Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you choose to gamble, do so only with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. The sites listed on this page are for adults who wish to bet recreationally.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be 18 years or older to gamble online or in person. All licensed UK betting sites are required by the Gambling Commission to verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play. Never attempt to gamble if you are underage, and do not help anyone under 18 access gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling can become harmful. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, please seek help:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or essentials
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when not gambling
- Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Being unable to stop or cut down despite wanting to
Self-Help Tools
All licensed betting sites in Great Britain must offer practical tools to help you stay in control. Use them proactively:
- Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits – cap how much you can lose within a set period.
- Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing.
- Time-outs – take a short break from gambling for 24 hours up to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from a site for 6 months to 5 years, or permanently.
Support Organisations
If you are worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, contact a professional organisation. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in most regions.
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk or call 0808 8020 133. Also use GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed sites: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org or call/text 1-800-GAMBLER
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de (search for “Glücksspielsucht”)
- Other countries: Please contact the national gambling helpline or health service in your jurisdiction. The above resources also provide international guidance.
Seek Help Now
If you feel that gambling is no longer a choice or is causing harm to you or your loved ones, please stop and reach out to one of the organisations listed above immediately. You are not alone, and recovery is possible. For UK residents, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) or visit GamCare. Never gamble when distressed, intoxicated, or trying to escape problems.