๐ฏ Gambling Should Be Fun
When approached responsibly, gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment. Our goal is to help you keep it that way by providing the tools and information you need to stay in control.
โ ๏ธ Know the Risks
Gambling involves risk and can become addictive. If you ever feel that gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing problems in your life, please seek help immediately. You are not alone.
๐ฒ Smart Gambling Guidelines
Following these principles will help ensure your gambling experience remains positive and controlled:
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you'll play before you start. Use casino session timers and stick to your schedule regardless of whether you're winning or losing.
Budget Wisely
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never use funds meant for rent, bills, or other essential expenses. Set a budget and stick to it.
Stay Informed
Understand the games you play, including the odds and house edge. Knowledge helps you make better decisions and set realistic expectations.
Never Chase Losses
Losing is part of gambling. Trying to win back lost money usually leads to bigger losses. Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and walk away.
๐จ Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be honest with yourself. If you recognize any of these behaviours, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness or anxiety
- Lying to family members or others about the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardizing relationships, jobs, or education because of gambling
- Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations
- Returning to gamble again after losing money (chasing losses)
- Making repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling
- Being preoccupied with gambling - constantly planning the next session
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
๐ง Tools to Help You Stay in Control
All UK-licensed casinos are required to offer these responsible gambling features:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.
Loss Limits
Limit how much you can lose in a given timeframe. This helps protect your bankroll from significant losses.
Session Time Limits
Set reminders or automatic logouts after playing for a certain amount of time. Great for maintaining awareness of how long you've been playing.
Reality Checks
Receive pop-up notifications showing how long you've been playing and your wins/losses during the session.
Cooling-Off Periods
Take a short break from gambling, typically ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks. Your account will be temporarily inaccessible.
Self-Exclusion
Block yourself from gambling for a minimum of 6 months. This is a serious step for those who need a longer break.
๐ Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:
GamCare
Free information, support, and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. Call the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk
GamStop
Free self-exclusion scheme that allows you to block yourself from all UK-licensed online gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Visit www.gamstop.co.uk
BeGambleAware
Provides information and advice to help people make informed decisions about gambling. Visit www.begambleaware.org
Gambling Therapy
Offers free online support and practical advice for anyone affected by problem gambling. Visit www.gamblingtherapy.org
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 0808 8020 133
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Protecting Minors
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over in the United Kingdom. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, and it is illegal for gambling operators to allow underage gambling.
If you share your computer or device with minors, consider using parental control software to block access to gambling websites:
- Net Nanny - www.netnanny.com
- Qustodio - www.qustodio.com
- GamBlock - www.gamblock.com
- Betfilter - www.betfilter.com