EuroMillions should be a bit of fun: a small amount you're happy to spend for the excitement of the draw. If it starts to feel like a way to make money, or you're spending more than you meant to, it's time to stop and take stock. Here's how to stay in control, the tools The National Lottery offers and where to get free, confidential help in the UK.
Only for over-18s
Since April 2021 you must be 18 or over to buy any National Lottery ticket, online or in a shop, and retailers check the ID of anyone who looks younger. Allwyn won't pay a prize on a ticket bought by someone under 18.
Decide your budget and your time first
- Set a weekly or monthly amount you can afford to lose, and don't go over it, whatever the jackpot.
- Think of what you spend as the price of entertainment, and of any win as a bonus.
- Never borrow, use credit or dip into money meant for bills to play.
- Pay your important bills first; direct debits and standing orders on payday help.
- Don't play to cheer yourself up, to escape a problem or to win back what you've lost.
Tools in your National Lottery account
If you play online, the spend and play settings in your account let you set limits on how much you spend, deposit and play, get reminders and take time out:
- A short break, from one day to five months.
- A longer break, from six months to five years.
- A lifetime exclusion from all National Lottery games, which can't be reversed.
The National Lottery also has an online test to help you think about how you play and a budget calculator, and it uses behavioural analytics to spot players who may be at risk and lower their limits automatically.
GAMSTOP and other blocking tools
GAMSTOP is a free service that blocks you from gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain for six months, one year or five years. Bear in mind that, for The National Lottery, it only covers Instant Win Games, not draw games such as EuroMillions; to stop playing EuroMillions online, use the exclusion in your National Lottery account as well.
- Blocking software such as Gamban stops gambling websites and apps working on your devices.
- Your bank can usually block payments to gambling companies; many banking apps let you switch this on yourself.
- National Debtline and Citizens Advice offer free help if gambling has left you with debts.
Signs that gambling is becoming a problem
The NHS suggests nine questions. For each, score 0 for 'never', 1 for 'sometimes', 2 for 'most of the time' and 3 for 'almost always':
- Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling?
- Have you tried to win back money you've lost?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
- Have you wondered whether you have a problem with gambling?
- Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
- Have other people criticised your betting or told you that you have a problem?
- Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
- Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
A total of 8 or more means you, or the people closest to you, are likely to be experiencing harm from gambling. A score between 1 and 7 means it may still be having a negative effect. Either way, help is available.
Where to get help
- National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare: 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, live chat or WhatsApp. More at gamcare.org.uk.
- NHS gambling clinics: specialist treatment in England, including the National Problem Gambling Clinic, which you can contact yourself or through your GP. Details at nhs.uk.
- Find local support: a postcode search for free, confidential gambling support near you, at gambleaware.org.
- Gamblers Anonymous: meetings across the UK where people help each other stop gambling, at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
- GAMSTOP: free self-exclusion from gambling websites and apps, at gamstop.co.uk.
If you're worried about someone else
Gambling harm affects families and friends too. The National Gambling Helpline and GamCare also support people affected by someone else's gambling, and Gamblers Anonymous holds meetings that family members can attend. Talk to the person calmly, without blame, avoid lending them money to gamble or pay debts and look after your own wellbeing as well.
Playing safely online
Responsible play and safe play go together. Play only on The National Lottery's own website and app, or in National Lottery shops, protect your account with a strong password and be wary of anyone promising sure-fire wins. Our guide to avoiding EuroMillions scams covers the warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
Can EuroMillions be addictive?
Any form of gambling can become a problem, including lotteries. If you're spending more than you meant to or it's affecting your mood, money or relationships, talk to the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
How do I set a spending limit on The National Lottery?
In the spend and play settings of your National Lottery account, where you can limit how much you spend, deposit and play.
Does GAMSTOP stop me playing EuroMillions?
No. For The National Lottery, GAMSTOP only covers Instant Win Games. To stop playing draw games such as EuroMillions, take a break or exclude yourself in your National Lottery account.
How long can I exclude myself from The National Lottery?
From one day up to five years, or for life. A lifetime exclusion can't be reversed.
Is the National Gambling Helpline free?
Yes. It's free and confidential, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0808 8020 133, and by live chat or WhatsApp.
Last reviewed: . Independent information: official results are published by the lottery that runs the game.