Responsible Gambling

This section provides practical insights for UK players to manage their gambling activities responsibly. Our commitment to responsible gambling informs our partnerships and business model, making this platform a valuable resource.

Below, you will find practical resources and advice for responsible gambling. We will cover what problem gambling is, warning signs to look out for, safe gambling software, and links to organisations that tackle gambling addiction.

Disclaimer: Our authors are not psychologists or medical professionals; this content is not a substitute for expert intervention. If you are struggling with addictive gambling, seek professional help. 

Gambling addiction, or compulsive gambling, is a behavioural disorder marked by an inability to control or stop gambling despite harmful consequences. It can involve various forms of gambling and often results in emotional, financial, and social problems. Treatment may include therapy, counselling, and support groups.

Identifying signs of gambling addiction can be challenging but is crucial to seeking help and making positive changes. Some symptoms include:

Neglecting responsibilities and outside activities due to gambling.

Hiding gambling sessions from those around you.

Arguments with family and friends over gambling-related and financial matters.

Increased anxiety, guilt, depression, or irritability linked to gambling.

Best Practices:

• Consider gambling as a form of entertainment, not a means of income.
• Establish and adhere to predetermined limits for playtime and bankroll before beginning a session.
• Recognize when it's time to conclude your gambling activities.
• Exercise caution by setting daily withdrawal limits to prevent impulsive decisions.
• Foster connections with friends and family outside gambling contexts.

Cautionary Measures:

• Refrain from initiating games while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Avoid making decisions when emotionally distressed.
• Confront and seek assistance for emotions tied to compulsive gambling rather than suppressing them.
• Consider whether or not you have a gambling problem.

We've compiled a self-assessment quiz to help you identify a potential gambling problem:

1. Are you obsessively planning future gambling ventures or thinking about ways to get more money to gamble?
2. Do you need to play with increasing amounts of money or place larger bets to feel the same excitement?
3. Have you ever felt restless or irritable when trying to stop, cut down, or control gambling?
4. Have you tried and not succeeded in stopping, cutting down, or controlling your gambling?
5. Do you gamble to escape personal problems or relieve uncomfortable feelings like anxiety or depression?
6. Do you often return to gambling to recoup losses from previous days?
7. Have you lied to family or friends about your gambling habits or money lost gambling?
8. Has your gambling ever caused severe problems in your relationships or at work?
9. Have you ever needed to ask family members, friends, a lending institution, or anyone else to loan you money or otherwise bail you out of a desperate money situation that was caused mainly by your gambling?
10. Have you ever committed fraud or stolen money from your loved ones to keep gambling?

Answering “yes” to one or more of these questions indicates a gambling problem. We recommend seeking professional help.

To aid in responsible gambling, top online casinos provide various tools:

Deposit Limits

Setting deposit limits before starting a gaming session can prevent compulsive gambling. These limits can be set daily, weekly, or monthly, helping users stay within their budget.

Reality Checks/Pop-ups

A reality check feature regularly notifies users of the time spent gambling, preventing them from losing track of time during a betting session.

Time Outs

Users can take breaks from gameplay for specified periods, ranging from 24 hours to one month, to maintain control over their gambling behaviour.

Self-Exclusion

This feature allows players to abstain from gambling for at least six months, with the casino supporting this decision and returning any remaining funds.

Specific software, such as Gamban and Gamblock, can be installed to block gambling sites, offering additional support in limiting access. 

Gamban is the first gambling-blocking software with “ISO 27001” & “ISO 9001” certifications for top-tier security and a “B Corp Certification” for social responsibility. Installing Gamban blocks access to tens of thousands of gambling sites and apps globally, offering a crucial first step in a multi-layered approach to overcoming addiction. The app also helps users set up additional protective layers for added support.

GamBlock is a customer-funded, persistent gambling blocker for all sites and apps in your country and abroad. Resilient to VPNs, Tor, and factory resets. It is a personalised and comprehensive solution, challenging the notion that effective gambling blocking is unattainable.

When grappling with gambling challenges, seeking assistance promptly is crucial. Acknowledging the need for help is a vital step toward regaining control over your gambling behaviour.

Acknowledge the Issue: Problem gamblers may downplay or deny their issues. While friends and family can offer support, reaching out to support groups, colleagues, or professionals is essential.

Seek Professional Assistance: In severe cases, seeking help from professional counsellors or therapists becomes crucial. They can provide practical strategies to address underlying problems.

Resist Temptations: To avoid gambling, consider postponing related activities. Similar to someone avoiding bars to overcome a drinking problem, staying away from triggers, such as casinos, can be beneficial.

If you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction, several organisations can offer assistance:

GambleAware: Free support via phone or live chat, available 24/7.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust: Assessments and support for individuals over 16 years old.

Gam-Anon: Providing support to family, relatives, friends, or anyone affected by gambling addiction.

Gamblers Anonymous: Offers guidance through support groups, creating a community for those facing similar challenges.

Our Objective

Our primary goal is to highlight that anyone can face compulsive gambling issues, irrespective of background or intelligence. Fortunately, numerous tools are available to prevent gambling addiction. Understanding and using these tools when necessary is crucial.

Through this platform, our mission is to inform individuals about tools that can assist in maintaining control over their gambling activities. Recognizing signs of losing control and seeking professional help if needed are pivotal. We aim to provide comprehensive information to guide players toward a safer and more responsible gambling experience.