If it’s no longer just a game - It may be time to stop
18+
As we promote the services of gambling providers on this site, we believe it is important that our customers are made aware of the risks that can be associated with gambling, as well as provide information about where they can find advice or support should they require it.
Enjoy the game
Gambling is not a way of life but it is a great source of fun
Play responsibly
Set your spend and playtime limits
This is the heading
Stick to your limits, winners know when enough is enough
Enjoy the game
Play responsibly
This is the heading
What is Safer Gambling?
Gambling is a popular form of entertainment that can be a lot of fun, and most people who gamble do so safely. But for some, gambling can be harmful not only to themselves but also to their families, friends, and communities. To protect gamblers from the risks associated with betting, the UK government passed the Safer Gambling legislation. This act is enforced by gambling regulators and requires online and land gambling providers to commit to a broad range of policies and actions.
Policies and actions include:
- Preventing underage gambling: you must produce an ID showing you are older than 18 before being allowed to bet.
- Ethical marketing: gambling providers must not target vulnerable people and should also and should also include warnings of the dangers associated with gambling.
- Secure betting payments: your deposits and withdrawals must be kept safe through the use of trusted payment gateways, e.g. PayPal, VISA, Skrill and other major providers.
- Keeping gambler’s data private: the EU’s GDPR law regulates the safe handling of sensitive information. This includes proof of address, photo ID, and banking details.
- Protecting vulnerable gamblers: players susceptible to addiction, such as those with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Tools for players include:
- Self-exclusion: you tell the gambling provider to exclude you from their site.
- Limiting access: you set a gambling time limit.
- Activity alerts: you receive an alert after gambling for a specific time.
- Deposit limits: the gambling provider caps the amount you can deposit.
- Gambling blocks: you place a gambling block on your debit card.
- Time-outs: you block yourself from gambling providers for a set amount of time.
Top 10 tips
for safer
gambling
01
Set a money
limit in advance
02
Allocate a time
limit in advance
03
Play for fun, not
as a way to
make money
04
Never chase
your losses
05
Only bet what
you can afford
to lose
06
Realise that
knowing more
won’t guarantee
a win
07
Take breaks to
help you avoid
“Bet Regret”
08
Know what’s
legal to play in
your area
09
Don’t drink or
use drugs while
gambling
10
Never gamble
when stressed
or depressed
How much is too much?
Do you feel that you or someone you care about may have started to develop a problem with gambling? These are some of the more frequent signs that indicate gambling addiction.
- Denying you have a problem when showing any of the following signs. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.
- Thinking about gambling all the time and a lack of interest in other previously enjoyable aspects of your life.
- Cravings or withdrawal symptoms cause you to feel irritable or restless when you cannot gamble.
- Losing control and being unable to manage impulsive thoughts to gamble even when you have decided to stop. This includes betting with your rent or grocery money.
- An Increasing amount of money is needed to experience the same thrill or reach the same level of excitement, even if it is more than you can afford to lose.
- Chasing your losses and believing that “just one more bet” will help you win back everything and maybe more.
- Problems at work due to non-attendance, the inability to focus and get tasks done timeously or gambling during work hours.
- Relationship problems with family or friends arise from failing to fulfil responsibilities such as missing family events and neglecting children, partners or friends.
- Borrowing or stealing money, or selling things to gamble.
FAQ's
What causes gambling addiction?
While the exact cause of gambling addiction is unknown, we know that certain people are more vulnerable to developing a gambling addiction. Generally, these players will suffer from other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. But remember, anyone who gambles can develop problems.
What factors contribute to gambling addiction?
Many factors can contribute to a gambling addiction, including a craving for the “high” of winning, a financial need, the social status of being a successful gambler, and the entertaining atmosphere of the local gambling provider’s environment.
What is compulsive gambling?
Gambling is a type of behavioural addiction called impulse-control disorder. This person has a pathological compulsion to bet even if there are negative consequences.
Can you enjoy gambling without becoming a problem gambler?
Yes, for most people, gambling is entertainment. They know they will likely lose and only bet what they can afford. Problem gamblers cannot control their gambling and will continue to gamble no matter their losses.
What is the legal gambling age in the UK?
You need to be 18 years or older to gamble in the UK. This applies to both online and offline gambling. The three exceptions which allow for 16 years plus are football pools, lotteries, and the National Lottery.
Need help?
While most players will never experience problem gambling, for some gamblers, the fun stops, and the harm begins. If you or someone you care about requires help, there are many ways to receive it.
The National Gambling Treatment Service is a network of organisations dedicated to address the possible negative impacts of gambling on individuals and communities in the UK. These offer an array of services including prevention initiatives (GAM STOP, GamBan), education (RAiG), support (GamCare), and treatment (BeGambleAware, Gambling Therapy) for those who might be affected by gambling-related harm. These organisations help identify, treat, and follow through with those affected. As is their policy, accredited betting companies will respond to your concerns. Players can also opt to self-exclude. This act puts measures in place to prevent them from visiting casinos, bookmakers, gambling websites and apps.
You may also look at using website blockers and placing banking restrictions on your accounts.
Additionally, The National Gambling Treatment Service’s network of organisations provides 24/7, free, confidential advice and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems and those impacted by someone else’s gambling. See organisations below.
It can be scary deciding to make a change even if you know you need to! Never be afraid to ask for help.
