Responsible Gaming
Introduction to Responsible Gaming
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While many people enjoy casino games responsibly, it's important to understand the risks and maintain control over your gaming habits.
The house always has a mathematical advantage. Any money you spend on casino games should be considered the cost of entertainment, just like going to the cinema or theatre. Only gamble what you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online casino gaming in the United Kingdom is restricted to individuals aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online gambling.
If you are under 18, please do not access gambling websites. If you are the parent or guardian of a young person, we encourage you to use parental controls and filtering software to restrict access to gambling sites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or others, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or colleagues
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, education, family, or hobbies due to gambling
- Repeatedly trying unsuccessfully to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying about the time or money spent on gambling
- Jeopardising relationships or opportunities because of gambling
If you experience any of these warning signs, help is available.
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Reputable online casinos provide built-in tools to help you maintain control. Most licensed operators offer:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a chosen timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose within a specific period
- Session Limits: Set time limits for individual gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during play about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a casino for a period you choose
- Account Cooling Off: Take a break from gambling for a set period
We recommend using these tools as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling or concerned about your gaming habits, confidential support is available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free, confidential support for problem gambling in England, Scotland, and Wales
www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop — The National Self-Exclusion Scheme. Register to exclude yourself from all online gambling operators licensed in the UK
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous — Free peer support meetings across the UK
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic — Specialist NHS service in London
Phone: 0203 228 0303
Other Countries
- 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? Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling:
- Contact GamCare immediately: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Register with GamStop for multi-operator self-exclusion across all UK-licensed operators
- Speak to a trusted friend or family member about your concerns
- Seek professional help from your GP, who can refer you to specialist services
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.