Responsible Gaming

Gambling should remain an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial difficulty. You can maintain control by following these practical strategies:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide how much you can afford to lose and never exceed that amount.
• Use deposit limits. Most UK casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on your account.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen to maintain perspective and avoid impulsive decisions.
• Never chase losses. Accept losses as part of the game and resist the urge to win back money.
• Keep gambling separate from other activities. Avoid playing when tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol.
• Track your time and spending. Monitor how long you play and how much you wager to stay aware of your habits.
• View gambling as entertainment, not income. Treat any winnings as a bonus, not a guaranteed source of money.
• Use reality checks. Enable notifications that remind you how long you’ve been playing.
• Set win and loss limits. Decide in advance when to stop, whether you’re winning or losing.
• Seek support early. If gambling stops being fun, reach out to someone you trust or a professional organisation.

Recognising the warning signs early can help you or someone you care about seek support before problems escalate. Watch for these indicators:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
• Lying to family or friends about your gambling activities
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal relationships because of gambling
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of guilt or depression
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you’ve lost
• Failing repeatedly to control or stop your gambling
• Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling losses
• Relying on others to provide money to resolve gambling-related financial crises

Online casino registration and participation are strictly limited to individuals aged 18 and over in the United Kingdom. This legal requirement exists to protect young people from the potential harms of gambling. Reputable operators verify your age during the registration process and may request identification documents. Allowing minors to gamble is a criminal offence, and casinos employ robust age verification systems to prevent underage access.

If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, self-exclusion provides a powerful tool to regain control. This voluntary measure allows you to block access to your casino account for a set period, ranging from six months to five years or permanently. During this time, the operator will prevent you from accessing your account, making deposits, or receiving marketing materials. You can also register with GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, which blocks you from all licensed gambling sites simultaneously. Self-exclusion gives you the breathing space needed to address underlying issues and seek professional support. The process is confidential, free, and designed to support your recovery.

You don’t have to face gambling addiction alone. Several trusted organisations in the UK offer free, confidential support:

• GamCare – Provides counselling, advice, and support through its helpline (0808 8020 133), live chat, and online forum at www.gamcare.org.uk
• GAMSTOP – The national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites at www.gamstop.co.uk
• BeGambleAware – Offers information, tools, and direct access to treatment services at www.begambleaware.org
• Gamblers Anonymous – A fellowship of people sharing experiences and supporting each other’s recovery at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Gambling Helpline – Free, confidential support available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133
• Gordon Moody Association – Provides residential treatment programmes and ongoing support at www.gordonmoody.org.uk
• Samaritans – Offers emotional support if you’re experiencing distress, available on 116 123