Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
Betting and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with no guaranteed returns, and the odds always favour the house. Never view gambling as a way to make money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling activities. If you are under the legal age, please do not proceed with any betting or casino play. Operators have a legal responsibility to verify your age before allowing access to betting services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, problem gambling may be developing:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Becoming irritable or anxious when attempting to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or difficult emotions
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Lying to friends, family, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardising or losing important relationships, education, or job opportunities due to gambling
- Relying on others for money to cover gambling losses
- Experiencing financial difficulties or debt related to gambling
If you identify with any of these signs, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Player Protection
Most reputable betting operators provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit in a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a session or timeframe
- Stake Limits: Restrict the maximum bet amount per wager
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a period you choose (days to weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account and exclude yourself from the operator's services
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organisations and Resources
If you need help, support, or advice about problem gambling, reach out to one of these organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential advice and counselling for problem gamblers and their families. Available online, by phone, and via live chat. www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop – The national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Register with GamStop to be excluded from all licensed online gambling operators simultaneously. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous – A peer support fellowship for people with gambling problems, offering meetings across the UK. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Resources
- 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 – www.bzga.de
Need Help?
If you believe you have a gambling problem or are concerned about your gambling, seek help today. It's never too late to reach out. Contact one of the organisations listed above or speak to your GP for further support and referrals. Problem gambling is treatable, and professional help is available.
Remember: gambling should be enjoyable and within your means. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.