Responsible Gambling
We believe gambling should be enjoyable, safe, and always under your control. This page explains practical ways to protect yourself, recognise risk, and make informed choices as a player in the United Kingdom.
Our Philosophy
Responsible gambling is about keeping play as a form of entertainment. It should never compromise your wellbeing, relationships, or finances. The guidance below is designed to help you set boundaries, reflect honestly on your habits, and take action early if anything doesn’t feel right.
Core Principles of Responsible Gambling
- Treat gambling as a leisure activity, not a way to make money.
- Set a clear budget before you start and stick to it.
- Decide in advance how much time you will play and use reminders to keep track.
- Never gamble when tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
- Take regular breaks to maintain perspective and avoid impulsive decisions.
- Accept that losses are possible and part of the experience.
- Keep a balance of hobbies and social activities outside gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Harm can build gradually. Be alert to these common signals:
- Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling preoccupied between sessions.
- Increasing your stakes to chase the same excitement.
- Struggling to cut down or stop, even when you intend to.
- Feeling irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
- Using gambling to escape stress, worries, or difficult emotions.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends, or feeling guilty about it.
- Damaging relationships, work, or studies due to gambling.
- Borrowing money to fund play or cover losses.
Protection Tools in the UK
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps so spending never exceeds your budget.
- Time Management & Reality Checks: Enable on-site timers and reminders to keep sessions within healthy time windows.
- Loss and Stake Limits: Restrict the amount you can lose or wager in a given period.
- Session Time-Out (Cooling-Off): Take short breaks to reset perspective and avoid chasing losses.
- Self-Exclusion: Block access to gambling across accounts for a defined period. Check your account settings to activate this.
- Self-Assessment: Use reflective questionnaires and activity logs to understand patterns and triggers.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Answer honestly. If several resonate, consider pausing play and tightening limits.
- Do you spend more time or money than you planned?
- Do you gamble to change your mood or escape problems?
- Have you tried to cut back without success?
- Do you hide gambling from people close to you?
- Are debts, bills, or savings affected by gambling?
- Do losses prompt you to continue playing to “win it back”?
Healthy Habits & Self-Care
- Keep a simple money and time diary for gambling sessions.
- Schedule breaks and set a timer before you start.
- Play with a calm mindset; avoid gambling when upset or tired.
- Close sessions once your time or budget is reached—regardless of wins or losses.
- Plan alternative activities to round out your free time.
For Family & Friends
If you are worried about someone’s gambling, approach the topic with care. Focus on behaviours and impacts, not blame.
- Choose a calm moment to talk and listen without judgment.
- Encourage budgeting and time limits; offer to help set them up.
- Protect household finances where needed and set clear boundaries.
Age and Access
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over in the United Kingdom. Use device and account controls to prevent access by minors and keep gambling accounts secure with strong passwords.
Regulation in the United Kingdom
In the UK, licensed operators must follow strict rules designed to protect players, promote fairness, and prevent crime. Look for clear information about account controls, age verification, and safer gambling tools when you play.
Next Steps if You’re Concerned
- Pause play and activate time-outs or self-exclusion.
- Tighten deposit, loss, and time limits immediately.
- Review your finances and create a realistic plan to stabilise spending.
- Talk to someone you trust and set accountability checkpoints.
- Consider removing saved payment methods from gambling accounts.