Responsible Gaming
Play Responsibly
Gambling should be enjoyable entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Slots and casino games are games of chance designed for entertainment purposes only. Always play within your means and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally in the United Kingdom. All reputable gambling sites require strict age verification before allowing access to gaming platforms. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to gamble. Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks and monitor young people's online activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, help is available:
- Gambling with larger amounts than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Neglecting family, friends, work, or education due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or anxiety related to gambling
- Feeling unable to stop or control your gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
- Failed attempts to cut down or quit gambling
- Experiencing relationship problems because of gambling
If you experience any of these signs, it's important to seek help immediately.
Tools to Help You Stay in Control
Most UK-licensed gambling operators provide responsible gaming tools to help you manage your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Limits: Set a time limit for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
- Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to maintain control of your gambling activity.
Support & Help Services
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families. www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential)
- GamStop: The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators. www.gamstop.co.uk
- National Problem Gambling Clinic: NHS-funded treatment service in London. Phone: 0203 228 0000
- Gamblers Anonymous: Free peer support group meetings across the UK. www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support Services
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
Need Help?
If you think you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please reach out for help today. Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with support. There is no shame in asking for help – organisations like GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous are there to assist you.
Remember: gambling should always be fun and within your control. If it's not, help is available 24/7.