Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy

Betting and casino games should be enjoyed as entertainment only. They are not a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and outcomes are determined by chance. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble as a way to make income or recover losses.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. It is illegal for operators to offer betting services to anyone under this age. If you are under 18, please do not access betting sites or participate in gambling.

Parents and guardians can help protect young people by discussing the risks of gambling and monitoring online activity.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help:

• Chasing losses: Gambling more money to try to win back losses
• Hiding gambling: Keeping gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
• Increasing stakes: Needing to bet larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
• Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans or using credit cards to fund gambling
• Loss of control: Inability to stop gambling or stick to a budget
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
• Financial problems: Struggling with bills, debt, or unexplained money issues
• Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
• Escapism: Gambling to cope with stress, depression, or other problems

Self-Help Tools and Protections

Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a session or time period
• Stake Limits: Restrict the amount you can wager on a single bet
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders to check how long you've been gambling
• Time-Out (Cool-Off): Temporarily suspend your account for a set period (days to weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account and block access to betting services
• Spending Tracker: Review your betting history and spending to maintain awareness

If you feel you are losing control, use these tools immediately. Most legitimate operators make them easily accessible in account settings.

Support Organisations

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential help is available from these trusted organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling operators
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Problem Gambling Clinic – Specialist NHS treatment
  Available through your GP or local NHS mental health services

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
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  www.bzga.de

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is treatable. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you are concerned about your own gambling or that of a loved one, the organisations above offer confidential, non-judgmental support.

Do not wait. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control and recover.

For immediate support in the UK, call GamCare: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)