Responsible Gambling at Tombola

Playing bingo and arcade games should always feel like fun, not pressure — and this page pulls together everything Tombola puts in place to help you stay in control. From deposit caps to self-exclusion, here’s a clear look at the operator’s player-protection toolkit and where to turn if gambling stops feeling like a game.

Table of contents

Our Commitment to Safe Play

Tombola has operated in the UK since 2006 under full UK Gambling Commission licensing (Account No. 38613), and player protection sits at the heart of that licence. The operator runs a dedicated Safe Play Team whose job is to spot worrying play patterns, reach out to players who may be at risk, and help them put safeguards in place. Alongside that team, a trained support crew is available 24/7 via live chat and email (support@tombola.co.uk), plus a UK freephone line on 0800 29 888 73 between 9 AM and 11 PM, so there’s usually someone to talk to about your account or your play.

The brand’s philosophy is straightforward: bingo is entertainment, and it only stays enjoyable when you spend what you can comfortably afford. Tombola only accepts players aged 18 or over, and its account structure reinforces safer habits — there’s a £300 maximum balance and a weekly net-deposit ceiling built into every account, which naturally limits how much can sit in play at any one time.

On the technical side, the site uses full SSL encryption and 3-D Secure 2.0 on card transactions, so deposits made with a Visa debit card, Mastercard debit card, Visa Electron or Apple Pay travel securely. The operator also signposts BeGambleAware across the site, connecting players with free, independent advice whenever they need it. For the wider context of how this review site rates the brand overall, see: Home.

Tools & Limits

How do I set deposit limits on Tombola?

You can set deposit caps directly in your account settings — head to the responsible gambling section and choose a daily, weekly or monthly limit that suits your budget. Tombola also applies a weekly net-deposit ceiling to all accounts by default. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away, while raising one involves a cooling-off period so the decision is never made impulsively.

Visit Tombola →

Time-out and self-exclusion options

If you want a short breather, Tombola offers time-outs that suspend your account for a brief window — handy around busy or stressful periods. For anything longer, self-exclusion closes your account for an extended term you choose, and the operator won’t send marketing during that time. You can also register with GAMSTOP, the free national scheme that blocks you from every UK-licensed gambling site at once.

Reality checks and session reminders

Session reminders pop up while you play on the web client or the native iOS and Android apps, telling you how long you’ve been in a game and how your session is going. It’s a small nudge, but a genuinely useful one — time flies in a bingo room, and a quick prompt makes it much easier to decide consciously whether to carry on or call it a night.

Getting Help

Signs of problem gambling

Problem gambling often creeps up quietly. It’s worth pausing and checking in with yourself if any of these sound familiar:

Open an Account at Tombola
  • Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses to win money back
  • Hiding your play — or how much it costs — from family or friends
  • Borrowing money or dipping into essentials like rent or bills to gamble
  • Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you’re not playing
  • Finding it hard to stop, even when you’ve promised yourself you would

None of these make you a bad person — they just mean it’s time to lean on the tools above or have a chat with someone independent.

Support organisations and helplines

Tombola links to BeGambleAware, which offers free, confidential advice and treatment referrals across the UK. Alongside it, these services are well worth knowing about:

  • National Gambling Helpline – 0808 8020 133, free and open 24/7
  • GamCare – counselling, live chat and forums for players and their families
  • GAMSTOP – free national self-exclusion across all UK-licensed operators
  • Gamblers Anonymous – peer support meetings throughout the UK

How to seek assistance

Start with whichever step feels easiest: set a limit in your Tombola account, ring the freephone line on 0800 29 888 73, or contact one of the organisations above. Every conversation is confidential, nothing gets reported back to the operator, and asking for help early makes a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tombola

How do I set deposit limits on Tombola?

Log in and open the responsible gambling section of your account, then choose a daily, weekly or monthly deposit cap. Reductions apply immediately, while increases carry a cooling-off period. Tombola also applies a weekly net-deposit ceiling and a £300 maximum balance to every account automatically.

What is the Tombola Safe Play Team?

The Safe Play Team is Tombola’s dedicated player-protection unit. It monitors play patterns for signs of harm, contacts players who may be at risk, and helps them set limits, take time-outs or self-exclude. The team works alongside the operator’s 24/7 live chat and email support.

How do I self-exclude from Tombola?

You can request self-exclusion through your account settings or by contacting support via live chat, email or the freephone line 0800 29 888 73. Your account closes for the chosen period. For wider protection, register free with GAMSTOP to block all UK-licensed gambling sites simultaneously.

Where can I get help for gambling problems?

Tombola signposts BeGambleAware for free, confidential advice. You can also call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7), contact GamCare for counselling and live chat, or join Gamblers Anonymous peer meetings. All services are independent, free and completely confidential.

Fancy a closer look at the games, limits and welcome offer after reading this? The full review is just a click away.

Visit Tombola and Play Safely