Responsible Gaming

Gambling should remain entertainment, never a source of stress or financial difficulty. These practical strategies help you maintain control and protect your wellbeing:

• Set a strict budget before you start playing and never exceed it
• Use deposit limits available at all UKGC-licensed casinos
• Take regular breaks to avoid losing track of time
• Never chase losses or try to win back money you’ve lost
• Avoid gambling when you’re upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol
• Keep gambling separate from other activities and responsibilities
• Track how much time and money you spend on gambling each week
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, never with borrowed funds
• Set win and loss limits before each session
• Remember that gambling is based on chance and the house always has an edge

Recognising the warning signs early can prevent serious harm. If you notice these behaviours in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to seek support:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
• Lying to family or friends about your gambling activities
• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities to gamble
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling guilty or anxious about your gambling habits
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gambling
• Jeopardising relationships, employment, or education because of gambling

Online casino registration and slot play are strictly restricted to individuals aged 18 or over in the United Kingdom. This legal requirement exists to protect young people from gambling-related harm. All licensed operators verify your age during registration and may request identification documents. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and consider parental control software to prevent underage access to gambling sites.

All UK-licensed online casinos offer self-exclusion tools that allow you to block access to your account for a set period. This voluntary step can range from 24 hours to permanent exclusion, giving you the breathing space needed to address gambling problems. Once activated, you cannot reverse the decision during the chosen period. For comprehensive protection, you can register with GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, which blocks access to all licensed gambling sites simultaneously. Self-exclusion is a responsible choice, not a sign of failure.

You don’t have to face gambling problems alone. These organisations provide free, confidential support to anyone affected by gambling harm:

• GamCare – Free counselling, support groups, and a national helpline available on 0808 8020 133 or via live chat at www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK where you can share experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment
• National Gambling Helpline – Confidential advice and support available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133
• BeGambleAware – Educational resources, treatment finder, and online support tools at www.begambleaware.org
• GAMSTOP – Free self-exclusion service that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites for your chosen period
• Gordon Moody Association – Residential treatment programmes and ongoing recovery support for severe gambling addiction
• Samaritans – Emotional support available any time on 116 123 if gambling is affecting your mental health