Responsible Gambling
Your wellbeing is our priority. Learn how to gamble safely and responsibly.
🚨 Need Help Now?
If you're struggling with gambling problems, immediate help is available:
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 020 2133 (Free, 24/7)
- GamCare Live Chat: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as entertainment while maintaining control over your spending, time, and emotions. It's about understanding the risks and making informed decisions about your gambling activities.
Signs of Problem Gambling
⚠️ Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Spending more money than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses by gambling more
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
- Lying about gambling activities or losses
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling
- Unable to stop gambling despite wanting to
- Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
How to Gamble Responsibly
💰 Set Limits
- Decide on a budget before you start
- Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose
- Set time limits for gambling sessions
- Use casino deposit limits and self-exclusion tools
🎯 Stay in Control
- Never chase losses
- Take regular breaks
- Don't gamble when emotional or intoxicated
- Keep gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money
📊 Understand the Odds
- The house always has an advantage
- Gambling outcomes are random
- No betting system can guarantee wins
- Learn about the games you play
Casino Safety Tools
Reputable UK casinos offer various tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits
- Time Limits: Control how long you spend gambling
- Loss Limits: Set maximum loss amounts
- Self-Exclusion: Block access to gambling sites for a set period
- Reality Checks: Reminders about time and money spent
- Account History: Review your gambling activity
Getting Help and Support
GamCare
Free, confidential support for problem gambling
- Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 020 2133
- Live Chat: Available on their website
- Services: Counselling, support groups, online forum
GambleAware
Information and advice about gambling safely
- Website: www.gambleaware.org
- Services: Educational resources, risk assessment tools
- Focus: Prevention and education
Gambling Therapy
Online support and therapy for gambling problems
- Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
- Services: Online counselling, support groups
- Focus: Online therapy and peer support
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion service for UK online gambling
- Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Services: Self-exclusion from all UK gambling sites
- Focus: Prevention and self-control tools
For Family and Friends
If someone you know has a gambling problem:
- Be supportive and non-judgmental
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Don't lend money or pay gambling debts
- Take care of your own wellbeing
- Contact GamAnon for support: www.gamanon.org.uk
Useful Resources
📚 Educational Resources
- UK Gambling Commission - Regulation and consumer protection
- NHS Gambling Addiction Information
- Citizens Advice - For debt and legal advice
- StepChange - Free debt advice