Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Gambling should only ever be seen as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or watching live sports. It should never be viewed as a way to make money or solve financial problems. When you gamble, you should only spend money that you can afford to lose without affecting your essential expenses such as rent, bills, food, or childcare.
Age Verification
All gambling operators in the UK are required by law to verify that users are at least 18 years of age before allowing access to betting services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or use betting sites. Gambling is not suitable for young people and can cause serious harm to their development and wellbeing.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Gambling with larger amounts of money than intended
- Repeatedly trying to stop or cut down on gambling without success
- Thinking about gambling constantly or planning the next gambling session
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover lost money
- Lying to friends, family, or therapists about the extent of gambling activities
- Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Jeopardising relationships, work, education, or financial security due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to finance gambling
- Feeling irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable betting operators provide tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose within a specific timeframe
- Reality Checks: Pop-up reminders during gambling sessions to help you keep track of time and money spent
- Cooling-Off Period: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period to take a break from gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from a betting operator's services
Take advantage of these tools to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you're struggling with gambling or think you may have a problem, please reach out to one of the organisations below. They offer free, confidential support and treatment:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free support, advice, and treatment for problem gamblers and their families. Call 0808 8020 133 (free helpline)
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — Free national self-exclusion scheme allowing you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling operators
- Gamblers Anonymous: Free peer support meetings across the UK for those struggling with gambling addiction
- National Problem Gambling Clinic: Specialist NHS treatment service for gambling disorders
International Support
- Australia — Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada — Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States — National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your mental health, relationships, finances, and wellbeing. Help is available, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the support organisations listed above.
There is no shame in seeking help. Trained counsellors are available to provide confidential support and guidance at any time, often free of charge.
Remember: You don't have to face this alone. Help is just a phone call or click away.