18+

Responsible Gambling

Warning: Gambling can be addictive and should be enjoyed responsibly. You must be 18 or over to gamble. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over your time and money. It's about understanding the risks and making informed decisions about your gambling activities.

Signs of Problem Gambling

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it may be time to seek help:

  • Spending more money than you can afford to lose
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets
  • Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities
  • Borrowing money to gamble
  • Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling
  • Lying about your gambling activities
  • Unable to stop gambling despite wanting to
  • Gambling to escape from problems or negative emotions

Tips for Responsible Gambling

  • Set a budget: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
  • Set time limits: Decide how long you'll gamble and stick to it
  • Take regular breaks: Step away from gambling regularly
  • Don't chase losses: Accept losses as part of gambling
  • Don't gamble when upset: Avoid gambling when emotional or stressed
  • Keep it fun: Gambling should be entertaining, not stressful
  • Don't drink and gamble: Alcohol impairs judgment
  • Know the odds: Understand that the house always has an edge

Self-Help Tools

Most licensed UK casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:

Deposit Limits

  • Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
  • Limits can be reduced immediately
  • Increases may have a cooling-off period

Time Limits

  • Set session time limits
  • Receive reminders about time spent gambling
  • Auto-logout after specified periods

Reality Check

  • Regular pop-up reminders
  • Shows time and money spent
  • Helps maintain awareness of gambling activity

Self-Exclusion

  • Temporary or permanent account closure
  • Prevents access to gambling sites
  • Available for specific periods or permanently

Getting Help

If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Don't suffer in silence – reach out to these professional organizations:

GamCare

Free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.

  • Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free from landlines and mobiles)
  • Live Chat: Available on their website
  • Email: info@gamcare.org.uk

BeGambleAware

The leading charity in the UK committed to minimizing gambling-related harm.

  • Website: www.begambleaware.org
  • Resources: Self-assessment tools, advice, and support
  • Information: Understanding gambling and its risks

Gambling Therapy

Free, confidential support for people experiencing gambling problems worldwide.

  • Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
  • Online Support: Forums and live chat
  • Multilingual: Support in multiple languages

GAMSTOP

UK's national online self-exclusion service for gambling websites.

  • Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  • Service: Free self-exclusion from online gambling
  • Coverage: All UK licensed gambling operators

Support for Family and Friends

Gambling problems don't just affect the gambler – they impact families and friends too. Support is available:

  • GamAnon: Support groups for families and friends
  • Gordon Moody: Residential treatment and support
  • Gambling With Lives: Support for those affected by gambling-related suicide

Legal Framework

All casinos featured on UKCasinoRadar2025 are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which requires operators to:

  • Provide responsible gambling tools
  • Identify and interact with at-risk customers
  • Prevent underage gambling
  • Ensure fair play and transparency
  • Cooperate with self-exclusion schemes

Age Verification

18+ Only: It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. Licensed operators use age verification systems to prevent underage gambling.

Remember

Gambling should be:

  • Fun: An enjoyable form of entertainment
  • Affordable: Only with money you can afford to lose
  • Occasional: Not a regular or daily activity
  • Social: Shared with friends as part of a wider social activity

Gambling should never be:

  • A way to make money
  • A solution to financial problems
  • An escape from depression or anxiety
  • More important than family, friends, or work

If you need immediate help, don't wait. Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit their website for live chat support.