Responsible Gambling
Gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but we recognise that for some individuals, it can become a serious problem. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and providing our players with the tools, resources, and support they need to maintain control over their gaming activities. This page outlines our approach to responsible gambling and provides comprehensive information about recognising potential issues, accessing help, and maintaining a healthy relationship with online gaming.
Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or gambling disorder, is a behavioural condition that can have serious consequences for individuals and their families. It occurs when gambling stops being fun and starts causing harm to your life, relationships, work, or financial situation. Problem gambling affects people from all walks of life and can develop gradually over time.
In the UK, approximately 0.4% of adults are classified as problem gamblers, with many more experiencing some level of gambling-related harm. The condition is characterised by an inability to control gambling impulses despite negative consequences. It’s important to understand that problem gambling is a recognised mental health condition that requires proper treatment and support.
Gambling addiction can manifest in various ways and affects different people differently. Some individuals may chase losses compulsively, while others might gamble to escape from problems or negative emotions. The key factor is when gambling begins to negatively impact your daily life and well-being.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Early recognition of problem gambling signs is crucial for seeking timely help. Many people struggling with gambling issues may not immediately recognise the symptoms themselves, making awareness of these warning signs essential for both players and their loved ones.
- Spending more money than you can afford to lose
- Gambling for longer periods than planned
- Lying about gambling activities or losses to family and friends
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Repeatedly trying unsuccessfully to cut down or stop gambling
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Experiencing sleep problems or changes in appetite
If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a developing gambling problem. The earlier these issues are addressed, the more effective treatment and support can be.
Self-Assessment Tools
Regular self-assessment is an important part of maintaining healthy gambling habits. We encourage all players to periodically evaluate their gambling behaviour and its impact on their lives. Several validated screening tools are available to help assess potential gambling problems.
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is widely used in the UK and consists of nine questions about gambling behaviour over the past 12 months. The Gamblers Anonymous Twenty Questions is another useful self-assessment tool that can help identify problematic gambling patterns.
When conducting self-assessments, be honest about your gambling habits, frequency, amounts spent, and the impact on your daily life. Consider asking yourself: Do I gamble more than I intended? Do I feel guilty about my gambling? Has gambling caused problems in my relationships or work? Am I gambling to solve financial problems?
Regular self-reflection should include reviewing your gambling expenditure, time spent gambling, and emotional state before, during, and after gambling sessions. If self-assessment reveals concerning patterns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or utilise available support resources.
Setting Limits and Self-Control Tools
Effective limit-setting is one of the most important aspects of responsible gambling. We provide various tools to help players maintain control over their gambling activities and expenditure. These tools are designed to prevent impulsive decisions and help maintain gambling as entertainment rather than a financial necessity.
| Limit Type | Description | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Maximum amount you can deposit in a specific timeframe | Set based on disposable income only |
| Loss Limits | Maximum amount you can lose in a session or period | Never exceed what you can afford to lose |
| Time Limits | Maximum duration for gambling sessions | Prevent extended gambling periods |
| Betting Limits | Maximum amount per individual bet or spin | Maintain consistent betting patterns |
When setting limits, always use money you can afford to lose – never gamble with money needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, or food. Limits should be set during calm periods when you’re thinking clearly, not during or after gambling sessions. Once set, resist the temptation to increase limits impulsively.
Additional self-control measures include setting reminders, using reality checks, and establishing gambling-free times or days. Consider informing trusted friends or family members about your limits to create additional accountability.
Self-Exclusion and Time-Out Options
Self-exclusion and time-out tools provide players with the ability to take breaks from gambling when needed. These measures are essential components of responsible gambling practices and can be implemented when you feel your gambling is becoming problematic or when you simply need a break.
Time-out options allow you to temporarily suspend your account for periods ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this time, you cannot access your account, make deposits, or place bets. Time-outs can be useful for taking short breaks, reassessing your gambling habits, or avoiding impulsive gambling during stressful periods.
Self-exclusion is a more serious measure involving permanent or long-term account closure. In the UK, operators must offer self-exclusion periods of at least six months, with options for longer periods including permanent exclusion. During self-exclusion, you cannot reopen your account or create new accounts with the same operator.
For comprehensive protection, consider registering with GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme. GAMSTOP allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed online gambling sites in the UK for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. This service is free and covers all licensed operators, providing extensive protection against impulsive gambling.
Support for Family and Friends
Gambling problems don’t just affect the individual – they impact entire families and social networks. Family members and friends often experience emotional distress, financial strain, and relationship difficulties when someone they care about has a gambling problem. Recognising this broader impact is crucial for comprehensive recovery and support.
If you’re concerned about someone’s gambling, approach the situation with compassion and understanding. Avoid being judgmental or accusatory, as this may cause the person to become defensive or secretive about their gambling. Instead, express your concerns calmly and offer support in seeking help.
Family members can access specialised support services designed specifically for those affected by someone else’s gambling. These services provide counselling, practical advice, and strategies for coping with the challenges of loving someone with a gambling problem.
Consider setting boundaries around money and gambling-related activities. This might include not lending money, not covering gambling debts, or removing access to joint financial accounts. While difficult, these boundaries can help prevent enabling behaviours and encourage the person to seek help.
Protecting Minors
Protecting young people from gambling-related harm is a fundamental responsibility shared by operators, parents, and society as a whole. Under UK law, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, and we implement strict age verification procedures to prevent underage access to gambling services.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in protecting minors from gambling harm. This includes monitoring internet usage, being aware of gambling-like features in video games, and maintaining open conversations about the risks associated with gambling. Education about probability, the mathematics of gambling, and the potential for addiction should begin early.
- Use parental control software to block gambling websites
- Monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions
- Be aware of gambling apps and websites that may appeal to young people
- Discuss the risks and realities of gambling openly and honestly
- Set clear rules about money, online activities, and gambling
- Model responsible attitudes towards gambling and risk-taking
- Seek help immediately if you suspect underage gambling
Warning signs of underage gambling include unexplained money or possessions, secretive behaviour about online activities, declining academic performance, and emotional changes such as anxiety or depression. If you suspect a young person is gambling, address the issue immediately and seek professional guidance.
Professional Help and Support Organisations
Numerous professional organisations and support services are available throughout the UK to help individuals and families affected by gambling problems. These services offer various forms of support, including counselling, therapy, financial advice, and peer support groups.
GamCare is the UK’s leading provider of support, information, and advice for anyone affected by gambling problems. They offer a free, confidential helpline (0808 8020 133), online chat services, and face-to-face counselling. GamCare also provides specialised support for young people and family members.
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling addiction. They hold regular meetings across the UK and follow a twelve-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.
BeGambleAware provides information, advice, and support for anyone concerned about gambling. They fund education, prevention, and treatment services and work to raise awareness about gambling-related harm. Their website offers comprehensive resources and self-help tools.
Gordon Moody Association provides residential treatment programs for people with severe gambling addictions. They offer structured support programs, life skills training, and ongoing aftercare to help individuals rebuild their lives.
NHS services include specialised gambling addiction clinics and mental health services that can provide professional treatment for problem gambling. Your GP can refer you to appropriate services and provide initial support and guidance.
Maintaining Healthy Gambling Habits
Responsible gambling is ultimately about maintaining control and ensuring that gambling remains an enjoyable form of entertainment rather than a source of problems. This requires ongoing commitment to healthy practices and regular self-monitoring.
Before gambling, always decide how much money and time you can afford to spend, and stick to these limits regardless of whether you’re winning or losing. Never gamble when you’re upset, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as these states can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making.
Understand that gambling is designed to favour the house, and losses are more likely than wins over time. View gambling as entertainment with a cost, similar to going to the cinema or dining out. Never gamble as a way to make money or solve financial problems.
Maintain balance in your life by ensuring gambling doesn’t interfere with work, relationships, or other important activities. Take regular breaks from gambling and engage in alternative forms of entertainment and relaxation.
Keep accurate records of your gambling expenditure and regularly review your spending patterns. Be honest with yourself about wins and losses, and don’t let occasional wins create unrealistic expectations about future gambling sessions.
If you ever feel that gambling is becoming less enjoyable or causing stress, take immediate action by implementing controls, taking a break, or seeking support. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and professional support can be highly effective in addressing gambling problems.
Last updated: November 2024