Responsible Gaming
⚠️ Need Help Now?
If you feel you may have a gambling problem, help is available immediately:
- BeGambleAware: www.begambleaware.org
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free, confidential, 24/7)
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (Self-exclusion from all UK licensed sites)
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means enjoying casino games and betting in a way that is safe, controlled, and doesn't cause harm to yourself or others. It's about making informed decisions and keeping gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape problems.
All UK licensed casinos are required to promote responsible gambling and provide tools to help players stay in control. We strongly encourage all players to use these tools and gamble responsibly.
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 time or money gambling than you can afford
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
- Lying to family or friends about gambling
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
- Unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to
- Thinking about gambling constantly
Responsible Gambling Tools
1. Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to control how much you can deposit into your casino account. These limits can be set in your account settings and help you stay within your budget.
2. Loss Limits
Set maximum loss limits to prevent yourself from losing more than you can afford. Once you reach your loss limit, you won't be able to continue gambling until the limit resets.
3. Time Limits
Set session time limits to control how long you spend gambling. You'll receive reminders when your time limit is approaching, and you'll be logged out when the limit is reached.
4. Self-Exclusion
If you need to take a break from gambling, you can self-exclude from individual casinos or use GamStop to exclude yourself from all UK licensed gambling sites.
GamStop: This free service allows you to self-exclude from all UK licensed gambling operators for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once you register, you cannot reverse the exclusion until the period expires. Visit www.gamstop.co.uk to register.
5. Reality Checks
Enable reality check reminders that pop up during your gaming session to show how long you've been playing and how much you've spent. This helps you stay aware of your gambling activity.
6. Take a Break
Most casinos offer a "cooling off" period where you can temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 7 days. This gives you time to step back and reassess your gambling.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
- ✓ Set a budget: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never gamble with money needed for bills, rent, or essentials.
- ✓ Set time limits: Decide how long you'll gamble before you start, and stick to it.
- ✓ Never chase losses: Accept losses as part of gambling. Chasing losses usually leads to bigger losses.
- ✓ Don't gamble when emotional: Avoid gambling when you're upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- ✓ Take regular breaks: Step away from gambling regularly to maintain perspective.
- ✓ Understand the games: Learn the rules and odds before playing. Remember, the house always has an edge.
- ✓ Keep gambling fun: If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop.
- ✓ Don't gamble to make money: Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make a living or solve financial problems.
Get Help & Support
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware is the leading charity committed to minimizing gambling-related harm. They provide free, confidential advice and support.
- Website: www.begambleaware.org
- Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free, 24/7)
- Live Chat: Available on their website
GamCare
GamCare provides free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
- Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- Live Chat: Available on their website
- Forum: Online support forum available
GamStop
GamStop is a free self-exclusion service that allows you to block yourself from all UK licensed gambling sites for a chosen period.
- Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Exclusion Periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Free Service: No cost to register
- Irreversible: Once registered, you cannot reverse the exclusion until the period expires
Gambling Therapy
A global service offering support and advice to anyone affected by problem gambling, available in multiple languages.
- Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
- Live Chat: Available on their website
- Multilingual: Support available in multiple languages
Underage Gambling
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. All UK licensed casinos are required to verify the age and identity of all customers before allowing them to gamble.
If you are under 18, you must not gamble. If you know someone under 18 who is gambling, please report it to the casino operator or the UK Gambling Commission.
Remember
Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being fun, or if you're gambling more than you can afford to lose, it's time to stop and seek help.
There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling affects millions of people, and support is available. You don't have to face it alone.