Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Gambling should always be seen as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While most people gamble responsibly, it is important to stay aware of the risks and set clear limits. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never chase losses in an attempt to win back what you have lost.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to legally gamble. It is a criminal offence for anyone under 18 to gamble, and licensed operators are required by law to verify your age and identity before you can deposit, play, or withdraw funds. Always ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before participating in any gambling activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Recognising the signs early is key to regaining control. You may be experiencing a gambling problem if you:
- Chase losses by returning another day or depositing more to try and win back money
- Hide or lie about your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues
- Spend more money or time on gambling than you can afford
- Feel anxious, guilty, or irritable when not gambling or when trying to cut down
- Borrow money, sell possessions, or neglect bills to fund gambling
- Gamble to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other personal problems
- Neglect work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
If any of these sound familiar, please reach out for help immediately — you are not alone.
Self-Help Tools
Most UK-licensed gambling operators offer practical tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits – cap how much you can deposit over a day, week, or month
- Loss limits – set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a set period
- Reality checks – receive reminders of how long you have been playing
- Time-outs – take a short break from your account for a chosen period
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from a site or all UK-licensed sites via GAMSTOP for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Account history – review your deposits, withdrawals, and time spent
Activating these tools is a sign of strength, not weakness. They are there to protect you.
Support Organisations
If you need confidential advice, support, or treatment, these organisations are here to help. All services are free and non-judgemental.
- United Kingdom: GamCare – National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7). Visit www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom (self-exclusion): GamStop – Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed online gambling sites. Visit www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – Call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – Visit www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or visit www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Free helpline 0800 1 37 27 00, or visit www.check-dein-spiel.de
- Other countries: Please search for your national gambling support service or use a recognised international helpline. GamCare’s website also lists international resources.
Call to Action
If you feel that gambling is no longer a choice but a compulsion, or if it is causing harm to you or someone you care about, please seek help today. Speak to a trusted friend or family member, contact one of the organisations listed above, or use your operator’s responsible gambling tools. Help is available, and recovery is possible — you do not have to face this alone.