Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At childpovertysolutions.org.uk, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or playing sports. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting should only be done with money you can afford to lose, and it should never interfere with your essential expenses such as rent, food, utilities, or childcare.

If you find that your gambling habits are affecting your finances, relationships, or wellbeing, help is available and support is just a click away.

Age Verification

Gambling in the UK is only legally permitted for individuals aged 18 years and over. All users must be at least 18 to participate in betting activities.

If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. If you are aware of a minor gambling, please encourage them to speak with a trusted adult or contact the support organisations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Please review the following checklist. If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:

• Chasing Losses: Gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
• Hiding Gambling Activity: Being secretive about how much you gamble or how much money you've spent
• Loss of Control: Unable to stop gambling or stick to limits you've set
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, family time, or other important commitments due to gambling
• Financial Problems: Borrowing money, running up debts, or struggling to pay bills because of gambling
• Relationship Strain: Arguments with family or friends about your gambling
• Tolerance: Needing to gamble with more money to get the same level of excitement
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Lying About Gambling: Deceiving family and friends about the extent of your gambling
• Using Gambling to Cope: Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions

If you recognise several of these signs, please seek support immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Control Options

Most reputable betting operators offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you're willing to deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set period
• Stake Limits: Restrict the amount you can bet on individual wagers
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Time-Out (Cool Off Period): Take a break from your account for a set period (hours, days, or weeks) while remaining able to reactivate it
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account and exclude yourself from gambling for a specified period (typically 6 months to several years)

We recommend using these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem. Responsible gambling starts with taking control.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, the following organisations provide free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free counselling and support for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24 hours)
• GamStop
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Allows you to exclude yourself from all participating gambling operators in Great Britain
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Free peer support groups across the UK
  Helpline: 0330 094 6835

Other Countries

• Australia – Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Information and support for problem gambling

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it's easy to underestimate how serious the situation has become. There is no shame in seeking help. Thousands of people have successfully overcome gambling problems with professional support.

If you are concerned about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, please contact one of the support organisations listed above. They are:

• Free – no cost to access their services
• Confidential – your privacy is protected
• Non-judgmental – trained professionals who understand problem gambling
• Available 24/7 – many services operate around the clock

Your wellbeing matters. If gambling is affecting your life, please seek help today.