Responsible Gaming
Your well-being is our priority. Learn about responsible gambling and get help if you need it.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means enjoying betting as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your betting activity. It involves:
- Setting limits on how much time and money you spend
- Only betting what you can afford to lose
- Never chasing losses
- Taking regular breaks from betting
- Not betting when you're upset, angry, or under the influence
- Understanding that gambling is not a way to make money
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
- Chasing losses by betting more to win back money
- Lying to family or friends about gambling
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Unable to stop or control your gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness
Tools for Responsible Gambling
Most UK licensed betting operators provide tools to help you stay in control:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your betting account. Once set, these limits cannot be increased immediately and require a cooling-off period.
Time Limits
Set limits on how long you can spend on a betting site. You'll receive reminders when you're approaching your time limit.
Reality Checks
Receive regular pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent. This helps you stay aware of your activity.
Self-Exclusion
Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site. Self-exclusion periods typically range from 24 hours to permanent exclusion.
Take a Break
Many operators offer a "take a break" feature that allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a set period (e.g., 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month).
GamStop - National Self-Exclusion Scheme
GamStop is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all UK licensed gambling sites and apps. When you register with GamStop, you'll be excluded from all licensed operators for a period of your choice (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).
To register with GamStop, visit www.gamstop.co.uk
UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and regulating commercial gambling in Great Britain. They ensure that gambling is fair and safe, and that children and vulnerable people are protected.
All betting sites operating in the UK must be licensed by the UKGC and display their license number. You can verify a license or make a complaint through the Commission.
Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Email: info@gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Phone: 0121 230 6666
Getting Help
If you're struggling with problem gambling, there are many organizations ready to help. All services are free, confidential, and available 24/7:
BeGambleAware
Provides free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. They offer a comprehensive range of services including treatment, support, and advice.
Website: www.begambleaware.org
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential, available 24/7)
Live Chat: Available on their website
GamCare
Offers free support, advice, and free counseling for anyone affected by problem gambling. They provide online support, live chat, and face-to-face counseling services.
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential, available 24/7)
Live Chat: Available on their website
Email: info@gamcare.org.uk
Gambling Therapy
A global service offering support and advice to anyone affected by problem gambling. They provide free, confidential support in multiple languages through their website, email, and live chat.
Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
Email: support@gamblingtherapy.org
Live Chat: Available on their website (24/7 support)
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from gambling addiction. Meetings are held throughout the UK.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7384 3049
Email: info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GamAnon
A support group for family and friends of problem gamblers. They offer support meetings and resources to help those affected by someone else's gambling problem.
Website: www.gamanon.org.uk
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential support available 24/7. Operated by GamCare and funded by the gambling industry.
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential)
All Responsible Gambling Organizations
Tips for Responsible Gambling
- Set a budget before you start and stick to it
- Only bet with money you can afford to lose
- Never borrow money to gamble
- Set time limits for your betting sessions
- Take regular breaks
- Don't chase losses - accept that losing is part of gambling
- Don't bet when you're emotional, stressed, or under the influence
- Keep gambling in perspective - it's entertainment, not a way to make money
- Don't gamble to escape problems or relieve boredom
- Balance gambling with other activities and interests
Help for Family and Friends
Problem gambling doesn't just affect the gambler - it can have a significant impact on family members and friends too. If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
- Encourage them to seek help from professional organizations
- Be supportive but don't enable their gambling
- Don't lend them money or pay their gambling debts
- Take care of your own mental health and well-being
- Consider seeking support for yourself through organizations like GamAnon
Age Verification
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in the UK. All licensed betting operators are required to verify the age of their customers. If you are under 18, you must not:
- Place bets with any betting operator
- Use someone else's account
- Provide false information about your age
Need Help Now?
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact one of the organizations above or call the National Gambling Helpline.
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free & Confidential, 24/7)