a limit before I join a live table?**

Yes, with a licensed operator you can set financial limits on your account. Set it before you play, not at the table.

**What is Gamstop?**

A free self-exclusion service that blocks your accounts with Great Britain licensed gambling companies. Taking part is a licence condition for remote operators (SR 3.5.5).

**How long does a Gamstop block take to start?**

Up to 24 hours. You choose six months, one year or five years.

**Who can I talk to now?**

The National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.