Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While betting can be enjoyable when done responsibly, it carries risks. This page provides information and resources to help you gamble safely.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. All reputable betting sites require age verification before account creation. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to open a betting account. Parents and guardians should monitor young people's online activity to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses by betting more to recover money lost
- Gambling with larger amounts than planned
- Spending more time gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Lying about the amount of money spent on gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications at regular intervals reminding you how long you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Take a break from gambling by temporarily or permanently closing your account
- Time Limits: Set alarms or session timers to monitor your gambling duration
- Cooling-Off Periods: Request a mandatory break before re-accessing your account
Support Organizations & Help Resources
If you need support, the following organisations are available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free confidential support and counselling for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (Free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme allowing you to exclude yourself from all online gambling operators
www.gamstop.co.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic (NHS) – Specialised NHS treatment service in London
Phone: 0203 228 0303
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
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Information on problem gambling support
Call to Action
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help today. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. There is no shame in asking for assistance. Contact one of the organisations listed above for confidential advice and support. You can also speak to your GP, who can refer you to specialist services.
Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to get help.