Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and set clear limits before you start playing. If gambling stops being fun, it’s time to seek help.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years or older to gamble in Great Britain. All licensed operators are legally required to verify your age before allowing you to place a bet. Underage gambling is illegal and can have serious consequences. If you are under 18, please do not gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you’ve lost by gambling more.
- Hiding gambling activity from friends or family.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended.
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when not gambling.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Lying about how much you gamble or how much you’ve lost.
- Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling.
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you stay in control. Use them proactively:
- Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss limits – cap the amount you can lose within a specific timeframe.
- Reality checks – receive reminders of how long you’ve been playing.
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from a site or all UK-licensed sites for a set period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).
- Time-outs – take a short break from gambling (24 hours to 6 weeks).
Support Organisations
If you or someone you care about needs help, contact a free and confidential support service in your country:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk – National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7).
- GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk – Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed online gambling sites.
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – 24/7 free counselling and support.
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources and prevention programmes.
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org – Helpline: 1-800-522-4700.
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de – Information and support for gambling addiction.
Other Countries
If you are outside the countries listed above, please contact the most relevant national gambling support organisation in your jurisdiction. A quick online search for “problem gambling help [your country]” will direct you to local resources.
Seek Help Now
Problem gambling is treatable, and help is always available. If you feel that gambling is causing harm to you or someone you love, do not hesitate to reach out to the organisations listed above. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.