Responsible Gambling

Gambling is a form of entertainment reserved exclusively for adults. Every player should decide in advance how much time and money to dedicate to sessions, without using funds needed for daily expenses or financial obligations. Winnings are not guaranteed and gambling must not be considered a source of income, an investment or a method for resolving financial difficulties.

Principles for responsible gambling

Before starting a session, consider the following guidelines to keep your activity under control:

• Set a maximum budget compatible with your financial situation and do not exceed it
• Decide on a precise time limit before you begin and stop when you reach it
• Take regular breaks during longer sessions
• Never increase bets to recover a loss
• Do not use loans, shared cards or money belonging to other people
• Avoid gambling when you are tired, stressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances

Gambling does not guarantee winnings

The results of slots and other games depend on the rules and systems built into individual titles. A previous win does not increase the probability of winning in the next session, while a series of losses does not indicate that a prize is imminent. Return-to-player values are calculated over a very large number of rounds and do not predict the individual result. Every bet therefore carries a real possibility of losing the entire amount wagered.

Signs of problematic behaviour

Gambling can become difficult to control when the time dedicated to sessions increases or when amounts exceed the limits set. Signs that should not be ignored include the following:

• Continuously attempting to recover losses by placing further bets
• Hiding gambling activity from family members or friends
• Using money intended for rent, bills or other essential expenses
• Feeling unable to stop after a losing session
• Irritability, anxiety or difficulty sleeping related to gambling outcomes
• Reduced interest in work, study or personal relationships

If one or more of these signs apply, it is advisable to pause all activity and speak with a trusted person or a professional.

Self-assessment questions

Ask yourself the following questions periodically to check whether your relationship with gambling remains healthy:

• Are you spending more money than you planned?
• Do you think about gambling frequently throughout the day?
• Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund sessions?
• Have you neglected important commitments because of gambling?
• Have you provided inaccurate information to conceal the time spent playing?

A positive answer to one or more of these questions does not represent a diagnosis, but it does indicate that it may be appropriate to pause and seek support.

Limits and breaks from gambling

Most licensed operators provide control tools that can help maintain a more balanced approach. Players can typically take the following steps directly from their account area:

• Set deposit, loss or session spending limits
• Request a temporary cooling-off period
• Apply for self-exclusion and account closure
• Register with GAMSTOP to self-exclude from all licensed operators in the UK

If a function is not visible, contact the operator’s support team to find out what measures are available. During a break, do not create new accounts or look for alternative platforms to continue playing.

Protection of minors

Access to gambling services is forbidden to persons under the age of 18. Adults who share a device with minors should take the following precautions:

• Protect login credentials and never save passwords on shared devices
• Log out completely after every session
• Activate parental control tools available on the device or browser
• Prevent access to stored payment methods

The personal details of an adult must never be used to open or fund an account intended for a minor.

Support for family members and people close to you

Problematic behaviour can also affect partners, family members and friends. If you are concerned about someone close to you, approach the subject calmly and focus on the facts you have observed, avoiding accusations or threats. Do not lend money to cover debts without addressing the root cause of the problem. Encourage the person to pause their activity and contact a professional support service.

When to seek help

It is appropriate to seek assistance when gambling causes debts, personal conflicts, absences from work, emotional difficulties or loss of control. Stopping early can limit financial and personal consequences. The following organisations offer free, confidential support to players in the UK:

• National Gambling Helpline — free support 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133
• GamCare — advice, counselling and online forums at gamcare.org.uk
• BeGambleAware — information and resources at begambleaware.org
• GAMSTOP — free self-exclusion from UK-licensed operators at gamstop.co.uk
• Gordon Moody — residential and online treatment for severe gambling harm at gordonmoody.org.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous — local and online support groups at gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Platform support does not replace the intervention of doctors, psychologists or specialist organisations. In an urgent situation, contact your local health services immediately.