Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape from problems. While most people gamble responsibly, we understand that for some, gambling can become a serious issue. This page provides information to help you stay in control and find support if you need it.

Age Verification

In Great Britain, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. All licensed gambling operators are required to verify your age and identity before you can deposit, play, or withdraw funds. If you are under 18, or under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, you must not create an account or gamble. Always check the local legal age for your location.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Recognising the signs early is the first step towards getting help. Ask yourself if you have experienced any of the following:

• Chasing losses – returning to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues.
• Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using money meant for essentials to gamble.
• Neglecting work, studies, relationships, or personal responsibilities due to gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about your gambling.
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much you have lost.
• Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems.
• Being unable to stop or cut down, even when you want to.

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, help is available. You are not alone.

Self-Help Tools

Most licensed gambling operators in Great Britain offer practical tools to help you manage your gambling. These include:

• Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month.
• Loss limits: Cap the amount you can lose within a set time period.
• Reality checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Time-outs / cool-off periods: Take a short break from your account, typically from 24 hours up to 6 weeks.
• Self-exclusion: Block yourself from accessing a specific operator or from all licensed UK operators via GAMSTOP.

Using these tools is a sign of strength, not weakness. They are there to help you keep gambling as a fun, controlled activity.

Support Organisations

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, or if you just want to talk to someone, the following organisations offer free, confidential advice and support.

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Provides free information, support, and counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling. Visit www.gamcare.org.uk or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7).
• GAMSTOP – A free service that lets you self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Register at www.gamstop.co.uk.

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia. Visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council – Provides information and resources to prevent problem gambling. Visit www.responsiblegambling.org.

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Offers a confidential helpline and resources. Visit www.ncpgambling.org or call/text 1-800-GAMBLER.

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Provides information and support for gambling addiction. Visit www.bzga.de or call the BZgA gambling helpline on 0800 1 37 27 00 (free, anonymous).

Other Countries

If you are outside the countries listed above, please search for your national responsible gambling organisation or contact a local healthcare provider. Many jurisdictions offer free helplines and self-exclusion schemes. You can also visit www.gamblingtherapy.org for international online support.

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help

Remember, problem gambling is a recognised condition and help is available. You do not have to deal with it alone. Whether you choose to use self-help tools, talk to a support organisation, or confide in someone you trust, taking that first step matters. Your wellbeing is more important than any bet.