Responsible Gaming

Maintaining healthy gaming habits requires conscious planning and self-awareness. These evidence-based strategies can help you stay in control:

• Set a strict budget before you play and never exceed it
• Establish time limits for each gaming session
• Never chase losses or attempt to win back money
• Avoid gaming when upset, tired, or under the influence of alcohol
• Keep gaming separate from other daily responsibilities
• Use deposit limits and cooling-off periods offered by operators
• Track your spending regularly to monitor patterns
• Take frequent breaks during gaming sessions
• Never borrow money or use credit cards for gaming
• Consider gaming as entertainment with a cost, not a way to earn income

Recognising problematic gaming behaviour early can prevent serious consequences. Be honest with yourself about these warning signs:

• Spending more money or time gaming than you can afford
• Lying to family or friends about your gaming activities
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce gaming
• Gaming to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
• Neglecting work, relationships, or personal responsibilities
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gaming
• Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gaming
• Feeling preoccupied with gaming even when not playing
• Needing to stake larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Experiencing relationship or financial problems due to gaming

Online casino gaming is strictly restricted to individuals aged 18 and over in the United Kingdom. Licensed operators verify age during registration to prevent underage access. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and discuss the risks of underage gaming with young people. Allowing minors to participate in real-money gaming is illegal and can contribute to harmful behaviour patterns in later life.

All UK-licensed casinos provide self-exclusion tools that allow you to block access to your account for a chosen period. You can typically select timeframes ranging from six months to five years, or request permanent exclusion. During this period, operators prevent you from accessing your account, depositing funds, or receiving marketing communications. For comprehensive protection, register with GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, which blocks access across all licensed operators simultaneously. Self-exclusion demonstrates strength and self-awareness, not weakness.

You don’t need to face gaming problems alone. These UK organisations provide confidential, professional support:

• GamCare: Free counselling, support groups, and the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). Available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and email at www.gamcare.org.uk
• GAMSTOP: National self-exclusion scheme preventing access to all UK-licensed gaming sites. Register free at www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous: Fellowship of individuals sharing experiences and supporting recovery. Find local meetings at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Gordon Moody Association: Residential treatment programmes and ongoing aftercare for severe gaming addiction. Contact via www.gordonmoody.org.uk
• BeGambleAware: Educational resources, self-assessment tools, and treatment referrals. Visit www.begambleaware.org or call 0808 8020 133
• Samaritans: Emotional support available 24/7 for anyone in distress. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org