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, it is important to stay aware of the risks and recognise when fun turns into harm. This page explains how to keep gambling safe, the warning signs of problem gambling, and where to get help if you need it.

Age Verification

In Great Britain, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble. All licensed operators are required by law to verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play. If you are under 18, or under the local legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, do not gamble. It is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls and to keep gambling accounts secure.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. 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 – lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Spending more than you can afford – using money meant for bills, rent, or essentials to gamble.
• Feeling irritable or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood.
• Feeling guilty or ashamed after gambling but continuing to do it.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable gambling sites offer tools to help you stay in control. If you gamble online, use these tools wherever they are available:

• Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits – cap how much you are willing to lose over a set period.
• Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Time-outs – take a short break from gambling for 24 hours to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from a specific site or app for a longer period, typically 6 months to 5 years.

For UK residents, GamStop is a free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling websites and apps at once. You can register at www.gamstop.co.uk. Note that GamStop does not cover Curacao-licensed sites that are not on GamStop, so extra caution is needed when using such platforms.

Support Organisations

If gambling is affecting your life or the life of someone you know, help is available. These organisations provide free, confidential advice and support. We list real, recognised services by region:

• United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk (National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, available 24/7). GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk (self-exclusion).
• Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au (24/7 chat and phone support).
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org (information and local support links).
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org (helpline 1-800-GAMBLER in many states).
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de (information and helpline for gambling addiction).
• Other countries: Please search for your national gambling helpline or problem gambling support service. Local health authorities and government websites usually provide accurate contact details.

Need Help Now?

If you think you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, do not wait. Seek help today. Speaking to a trained advisor is free, confidential, and can make a real difference. You are not alone, and recovery is possible. For UK residents, call the GamCare helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk. If you are outside the UK, use the support organisation listed above for your country.