Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money, pay debts, or solve financial problems. If gambling stops being fun or starts to feel like a financial strategy, it may be time to step back and seek support.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be 18 years old or over to gamble. Always check the local legal age in your jurisdiction. Licensed operators are required to verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Common warning signs include:
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling from family, friends, or colleagues
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or responsibilities
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when trying to cut down
- Lying about how much or how often you gamble
- Being unable to stop or control gambling sessions
Self-Help Tools
Most licensed UK gambling operators provide practical tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits — limit how much you can lose over a set period
- Reality checks — receive reminders of how long you have been playing
- Session limits — restrict the length of your gambling sessions
- Time-outs — take a short break from your account for a set period
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling for a longer period, including via GamStop
Support Organisations
If you need confidential advice or support, contact a recognised organisation in your country:
- United Kingdom: GamCare — National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
- United Kingdom: GamStop — free self-exclusion for UK-licensed sites
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
- Other countries: Please contact your national or local gambling support service
Seek Help
If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, please reach out for support. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You do not have to face problem gambling alone.