18+

Responsible Gambling

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. Learn about gambling risks, set limits, and find help if you need it.

Need immediate help?

📞 GamCare: 0808 8020 133
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Age Verification - 18+ Only

This website is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. Gambling is illegal for minors and can cause serious harm to young people's development, finances, and mental health.

🧠 Brain Development

Young brains are more susceptible to addiction and poor decision-making when it comes to risk and reward.

💰 Financial Impact

Young people often lack the financial experience to understand gambling risks and manage money responsibly.

⚖️ Legal Protection

UK law strictly prohibits gambling by minors to protect their welfare and development.

Our Commitment

  • Strict age verification on first visit
  • Clear 18+ warnings throughout the site
  • No content aimed at minors
  • Immediate access blocking for underage users
⚠️

Understanding Gambling Risks

Gambling can be enjoyable entertainment when done responsibly, but it carries inherent risks that every player should understand before participating.

🔴 Financial Risks

  • You can lose more money than you can afford
  • Gambling is designed to favor the house over time
  • Chasing losses often leads to bigger losses
  • Debt and financial hardship can develop quickly
  • Essential expenses may be compromised

🧠 Mental Health Risks

  • Stress, anxiety, and depression from losses
  • Gambling addiction can develop gradually
  • Sleep problems and concentration issues
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Loss of enjoyment in other activities

👥 Social Risks

  • Relationship strain with family and friends
  • Social isolation and withdrawal
  • Lying about gambling activities
  • Work or study performance problems
  • Loss of trust from loved ones

💼 Life Impact

  • Career and educational consequences
  • Legal problems from gambling-related actions
  • Health issues from stress and neglect
  • Loss of savings and future security
  • Impact on children and family stability
🛡️

Safer Gambling Guidelines

If you choose to gamble, follow these guidelines to reduce risks and maintain control:

💰 Financial Management

  • Set a budget - Only gamble money you can afford to lose
  • Set time limits - Decide in advance how long you'll play
  • Never chase losses - Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
  • Don't gamble on credit - Never borrow money to gamble
  • Keep essential money separate - Never risk rent, bills, or food money

⏰ Time Management

  • Take regular breaks - Step away frequently during play
  • Set alarms - Use timers to remind yourself to stop
  • Don't play when tired - Fatigue impairs judgment
  • Balance activities - Maintain other hobbies and interests
  • Schedule gambling - Treat it as occasional entertainment, not routine

🧠 Mental Approach

  • Understand the odds - The house always has an advantage
  • Don't gamble to solve problems - It won't fix financial or emotional issues
  • Avoid alcohol while gambling - It impairs decision-making
  • Don't gamble when upset - Emotional states lead to poor choices
  • View it as entertainment - Not as a way to make money

🔧 Use Safety Tools

  • Deposit limits - Set daily, weekly, and monthly limits
  • Loss limits - Cap how much you can lose in a session
  • Session reminders - Get notifications about time spent playing
  • Self-exclusion - Block access when you need a break
  • Reality checks - Regular pop-ups showing time and spending
🚫

Self-Exclusion Options

Self-exclusion is a valuable tool that allows you to block access to gambling services for a set period or permanently. It's a proactive step toward regaining control.

🏢 Individual Casino Exclusion

Each licensed UK casino offers self-exclusion options:

  • Contact customer support directly
  • Choose exclusion period (6 months to 5 years, or permanent)
  • Cannot be reversed during the exclusion period
  • Blocks access to account and marketing communications

🔒 GAMSTOP - National Self-Exclusion

Free service that excludes you from ALL UK licensed gambling sites

  • Covers all UKGC licensed operators
  • Simple online registration process
  • Choose from 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
  • Automatic exclusion from new sites you discover
  • Blocks marketing communications
Register with GAMSTOP

After Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is just the first step. Consider also:

  • Seeking professional counseling or support
  • Joining support groups or recovery programs
  • Installing gambling blocking software
  • Asking family/friends to help monitor your activities
  • Addressing underlying issues that led to gambling problems
💚

Help & Support Resources

If gambling is causing problems in your life, you're not alone. Professional help and support are available, often free of charge.

GamCare

Services:

  • 24/7 National Gambling Helpline
  • Live chat support
  • Face-to-face counseling
  • Online support groups
  • Information and advice
📞 0808 8020 133 🌐 GamCare.org.uk

GambleAware

Services:

  • Educational resources and tools
  • Risk assessment questionnaires
  • Safer gambling information
  • Research and prevention programs
  • Treatment service directory
🌐 BeGambleAware.org

GAMSTOP

Services:

  • National self-exclusion scheme
  • Blocks access to all UK licensed sites
  • Free registration and support
  • Flexible exclusion periods
  • Marketing communication blocking
🌐 GAMSTOP.co.uk

Gambling Therapy

Services:

  • Global online support community
  • Multi-language support
  • Peer support groups
  • Professional guidance
  • Family and friends support
🌐 GamblingTherapy.org

Additional Support Options

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 emotional support)
  • Citizens Advice: Debt and financial guidance
  • NHS Mental Health Services: Professional counseling
  • Gordon Moody Association: Residential treatment programs
  • Gam-Anon: Support for families and friends of gamblers
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Help for Family and Friends

Problem gambling doesn't just affect the gambler - it impacts entire families. If someone you care about has a gambling problem, support is available for you too.

How to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem

  • Approach with compassion - Avoid judgment and blame
  • Encourage professional help - Suggest contacting support services
  • Set boundaries - Don't enable gambling by providing money
  • Take care of yourself - Seek support for your own well-being
  • Learn about the addiction - Understanding helps you help them
  • Don't try to control their gambling - They must want to change

Support for Families

  • GamCare Family Support: Specialized help for affected families
  • Gam-Anon: Support groups for families and friends
  • National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 (financial guidance)
  • Relate: Relationship counseling services

Remember: It's Never Too Late to Get Help

Gambling addiction is a treatable condition. Thousands of people recover from gambling problems every year with the right support and treatment. Taking the first step to ask for help shows strength, not weakness.

Emergency Contacts

📞 GamCare Helpline
0808 8020 133 (24/7) 💚 Samaritans
116 123 (24/7) 🚫 Self-Exclude
GAMSTOP.co.uk