18+ Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly and seek help if needed.
Need Immediate Help?
If you're experiencing gambling problems and need immediate support, help is available 24/7:
0808 8020 133
Free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your gambling activities. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and knowing when to stop.
Gambling should be fun and enjoyable, not a way to make money or escape from problems. When gambling becomes problematic, it can have serious consequences for your finances, relationships, and mental health.
Key Principles of Responsible Gambling:
- Set limits: Decide how much time and money you can afford to spend before you start
- Never chase losses: Gambling more to win back money you've lost often leads to bigger losses
- Don't gamble when emotional: Avoid gambling when you're upset, stressed, or under the influence
- Take regular breaks: Step away from gambling regularly to maintain perspective
- Keep it balanced: Maintain other interests and activities in your life
- Don't borrow to gamble: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Watch out for these warning signs:
Financial Signs:
- Spending more money than you can afford
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Hiding gambling expenses
- Neglecting bills or responsibilities
- Selling possessions to fund gambling
Behavioral Signs:
- Gambling for longer than intended
- Lying about gambling activities
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Feeling restless when not gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or social activities
Emotional Signs:
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Mood swings related to gambling
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems
- Becoming irritable when unable to gamble
Getting Help and Support
If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, there are many resources available to help:
GamCare
Leading UK charity providing information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.
Visit GamCare
BeGambleAware
Independent charity promoting responsible gambling and providing resources for safer gambling.
Visit BeGambleAware
GAMSTOP
Free service allowing you to put in place a self-exclusion across all online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain.
Self-exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years
Gambling Therapy
Global online support service offering free, confidential treatment for gambling addiction.
Online Support: Forums, live chat, email
Languages: Multiple languages available
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most licensed gambling operators offer tools to help you stay in control:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your gambling account.
Time Limits
Set limits on how long you can spend gambling in a single session or over a period.
Loss Limits
Set limits on how much you can lose in a specific time period.
Reality Checks
Regular pop-up reminders showing how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent.
Self-Exclusion
Temporarily or permanently block yourself from gambling websites and apps.
Take a Break
Short-term cooling-off periods to help you step away from gambling.
Gambling Statistics in the UK
Understanding the scale of gambling and its impact helps put things in perspective:
Source: UK Gambling Commission statistics
Help for Friends and Family
Problem gambling doesn't just affect the person gambling - it can impact family members and friends too. If you're concerned about someone's gambling:
Signs to Watch For:
- Secretive behavior around money or time
- Unexplained financial problems
- Mood changes and irritability
- Lying about activities or whereabouts
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
- Borrowing money frequently
How to Help:
- Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for them to talk
- Avoid lecturing or threatening: This often makes things worse
- Encourage professional help: Suggest they contact support services
- Set boundaries: Don't enable their gambling by lending money
- Look after yourself: Seek support for yourself too
- Be patient: Recovery takes time and may involve setbacks
Remember: You cannot force someone to stop gambling, but you can encourage them to seek help and support them through their recovery journey.
Age Verification and Protection of Minors
Online gambling is strictly prohibited for anyone under the age of 18 in the United Kingdom. All licensed gambling operators must:
- Verify the age of all customers before allowing them to gamble
- Prevent underage access to gambling websites and apps
- Refuse service to anyone under 18
- Report suspected underage gambling to the authorities
Parents and Guardians:
- Use parental control software to block gambling websites
- Monitor your children's online activities
- Educate young people about the risks of gambling
- Be aware of in-game purchases and "loot boxes" in video games
- Keep payment methods secure and monitor statements
If you discover a minor has been gambling, contact the gambling operator immediately and seek advice from support services.