Responsible Gambling

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about gambling activities and maintaining control over the time and money spent. It involves understanding the risks, setting personal limits, and recognizing when gambling may be becoming a problem.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Be aware of these warning signs that gambling may be becoming problematic:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
• Gambling affecting relationships, work, or daily responsibilities
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about gambling
• Lying to others about gambling activities or losses
• Having difficulty controlling or stopping gambling
• Neglecting personal care, health, or social activities

Responsible Gambling Tools

UK-licensed online casinos are required to provide various tools to help players gamble responsibly:

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. This helps prevent overspending and keeps gambling within your budget.

Loss Limits

Establish maximum amounts you're willing to lose over specific time periods. Once reached, you won't be able to continue gambling until the next period.

Session Time Limits

Control how long you spend gambling by setting time limits for individual gaming sessions. The casino will notify you when your time limit is approaching.

Reality Checks

Receive periodic reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've won or lost. This helps maintain awareness of your gambling activity.

Take a Break

Temporarily suspend your account for a period of 24 hours, one week, or one month. During this time, you won't be able to access your account or receive promotional materials.

Self-Exclusion

Close your account for a minimum of six months up to five years. This is a more serious step for those who need a longer break from gambling.

GamStop - National Self-Exclusion Scheme

GamStop is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling websites for a period of your choice (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years). Once registered, you'll be prevented from accessing or creating accounts with all participating operators.

Register at: www.gamstop.co.uk

Tips for Gambling Safely

• Set a budget before you start and stick to it
• Never gamble with borrowed money
• Don't gamble when upset, depressed, or under the influence
• Take regular breaks during gambling sessions
• Don't chase losses - accept them and move on
• Balance gambling with other activities and hobbies
• Keep track of time and money spent gambling
• Understand that the odds always favor the casino
• Never gamble to solve financial problems

Support Organizations

If you're concerned about your gambling or someone else's, these organizations provide free, confidential support:

For Family and Friends

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, support is available for you too:

• GamAnon provides support for family members affected by someone else's gambling
• GamCare offers advice for friends and family
• Consider encouraging them to seek professional help
• Take care of your own wellbeing and set boundaries

Underage Gambling Prevention

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the UK. All licensed operators must verify the age of their customers and have measures in place to prevent underage gambling. Parents and guardians should be aware of online gambling risks and monitor their children's internet usage.