Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. If you choose to gamble, do so only with money you can afford to lose, and set clear limits before you start.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, the legal age to gamble is 18 years or older. All licensed operators are required to verify your age and identity. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to account closure, forfeiture of winnings, and potential legal consequences. Never gamble if you are under 18 or above the local legal age where you reside.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself if you have experienced any of the following in the past 12 months:
- Chasing losses — feeling the need to bet more to win back money you’ve lost.
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners.
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
- Gambling until your last pound is gone, or borrowing money to gamble.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
- Using gambling as a way to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Jeopardizing relationships, employment, or educational opportunities due to gambling.
If two or more of these signs apply to you, consider reaching out for support — help is available and confidential.
Self-Help Tools
Licensed UK gambling sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a period.
- Reality checks — receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Time-outs / cooling-off periods — temporarily block access to your account.
- Self-exclusion — exclude yourself from one or all licensed UK gambling sites for a minimum of 6 months (via GAMSTOP).
Use these tools proactively and set limits before you start each session.
Support Organisations
If you need help or just someone to talk to, contact a recognised support service in your country:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7).
- GAMSTOP — free service that lets you self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — free, confidential support for gambling issues in Australia. Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7).
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — provides resources, education, and support for safer gambling across Canada.
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling — confidential help and referral. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — offers information and support for gambling addiction. Telephone counselling: 0800 1 37 27 00 (free, anonymous).
Other Countries
If you are outside the countries listed above, please seek your national gambling support organisation. You can also contact Gamblers Anonymous for local meetings worldwide.
Seek Help Now
If you feel that gambling is no longer a choice, or if you are concerned about someone else’s gambling, please reach out today. You are not alone. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in the UK via the GamCare helpline at 0808 8020 133 or online at www.gamcare.org.uk. Taking the first step can make all the difference.