Responsible Gaming

Introduction

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. While most people gamble safely, it is important to understand the risks and recognise when gambling stops being fun. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and always set limits before you start.

Age Verification

In Great Britain, gambling is only legal for individuals aged 18 years or over. Licensed online casinos and betting sites are required to verify your age and identity. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to long-term harm. If you are under 18, do not attempt to gamble online or offline.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you:

• Chasing losses by returning to gamble again to try to win back money
• Hiding your gambling from family, friends or loved ones
• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using bills money to gamble
• Feeling anxious, guilty or irritable when trying to cut down or stop
• Gambling to escape stress, low mood or other problems
• Neglecting work, study, relationships or responsibilities because of gambling
• Lying about how much you gamble or how often you gamble

If you recognise one or more of these signs, it may be time to seek support.

Self-Help Tools

Licensed gambling operators in Great Britain offer practical tools to help you stay in control. These include:

• Deposit limits: set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week or month
• Loss limits: cap how much you can lose within a set period
• Reality checks: receive reminders of how long you have been playing
• Time-outs: take a short break from gambling for a set period
• Self-exclusion: block yourself from gambling sites for a longer period, including through GamStop
• Account history: review your deposits, withdrawals and time spent gambling

Using these tools is a positive step towards