Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be fun, not a problem. Here's how to stay in control.
🆘 Need Help Right Now?
If gambling is causing you distress, help is available 24/7:
Support Organisations
These organisations provide free, confidential help and support for anyone affected by problem gambling:
BeGambleAware
Independent charity providing free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling.
- • Free helpline: 0808 8020 133
- • Live chat support
- • Self-assessment tools
- • Treatment finder
GamCare
Leading provider of free information, advice, and treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling.
- • Free helpline: 0808 8020 133
- • Online treatment programmes
- • Face-to-face counselling
- • Support groups
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion scheme that allows you to restrict your online gambling activities across all UK-licensed operators.
- • Block all UK gambling sites
- • Choose 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- • Free service
- • Covers all UKGC licensees
Gambling Therapy
Global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by gambling.
- • 24/7 online support
- • Mobile app support
- • Forum community
- • Multiple languages
⚠️ Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling becomes a problem when it starts to have a negative impact on any area of your life. Warning signs include:
Financial Problems
- • Spending more than you can afford
- • Borrowing money to gamble
- • Selling possessions to fund gambling
- • Neglecting bills to gamble
Time Issues
- • Spending more time gambling than planned
- • Gambling instead of other activities
- • Losing track of time when gambling
- • Missing work or appointments
Emotional Signs
- • Feeling anxious about gambling
- • Feeling guilty after gambling
- • Gambling to escape problems
- • Mood swings related to wins/losses
Behavioural Changes
- • Chasing losses
- • Hiding gambling from others
- • Lying about gambling habits
- • Needing to bet more for excitement
🎯 Tips for Responsible Gambling
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Never gamble with money meant for bills, rent, or other necessities.
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you'll play for and stick to it. Set alarms to remind yourself when time is up.
Never Chase Losses
If you lose, don't try to win it back. Chasing losses often leads to bigger losses and can spiral out of control.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from gambling regularly. Use the breaks to do something else you enjoy.
Don't Drink and Gamble
Alcohol impairs judgement. Avoid gambling when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Use Gambling Tools
Take advantage of deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options offered by casinos.
🛡️ Self-Exclusion Options
If you need to take a break from gambling, these tools can help:
GAMSTOP (UK-Wide)
Free self-exclusion service that blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps.
- • Choose 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- • Covers all UKGC licensed sites
- • Cannot be reversed during chosen period
Individual Casino Self-Exclusion
All UK-licensed casinos must offer self-exclusion options. You can:
- • Set deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- • Set loss limits
- • Set session time limits
- • Take cooling-off periods
- • Permanently close your account
Software Blocking Tools
Block gambling sites on your devices:
- • Gamban - Blocks gambling sites
- • BetBlocker - Free blocking software
- • Browser extensions that block gambling sites
- • Parental controls and content filters
👨👩👧👦 For Family and Friends
Problem gambling affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
- Don't blame yourself – You didn't cause their gambling problem.
- Learn about the problem – Understanding gambling addiction helps you provide better support.
- Set boundaries – Don't lend money or pay off gambling debts.
- Get support for yourself – GamCare and BeGambleAware offer support for family members too.
- Encourage, don't force – Encourage them to seek help but don't try to control them.
- Look after yourself – It's okay to prioritise your own wellbeing.
Support for affected others:
- GamCare - Support for family and friends: gamcare.org.uk
- Gam-Anon - Support groups for families: gamanon.org.uk
📊 Understanding the Odds
All casino games are designed to give the house an edge. This means:
- The house always wins in the long run – Casino games are mathematically designed to be profitable for the operator.
- Past results don't predict future outcomes – Each spin, hand, or roll is independent of previous results.
- There's no guaranteed winning strategy – Any system claiming to guarantee wins is false.
- Bonuses have conditions – Wagering requirements mean bonuses aren't "free money".
Remember: Gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not a way to make money. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
🔞 Underage Gambling Prevention
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the UK.
- • All UK-licensed casinos must verify customers' age before allowing them to deposit or play
- • Parents should use parental controls to prevent children accessing gambling sites
- • If you suspect underage gambling, report it to the UK Gambling Commission
Parental Control Tools:
- • Net Nanny
- • CyberPatrol
- • Built-in parental controls on iOS, Android, and gaming consoles
Play Safe, Play Responsibly
Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to stop.