Responsible Gaming
Gambling as Entertainment
Gambling should always be viewed as a form of entertainment — never as a way to earn money, pay off debts, or solve financial problems. The outcome of gambling is determined by chance, and no strategy or system can guarantee a win. If you find yourself gambling to recoup losses or relying on gambling to cover essential expenses, it is time to step back and seek support.
Set a budget before you play, treat any losses as the cost of the entertainment, and never gamble more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, gambling is only legal for individuals aged 18 or over. All licensed gambling operators are required by law to verify your age and identity before you can deposit, play, or withdraw funds. Underage gambling is a criminal offence. If you are under 18, or if you know someone under 18 who is gambling, you should stop immediately and seek advice from a support organisation.
Always check that you meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction before participating in any gambling activity.
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 help:
- Chasing losses — continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when not gambling or when trying to cut back
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or taking out loans to fund gambling
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems
- Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite repeated attempts
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities because of gambling
- Gambling for longer periods or with larger amounts than originally intended
Self-Help Tools
Most UK-licensed gambling operators offer practical tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. We encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you do not currently feel you have a problem. They include:
- Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month
- Loss limits — cap the total amount you can lose within a set period
- Reality checks — periodic on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Time-outs — take a short break from gambling, typically 24 hours to 6 weeks
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling with an operator for a minimum of 6 months (or longer, up to permanent exclusion)
- Session limits — set a maximum duration for each gambling session
- Account history and activity statements — review your full gambling history to understand your behaviour
For a single self-exclusion across all UK-licensed online gambling sites, visit GamStop — a free, government-backed national self-exclusion scheme.
Support Organisations
If you are concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you know, free, confidential help is available. The following organisations offer professional support, advice, and resources:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — The leading UK provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop — Free national online self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed gambling sites. www.gamstop.co.uk
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential support and counselling for anyone affected by gambling. www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — Dedicated to the prevention of problem gambling through research, education, and awareness. www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — National advocate for problem gamblers and their families. Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER. www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal Centre for Health Education, providing information and support for gambling addiction. www.bzga.de
Other Regions
If you are located outside the countries listed above, please refer to your national or regional gambling support organisation. Most countries offer free helplines and confidential counselling services dedicated to problem gambling. If you are unsure where to turn, GamCare can help direct you to appropriate local resources.
Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is a serious condition, but it is treatable, and recovery is possible. If you recognise any of the warning signs above, or if you feel that gambling is no longer a source of entertainment for you, please reach out for help today.
You are not alone. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to listen without judgement and to help you take the next step. Whether you choose to call a helpline, visit a website, or speak to someone you trust, taking that first step is an act of strength — not weakness.
If you have a problem, please seek help now. Your wellbeing matters more than any game.