Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not a Way to Make Money

Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a reliable way to earn income or recover debts. The outcome of any bet is never guaranteed, and the odds always favour the bookmaker over the long term. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never treat gambling as a financial strategy.

Age Verification

In Great Britain, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally, whether online or in person. It is a criminal offence for anyone under 18 to gamble, and licensed bookmakers are required by law to verify your age before allowing you to open an account or place a bet. Always ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support:

• Chasing losses — trying to win back money you have lost
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues
• Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
• Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, food, or other essentials
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, guilty, irritable, or depressed because of gambling
• Neglecting work, studies, relationships, or personal responsibilities
• Gambling for longer than planned or finding it hard to stop
• Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy

Self-Help Tools

Most licensed bookmakers and online gambling sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control. These include:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
• Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose over a set period
• Reality checks — receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing
• Time-outs — take a short break from gambling for a defined period
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from a specific operator, or use GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once

Support Organisations

If you are in Great Britain, these free and confidential services are available:

• GamCare — the leading UK provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (24/7).
• GamStop — the free national online self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed gambling sites.

If you are outside the UK, please contact the most relevant national organisation for your country:

• Australia: Gambling Help Online
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
• Other countries: Search for your national gambling support service or contact a local health professional.

Seek Help Now

If you think you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, do not wait. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit GamStop to take immediate action. Your wellbeing matters more than any bet.