Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it's not, we're here to help.
⚠️ Important: 18+ Only
You must be 18 years or older to gamble in the UK. Gambling can be addictive and harmful. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you feel that gambling is affecting your life negatively, please seek help immediately.
What is Responsible Gaming?
Responsible gaming means gambling in a way that is safe, controlled, and doesn't negatively impact your life, finances, or relationships. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and knowing when to stop.
Responsible gaming is about making informed decisions and maintaining control over your gambling activities.
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 gambling more to win back money
- Lying to family or friends about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling unable to stop or control your gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness
Tools for Responsible Gaming
UK-licensed casinos offer various tools to help you gamble responsibly:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your casino account.
Time Limits
Set limits on how long you can play in a single session or over a period of time.
Reality Checks
Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing to help you stay aware of time spent gambling.
Cool-Off Periods
Take a temporary break from gambling for a set period (e.g., 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month).
Self-Exclusion
Exclude yourself from gambling for a longer period (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years). This is a serious commitment and cannot be reversed during the exclusion period.
Get Help - Support Organizations
If you need help with problem gambling, these organizations provide free, confidential support:
BeGambleAware
The leading charity in Great Britain committed to minimizing gambling-related harm.
- 📞 Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- 🌐 Website: begambleaware.org
- 💬 Live chat available
- 📧 Email support
GamStop
Free self-exclusion scheme that allows you to put in place restrictions on your online gambling across all UK-licensed operators.
- 🔒 Self-exclusion from all UK casinos
- ⏱️ Choose exclusion period (6 months to 5 years)
- 🆓 Completely free service
- 🔐 Cannot be reversed during exclusion
GamCare
Provides information, advice, and free support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
- 📞 Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- 💬 Live chat and forum
- 👥 Support groups
- 📚 Educational resources
Additional Resources
- Gamblers Anonymous: Support groups for problem gamblers
- GamAnon: Support for families and friends of problem gamblers
- NHS: Information and treatment for gambling addiction
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7 emotional support)
Tips for Responsible Gaming
- Set a budget: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set time limits: Decide how long you'll play before you start
- Never chase losses: Accept losses as part of gambling
- Don't gamble when emotional: Avoid gambling when upset, angry, or depressed
- Take regular breaks: Step away from gambling regularly
- Don't gamble under the influence: Avoid gambling when drinking or using drugs
- Keep it fun: If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop
- Understand the odds: Remember that the house always has an edge
For Friends and Family
If someone you know has a gambling problem, you can help by:
- Encouraging them to seek professional help
- Being supportive and non-judgmental
- Not lending money or paying gambling debts
- Protecting your own finances and credit
- Seeking support for yourself (GamAnon, GamCare)
- Setting boundaries and sticking to them
Age Verification
You must be 18 or older to gamble in the UK. All UK-licensed casinos are required to verify your age before allowing you to play.
Age verification typically requires providing valid identification such as a passport, driving license, or other government-issued ID. This is a legal requirement and helps protect minors from gambling.
Need More Information?
If you have questions about responsible gaming or need help finding resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to the organizations listed above.
Remember: Gambling should be fun, not a problem. If it's causing you distress, help is available and recovery is possible.