Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. While most people gamble responsibly, for some it can become a problem. Please take a moment to understand the risks, recognise the signs, and know where to find help if you need it.

Age Verification

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in the UK. Some countries may have a higher legal gambling age — please always verify the legal age in your local jurisdiction before participating in any betting or gaming activity. Underage gambling is a serious offence and can lead to long-term harm.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support:

• Chasing losses — trying to win back money you have lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues
• Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
• Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when trying to cut down or stop
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much you have lost
• Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems

Self-Help Tools

Most licensed gambling operators offer practical tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. These typically include:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month
• Loss limits — cap the amount you are willing to lose within a set period
• Reality checks — receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling with a specific operator for a set period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or longer)

For UK residents, you can also use GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once (see below).

Support Organisations

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, please reach out to a specialist organisation. Help is free, confidential, and available in many countries.

United Kingdom

• GamCare — Free information, support, and counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (24/7).
• GamStop — Free online self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed gambling sites.

Australia

• Gambling Help Online — Free 24/7 support, counselling, and self-help tools. Phone: 1800 858 858.

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council — Provides prevention, education, and resources for safer gambling across Canada.

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling — Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential support and referrals.

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Offers information and help for gambling addiction. Telephone counselling: 0800 1 37 27 00 (free, anonymous).

Other Countries

If you are outside the countries listed above, please search for your national gambling helpline or self-exclusion scheme. Many jurisdictions provide free, confidential support services. You can also contact GamCare for general advice and signposting.

Seek Help Now

If you recognise any warning signs in yourself, or if gambling is causing you distress, please do not wait. Reach out to one of the organisations above today. You are not alone, and help is available — taking the first step is a sign of strength, not weakness.