Responsible Play

The Principles of Responsible Gambling

So, what does responsible gambling mean? Responsible gambling means staying within your own limits while gambling. While there are general guidelines for identifying problem gambling, personal boundaries can vary between each player. What may be a large bet for one person might be manageable for another, depending on their individual status and financial situation. In short, responsible gambling involves playing in a way that doesn’t harm you financially, mentally, or socially.

• ✦ Neglecting work, school, or family due to gambling.
• ✦ Failing to control or stop gambling despite repeated attempts.
• ✦ Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions like guilt, anxiety, or depression.
• ✦ Borrowing money to gamble or repay gambling debts.
• ✦ Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling.
• ✦ Selling personal belongings to fund gambling.
• ✦ Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, depression, or suicidal thoughts as a result of gambling.

Managing Responsible Gambling

• ✦ Establish a Budget and Stick to It – Establishing a budget is one of the most essential steps to gambling responsibly. Review your income and expenses to decide how much you can afford to spend—and possibly lose—on gambling each week or month. Commit to that limit.
• ✦ Avoid Chasing Your Losses - Resist the urge to recover lost money by increasing your bets. This approach often results in even greater losses than you initially planned.
• ✦ Know the Odds – Always understand the odds of winning when you gamble. The chances are usually not in your favor, so don’t expect to win every time. Being aware of the odds and risks can help you make smarter and more responsible choices.
• ✦ Don’t Gamble When You’re Emotional – Avoid gambling when you’re feeling angry, sad, or stressed. Emotions can impair your judgment and lead to poor decisions.
• ✦ Refrain from Gambling Under the Influence – Alcohol, prescription medications, and recreational drugs can alter your judgment and increase the risk of making unwise choices. It’s best to avoid gambling when under the influence.
• ✦ Take Breaks from Gambling – Taking time away from gambling can help clear your mind and reset your habits, which might benefit both your mental health and financial situation. If you find that breaks aren’t enough, consider using gambling exclusion services for additional protection.
• ✦ Seek Help If You’re Struggling – If managing your gambling habits becomes challenging, don’t hesitate to seek help. Please refer to the “Self-Exclusion and Assistance for Gambling Problems” section below, for more information.

Preventing Underage Gambling

Our website is strictly intended for individuals aged eighteen (18) and older, as indicated in the footer of the site. While we clearly state that our website is for individuals aged eighteen (18) and older, there are limits to how effectively we can prevent underage access. As a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to protect your children from unauthorized access.

• ✦ Don’t visit our website in the presence of your kids so they don’t subconsciously gain interest.
• ✦ Don’t use the “remember me” option when logging in to your accounts on gambling operators’ websites.
• ✦ If your kids ask you for your credit card details to make online payments, ensure you know what they are paying for.
• ✦ Find the right way to talk with your children about gambling.

Self-Exclusion and Assistance for Gambling Problems

Self-exclusion and gambling problem organizations are crucial for addressing gambling addiction. However, a key element of responsible gambling is also seeking professional help and support from trusted experts. These professionals can identify problematic behaviors and suggest treatment options tailored to your unique needs. To help you access the assistance you need, here are the organizations in the UK that can assist you with any problem with gambling:

• ✦ BeGambleAware – Provides free, confidential help either online or over the phone.
  Visit Site: https://www.begambleaware.org/
• ✦ Gambling Therapy – A global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling. The site offers Live Chat and support groups.
  Visit Site: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
• ✦ GamCare – Offers counselling to people of all ages regarding problem gambling and operates the National Gambling Helpline in the UK.
  Visit Site: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• ✦ Gamblers Anonymous – Hosts meetings and groups where problem gamblers can share their experiences and seek help.
  Visit Site: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/