Responsible Gambling
Gaming should always remain an entertaining activity that brings pleasure and excitement to your life. However, we understand that for some individuals, gambling can become problematic and negatively impact their personal, financial, and social wellbeing. As a responsible operator in the UK, we are committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing comprehensive support for all our players. This page contains essential information about responsible gambling, warning signs to watch for, and various tools and resources available to help you maintain control over your gaming activities.
1. Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling refers to gambling behaviour that disrupts or damages personal, family, or recreational pursuits. It occurs when gambling stops being fun and starts causing harm to yourself or those around you. Unlike responsible gambling, where players maintain control over their time and spending, problem gambling is characterised by a loss of control and an inability to stop despite negative consequences.
In the United Kingdom, problem gambling affects approximately 0.5% of the adult population, according to the Gambling Commission's latest statistics. However, the impact extends beyond the individual gambler, affecting family members, friends, and communities. Understanding the nature of problem gambling is the first step towards prevention and recovery.
Problem gambling can develop gradually over time or emerge suddenly during periods of stress, depression, or major life changes. It's important to recognise that gambling addiction is a recognised mental health condition that requires appropriate treatment and support, just like any other addiction.
2. Recognising the Warning Signs
Identifying the early warning signs of problem gambling is crucial for maintaining control and seeking help when needed. These signs can be behavioural, emotional, or financial, and they often develop gradually over time.
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Chasing losses with bigger bets or more frequent play
- Gambling to escape from problems, anxiety, or depression
- Lying to family and friends about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Making unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambling despite knowing it's causing problems
- Experiencing mood swings related to wins and losses
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to take action immediately. Early intervention is key to preventing gambling problems from escalating and causing more serious harm.
3. Self-Assessment and Control Tools
Regular self-assessment is an essential part of responsible gambling. We provide various tools to help you monitor and control your gambling behaviour, ensuring that your gaming remains within safe limits.
| Control Tool | Purpose | How It Works |
| Deposit Limits | Control spending amounts | Set daily, weekly, or monthly maximum deposit amounts |
| Loss Limits | Prevent excessive losses | Automatically stop play when predetermined loss limit is reached |
| Session Time Limits | Manage time spent gambling | Set maximum duration for individual gaming sessions |
| Reality Checks | Track time and spending | Regular pop-up reminders showing current session information |
| Cooling-off Periods | Take temporary breaks | Block access to your account for 24 hours to 6 weeks |
These tools are designed to help you maintain control over your gambling activities. They can be adjusted at any time through your account settings, though increases to limits may have a delay period to allow for careful consideration. Remember, these tools are most effective when used proactively, before problems develop.
4. Self-Exclusion and Timeout Options
When control tools aren't sufficient, or if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, self-exclusion and timeout options provide more comprehensive protection. These measures are designed to give you the space and time needed to regain control or seek professional help.
Our platform offers flexible timeout periods ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks. During this time, you cannot access your account, make deposits, or place bets. Timeout periods can be activated immediately and cannot be reversed once implemented, ensuring you have the breathing space you need.
For more serious concerns, self-exclusion provides a longer-term solution. You can choose to exclude yourself for periods of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years. During self-exclusion, you cannot access your account, receive marketing communications, or create new accounts with us.
- Self-exclusion is irreversible for the chosen period
- Marketing communications are automatically stopped
- Account access is completely blocked
- Customer support will not override self-exclusion requests
- Funds in your account remain safe and accessible after the exclusion period
For comprehensive protection across all UK gambling operators, consider registering with GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme. GAMSTOP allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed gambling websites and apps in Great Britain.
5. Professional Support and Resources
If you're struggling with gambling-related problems, remember that professional help is available. Numerous organisations in the UK provide free, confidential support for problem gamblers and their families.
GamCare is one of the UK's leading providers of support for problem gambling. They offer a free, confidential helpline (0808 8020 133) staffed by trained counsellors, as well as online chat support and face-to-face counselling services across the country. Their website also provides extensive resources, including self-help tools and information for family members.
BeGambleAware is another vital resource, providing information and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. Their website features comprehensive guidance on recognising problems, finding treatment, and supporting recovery. They also fund research into gambling-related harm and work to improve treatment services across the UK.
- GamCare Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- BeGambleAware Online Support: begambleaware.org
- Gamblers Anonymous: Regular support group meetings nationwide
- Citizens Advice: Free debt and financial guidance
- Samaritans: 24/7 emotional support (116 123)
- NHS Mental Health Services: Professional treatment through your GP
These organisations provide various forms of support, from telephone counselling and online chat to face-to-face meetings and residential treatment programmes. Don't hesitate to reach out – seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
6. Protecting Children and Young People
Protecting minors from gambling harm is a shared responsibility between operators, parents, and society. UK law strictly prohibits anyone under 18 from gambling, and we employ robust age verification measures to prevent underage access to our services.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in protecting young people from gambling-related harm. Open communication about the risks of gambling, monitoring online activities, and setting appropriate boundaries are essential steps in keeping children safe.
- Discuss the risks and realities of gambling with your children
- Monitor their online activities and device usage regularly
- Use parental control software to block gambling websites
- Be aware of gambling elements in video games and apps
- Set clear rules about money and online spending
- Lead by example with your own gambling behaviour
- Watch for warning signs like unexplained money or mood changes
If you discover that a young person has been gambling, it's important to respond calmly and supportively. Contact the operator immediately to report underage gambling and consider seeking professional advice from organisations like GamCare, which provides specialist support for families affected by gambling problems.
Educational initiatives also play a vital role in prevention. Many schools now include gambling awareness in their curriculum, helping young people understand the risks before they encounter gambling opportunities.
7. Creating a Safer Gaming Environment
Maintaining a safe gambling environment requires ongoing commitment from both operators and players. By working together, we can ensure that gambling remains an enjoyable form of entertainment while minimising the risk of harm.
As players, you can contribute to safer gambling by staying informed about responsible gambling practices, using the tools available to maintain control, and seeking help when needed. Regular self-reflection about your gambling habits and their impact on your life is essential.
We continuously review and improve our responsible gambling measures based on the latest research and regulatory guidance. Our staff receive regular training on identifying and responding to signs of problem gambling, and we work closely with gambling charities and regulatory bodies to promote safer gambling practices across the industry.
| Safety Measure | Player Responsibility | Operator Responsibility |
| Account Monitoring | Regular self-assessment of gambling behaviour | Automated systems to detect concerning patterns |
| Financial Controls | Setting and adhering to personal budgets | Providing effective limit-setting tools |
| Time Management | Taking regular breaks from gambling | Reality check reminders and session limits |
| Support Access | Seeking help when problems arise | Clear signposting to support resources |
Remember that responsible gambling is not about eliminating risk entirely, but about ensuring that gambling remains within your control and doesn't negatively impact your life. If you ever feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, don't hesitate to use our control tools, take a break, or seek professional support.
We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all our customers. If you have any concerns about your gambling or need assistance with our responsible gambling tools, our customer support team is available to help. Together, we can ensure that gambling remains what it should be – an entertaining activity that adds enjoyment to your life.