Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. While most people gamble responsibly, for some it can become a problem. This page explains how to keep gambling safe and where to find help if you need it.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be 18 years or older to gamble. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, and licensed operators are required to verify your age and identity. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access any gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down
- Lying about how much time or money is spent gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
- Thinking that gambling is a way to solve debt problems
Self-Help Tools
Most licensed gambling sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month
- Loss limits – cap the amount you can lose over a set period
- Reality checks – receive reminders of how long you have been playing
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from a specific site or across multiple sites for a set period
Use these tools proactively. If you find it difficult to stick to limits, consider self-exclusion or contacting a support organisation.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. The following organisations offer free, confidential advice and support:
- UK: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- UK: GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion for UK-licensed sites)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- US: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
- Other countries: Please contact the national problem gambling helpline or organisation in your country.
Seek Help Now
If you feel that gambling is no longer just a form of entertainment, or if it is causing harm to you or your loved ones, please reach out. You are not alone, and support is available free of charge. Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (UK) or visit their website to speak with an advisor. Take the first step today.