Responsible Gambling
Play Safely • Get Help • Stay in Control
Gambling should be entertaining, not a way to make money. This page provides essential information about responsible gambling and support resources.
⚠️ Important Warning
You must be 18 or older to participate in any gambling activities.
Gambling can be addictive and can cause serious financial and personal problems. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
If you think you have a gambling problem, seek help immediately from the resources listed below.
What is Responsible Gambling?
✓ Gambling Responsibly Means:
- Setting limits on time and money spent
- Viewing gambling as entertainment, not income
- Only gambling with money you can afford to lose
- Taking regular breaks from gambling
- Never chasing losses
- Gambling sober and in a good mental state
- Understanding that the house always has an edge
✗ Problem Gambling Includes:
- Gambling with money needed for essentials
- Lying about gambling activities
- Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities
- Gambling to escape problems
- Unable to stop despite wanting to
Self-Assessment: Do You Have a Problem?
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Do you gamble longer than you intended?
- Do you feel guilty about your gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or negative feelings?
- Have you lied to family or friends about gambling?
- Do you gamble with money meant for bills or essentials?
- Have you borrowed money to gamble?
- Do you think about gambling constantly?
- Do you gamble to win back losses?
- Have you tried to stop gambling but couldn't?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a gambling problem.
Don't wait - seek help today. The earlier you get help, the easier it is to overcome gambling problems.
How to Set Gambling Limits
💰 Financial Limits
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
- Loss Limits: Decide maximum amount you can afford to lose
- Budget Separation: Keep gambling money separate from living expenses
- No Credit: Never gamble with borrowed money or credit
⏰ Time Limits
- Session Limits: Set maximum time for each gambling session
- Regular Breaks: Take breaks every 30-60 minutes
- No Gambling Days: Designate gambling-free days
- Scheduled Activities: Plan other activities to avoid gambling
UK Gambling Regulation & Player Protection
UK Gambling Commission Requirements
All legitimate casino online United Kingdom operators must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Licensed operators are required to:
Player Protection:
- Provide self-exclusion tools
- Offer deposit and spending limits
- Display responsible gambling information
- Provide access to support organizations
Fair Play:
- Use certified random number generators
- Publish payout percentages
- Maintain fair terms and conditions
- Protect player funds
Get Help & Support
If you're struggling with gambling problems, these organizations provide free, confidential support:
Self-Exclusion and Blocking Tools
Available Self-Exclusion Options:
Individual Casino Exclusion:
- Contact casino customer support
- Request self-exclusion for specific periods
- Can be temporary or permanent
- Blocks access to your account
GAMSTOP (UK-wide):
- Blocks all UK licensed gambling sites
- Options: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Free and confidential service
- Cannot be reversed once activated
Software Blocking Tools
These software tools can help block access to gambling websites on your devices:
Gamban
Blocks gambling websites and apps across all devices
Bet Blocker
Free software to block gambling websites
Net Nanny
Parental control software with gambling blocking
Qustodio
Digital wellbeing platform with website blocking
Support for Friends and Family
If Someone You Know Has a Gambling Problem:
How to Help:
- Listen without judgment
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Don't lend money or pay gambling debts
- Take care of your own mental health
- Consider family therapy or counseling
Warning Signs:
- Secretive behavior about finances
- Mood swings related to gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Borrowing money frequently
- Lying about gambling activities
Remember: You cannot force someone to stop gambling, but you can encourage them to seek help and support them in their recovery.
🚨 Need Immediate Help?
If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services immediately.
Emergency Services
📞 999
Samaritans
📞 116 123
Free 24-hour helpline