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Responsible Gambling

Your safety and wellbeing matter. Learn how to gamble responsibly and find support when you need it.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment while staying in control of the time and money you spend. It's about making informed decisions and recognizing when gambling stops being fun.

Key Principles of Responsible Gambling:

  • Set Limits: Decide how much time and money you can afford to spend before you start
  • Never Chase Losses: Accept that losing is part of gambling and never try to win back what you've lost
  • Keep it Fun: Stop if gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes stressful
  • Stay Informed: Understand the games you play and their odds
  • Take Breaks: Regular breaks help maintain perspective and control
  • Don't Gamble When Upset: Avoid gambling when emotional, stressed, or under the influence

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Behavioral Changes

  • Spending more time or money gambling than intended
  • Lying to family or friends about gambling activities
  • Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
  • Borrowing money or using credit cards to fund gambling
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets
  • Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop

Financial Warning Signs

  • Using money meant for bills or essentials
  • Hiding gambling losses from family
  • Borrowing money repeatedly
  • Selling possessions to fund gambling
  • Having multiple credit cards or loans
  • Gambling larger amounts to feel excitement

Emotional Warning Signs

  • Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling
  • Mood swings related to gambling wins/losses
  • Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
  • Loss of interest in other activities
  • Sleeping problems or changes in appetite
  • Relationship problems due to gambling

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.

Self-Assessment Quiz

This brief assessment can help you evaluate your gambling habits. Answer honestly for the most accurate results.

1. Do you ever gamble longer than you planned?

2. Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to stop gambling?

3. Have you ever lied to family or friends about your gambling?

4. Do you chase your losses by gambling more?

5. Has gambling caused problems in your relationships or work?

Responsible Gambling Tools

All UK-licensed casinos are required to provide tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit

Set Limits

Loss Limits

Restrict how much you can lose in a specific time period

Set Limits

Session Time Limits

Control how long you spend gambling in each session

Set Limits

Reality Checks

Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing

Enable

Self-Exclusion

Temporarily or permanently block access to your account

Learn More

GAMSTOP

National self-exclusion scheme covering all UK licensed operators

Visit GAMSTOP

Get Help and Support

UK Support Organizations

Free, confidential support is available 24/7. Don't hesitate to reach out.

GamCare

Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Free, confidential support 24/7

Live chat available on their website

Visit GamCare

BeGambleAware

Comprehensive information and self-help tools

Educational resources and advice

Free self-assessment tools

Visit BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National self-exclusion service

Blocks access to all UK licensed sites

Free registration and immediate effect

Visit GAMSTOP

Gamblers Anonymous

Peer support groups across the UK

Face-to-face and online meetings

12-step recovery program

Find Meetings

NHS

Local addiction services

Professional counseling and treatment

Speak to your GP for referrals

NHS Mental Health

Citizens Advice

Free debt and financial advice

Help with gambling-related debt

Legal advice and support

Get Advice

Helping Someone You Know

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, there are ways you can help while protecting yourself.

How to Help:

  • Listen without judgment: Provide emotional support without criticism
  • Encourage professional help: Suggest contacting support services
  • Set boundaries: Don't enable gambling by lending money or covering debts
  • Take care of yourself: Seek support for yourself and other family members
  • Be patient: Recovery is a process that takes time
  • Stay informed: Learn about gambling addiction and available treatments

Support for Family and Friends:

  • GamCare Family and Friends: Specific support for those affected by someone else's gambling
  • GamAnon: Support groups for family and friends of problem gamblers
  • Counseling services: Professional help for dealing with the impact of gambling addiction

Remember: You cannot force someone to stop gambling, but you can encourage them to seek help and support them in their recovery journey.

Legal Framework and Protection

The UK has comprehensive laws and regulations to protect players and promote responsible gambling.

UK Gambling Commission Requirements:

  • All operators must promote responsible gambling
  • Mandatory age verification (18+)
  • Required provision of self-exclusion tools
  • Regular responsible gambling messaging
  • Staff training on identifying problem gambling
  • Advertising restrictions and warnings

Player Protections:

  • Segregated player funds
  • Fair game requirements
  • Dispute resolution procedures
  • Compensation schemes
  • Data protection compliance

Report Concerns

If you have concerns about an operator's responsible gambling practices, you can report them to the UK Gambling Commission at gamblingcommission.gov.uk