Responsible Gaming

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play responsibly, within your means, and never spend more than you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, seek help.

Age Verification

In Great Britain, you must be 18 years or older to gamble legally. All licensed bookmakers are required to verify your age and identity. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for both the minor and the operator. If you suspect someone underage is gambling, report it to the operator or the relevant authorities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these common warning signs in yourself or others:

• Chasing losses – continuing to gamble to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding gambling – lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Spending more than you can afford – using money needed for bills, rent, or essentials.
• Neglecting responsibilities – missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling.
• Borrowing money – taking loans, using credit cards, or asking others for money to gamble.
• Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Trying to cut back but failing – repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling.
• Gambling to escape – using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable bookmakers offer practical tools to help you stay in control. Use these tools proactively, even if you feel your gambling is currently under control:

• Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits – cap the total amount you can lose over a set period.
• Reality checks – receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling with a specific operator or across all UK-licensed sites via GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk).
• Time-outs – take a short break from gambling for a period you choose (24 hours, a week, etc.).
• Account closure – permanently close your account if you decide to stop.

Support Organizations

If you need help or advice, contact a specialist organisation. These services are free, confidential, and available to anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends.

• United Kingdom – GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) – National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133.
  GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk) – free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed gambling sites.
• 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) – helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER.
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – provides information and support for gambling problems.
• Other countries – please refer to your national responsible gambling authority or a local problem gambling support service. You can often find help through your government health department or by searching for "problem gambling help [your country]".

Call to Action

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help today. You are not alone, and support is available. Contact one of the organisations listed above, talk to a trusted friend or family member, and consider using self-exclusion tools. Gambling should never harm your health, finances, or relationships. Take the first step now.