Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be fun, not a problem. Play responsibly and know when to stop.
⚠️ Important Warning
🚫 Gambling Can Be Addictive
Online gambling can lead to addiction and financial problems. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
🔞 18+ Only
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble legally in the UK. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful.
💰 Never Chase Losses
Trying to win back money you've lost often leads to bigger losses. Set limits and stick to them.
🕐 Take Regular Breaks
Gambling for long periods can impair judgment. Take frequent breaks and maintain perspective.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:
Financial Signs
- Spending more money than you can afford
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Selling belongings to fund gambling
- Unable to pay bills or debts
- Hiding financial losses from family
Behavioral Signs
- Gambling for longer than intended
- Unable to stop or reduce gambling
- Lying about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, family, or social obligations
- Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
Emotional Signs
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
- Becoming irritable when unable to gamble
- Depression or anxiety related to gambling
- Mood swings based on wins and losses
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Self-Assessment Questions
Ask yourself these important questions:
- Do you gamble more money than you can afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with more money to get the same excitement?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop gambling but couldn't?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape from problems or when feeling depressed?
- Do you return to gambling to try to win back losses?
- Have you lied to family or others about your gambling?
- Have you committed illegal acts to finance gambling?
- Has gambling jeopardized relationships, jobs, or opportunities?
- Do you rely on others to provide money for gambling debts?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a gambling problem and should seek help immediately.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:
BeGambleAware
The leading charity in Britain committed to minimizing gambling-related harm.
GamCare
Leading provider of information, advice, support and treatment for problem gambling.
GAMSTOP
Free service that lets you put controls in place to restrict your online gambling.
Gambling Therapy
Global service offering support and advice to anyone affected by gambling problems.
Responsible Gambling Tools
Use these tools to gamble safely:
💳 Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on your casino accounts. Once set, these limits cannot be increased immediately.
⏰ Time Limits
Set session time limits to control how long you spend gambling. Use casino tools or set phone alarms to remind yourself.
💰 Loss Limits
Set maximum loss limits per session, day, or week. Stop gambling when you reach your limit, regardless of the situation.
🚫 Self-Exclusion
Exclude yourself from gambling sites for a set period. Use GAMSTOP for all UK licensed operators at once.
📊 Reality Checks
Enable regular pop-up reminders showing how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent.
❄️ Cooling Off
Take short breaks from gambling (24 hours to 6 weeks) when you feel you need a break.
Tips for Safe Gambling
Before You Start
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Decide how long you'll play
- Never gamble when upset or depressed
- Don't gamble to make money
- Only gamble with licensed operators
While Playing
- Take regular breaks
- Don't drink alcohol while gambling
- Keep track of time and money spent
- Don't chase losses
- Quit while ahead
After Playing
- Review your session honestly
- Don't try to win back losses immediately
- Talk to someone if you're concerned
- Consider using gambling controls
- Seek help if needed
Help for Family and Friends
Gambling problems affect more than just the person gambling. If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
What You Can Do
- Don't ignore the problem
- Talk to them calmly and without judgment
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Set boundaries about money
- Get support for yourself too
What Not to Do
- Don't give them money
- Don't pay their gambling debts
- Don't threaten or give ultimatums
- Don't enable their gambling
- Don't suffer in silence
Support for Families
Both GamCare and BeGambleAware offer support specifically for family members and friends of problem gamblers. You don't have to deal with this alone.