Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While most people gamble responsibly, for some it can become a serious issue. Please read the following information to help you stay in control and know where to seek support if needed.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be 18 years or older to gamble online. All licensed betting sites are legally required to verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play. Never attempt to gamble if you are underage, and always ensure any site you use has robust age verification checks in place.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed. Be honest with yourself. If you recognise any of the following signs, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost.
- Hiding your gambling activity from friends or family.
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford.
- Lying about how much you gamble.
- Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed after gambling.
- Being unable to stop or cut down, even when you try.
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable betting sites offer practical tools to help you manage your gambling. Use them proactively, even if you don’t think you have a problem:
- Deposit limits – cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits – set a maximum amount you are willing to lose.
- Reality checks – receive reminders of how long you have been playing.
- Time-outs / cooling-off periods – take a short break from gambling (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks).
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from a site for a longer period (6 months to 5 years). In the UK, you can also self-exclude from all licensed sites via GamStop.
Support Organisations
If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, or if you are worried about someone else, please contact a professional support service. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
United Kingdom (GB)
- GamCare – the leading provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7).
- GamStop – the free, UK-wide self-exclusion scheme that lets you block yourself from all licensed online gambling sites.
Other Jurisdictions
If you are accessing this site from outside the UK, please use the most relevant national organisation for your country:
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – free, confidential support and counselling, available 24/7.
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – provides resources, prevention programs, and support across Canada.
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – offers a 24/7 helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) and local resources.
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – provides information and help; visit www.bzga.de or call the free helpline 0800 1 37 27 00.
- Other countries: Contact your local national gambling helpline or health service. If unsure, GamCare’s website also lists international resources.
Call to Action
If you think you have a problem with gambling, seek help today. You are not alone, and talking to someone is the first step towards regaining control. Call the UK National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, visit GamCare, or register with GamStop for immediate self-exclusion. The earlier you act, the easier it is to prevent harm.