Responsible Gaming

Safe gambling starts with boundaries. These practical strategies can help you stay in control and protect your financial and emotional wellbeing.

• Set a budget before you play and never exceed it, regardless of wins or losses
• Decide on time limits for your sessions and use alarms as reminders
• Never chase losses by increasing bets or playing longer than planned
• Avoid gambling when you feel stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol
• Keep gambling separate from everyday finances by using dedicated accounts
• Take regular breaks during play to maintain perspective and clarity
• View gambling as entertainment with a cost, not a way to earn money
• Use deposit limits and self-exclusion tools offered by operators
• Never borrow money or use credit to fund gambling activities
• Talk to someone you trust if you feel gambling is becoming problematic

Recognising warning signs early can prevent serious harm. If you notice these behaviours in yourself or someone close to you, professional support is available.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
• Lying to friends or family about your gambling habits or losses
• Chasing losses by continuing to play after losing money
• Neglecting work, relationships, or responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
• Experiencing financial difficulties directly caused by gambling
• Repeated failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Feeling guilt or shame about your gambling behaviour

Online gambling is strictly restricted to individuals aged 18 and over in the United Kingdom. Licensed operators are required by law to verify your age before allowing you to create an account or place bets. These measures protect young people from gambling-related harm and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Never share your account details with anyone under the legal age.

Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily block access to your gambling account for a set period. Most UK-licensed operators offer self-exclusion tools that prevent you from logging in, receiving marketing materials, or creating new accounts during the exclusion period. You can also register with GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme, which blocks access to all participating UK online gambling sites for a minimum of six months. This option gives you time and space to regain control without temptation.

You are not alone, and support is available right now. These organisations provide confidential, professional help for anyone affected by gambling problems.

• GamCare – Free support, counselling, and advice via phone, live chat, or face-to-face sessions (0808 8020 133, www.gamcare.org.uk)
• National Gambling Helpline – Confidential 24/7 telephone support for anyone concerned about their gambling (0808 8020 133)
• Gamblers Anonymous – Free peer-support meetings across the UK for people seeking recovery from gambling addiction (www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk)
• BeGambleAware – Information, tools, and treatment options to help you take control (www.begambleaware.org)
• Gordon Moody Association – Residential treatment programmes for severe gambling addiction (01384 241 292, www.gordonmoody.org.uk)
• GAMSTOP – National self-exclusion scheme to block access to UK-licensed gambling sites (www.gamstop.co.uk)