Responsible Gambling Guide

Keeping Gambling Under Control

The Golden Rules

1. Only gamble what you can afford to lose This isn't just advice - it's the foundation of safe gambling. If losing the money would affect your rent, bills, food, or family, don't gamble it.

2. Never chase losses The urge to "win it back" is powerful but dangerous. Losses are part of gambling. Accept them and move on.

3. Set limits before you play Decide how much time and money you'll spend BEFORE starting. Write it down. Stick to it absolutely.

4. Don't gamble when emotional Feeling stressed, angry, depressed, or even extremely happy? Not the time to gamble. Emotions impair judgment.

5. Take regular breaks Step away frequently. Get a drink, stretch, do something else. Extended sessions lead to poor decisions.

Healthy Gambling Habits

Before each session:

Check your budget
Set a time limit
Decide your loss limit
Ask: "Why am I playing today?"

During play:

Take a break every 30-60 minutes
Keep track of time and money spent
Stop when you reach your limit
Never borrow money to continue

After playing:

Reflect on the session
Did you stick to limits?
How do you feel?
Any concerning patterns?

Recognising Warning Signs

Early Warning Signs

These suggest gambling may be becoming problematic:

Spending more time gambling than intended
Thinking about gambling when doing other things
Betting more than planned to get the same excitement
Feeling restless when trying to stop
Using gambling to escape problems or relieve negative feelings
Returning to "get even" after losing

Serious Warning Signs

These indicate gambling has become a problem:

Lying to family about gambling
Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities
Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about gambling
Arguments with loved ones about gambling
Gambling with money meant for bills or essentials

The Self-Assessment

Answer honestly:

Have you ever felt you needed to gamble more to get the same excitement?
Have you ever lied to people important to you about gambling?
Have you ever felt restless or irritable when trying to stop?
Have you ever gambled to escape problems or relieve bad feelings?
Have you ever returned another day to try to win back losses?
Have you ever risked or lost relationships because of gambling?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, consider seeking support.

Using Casino Safety Tools

Deposit Limits

Set maximum amounts you can deposit:

Daily limits
Weekly limits
Monthly limits

Once set, increases typically have a 24-72 hour cooling-off period.

Recommendation: Set these lower than you think you need.

Loss Limits

Cap how much you can lose:

Automatically prevents further play when reached
Resets at your chosen interval
Provides a safety net

Session Time Limits

Control how long you play:

Set maximum session length
Receive reminders at intervals
Auto-logout when time expires

Recommendation: Start with 30-minute reminders.

Reality Checks

Pop-up reminders showing:

How long you've been playing
How much you've won or lost
Option to continue or stop

These break the trance of continuous play.

Self-Exclusion

Temporarily or permanently block yourself:

Cooling off: 24 hours to 6 weeks
Self-exclusion: 6 months to 5 years
GAMSTOP: UK-wide exclusion from all licensed sites

Self-exclusion is reversible (after minimum period), but the process is deliberately slow.

Using Tools Isn't Weakness

Using these tools shows:

Self-awareness
Maturity
Responsibility
Good decision-making

The smartest gamblers use every tool available.

Getting Help

Immediate Support

GambleAware

Website: www.begambleaware.org
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
Live chat available

GamCare

Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133
One-to-one counselling
Online group support

Gambling Therapy

Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
Free online support
Anonymous chat rooms
Email counselling

GAMSTOP

Self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites:

Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Choose 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
Covers all UK Gambling Commission licensed operators
Free to use

Financial Support

If gambling has affected your finances:

StepChange

Debt advice charity
Website: www.stepchange.org
Free, confidential debt advice

National Debtline

Free debt advice
Phone: 0808 808 4000

Mental Health Support

Gambling problems often co-occur with:

Depression
Anxiety
Other addictions

Mind

Mental health charity
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Phone: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans

24/7 listening service
Phone: 116 123 (free)
For anyone struggling

Supporting Someone Else

How to Help

Do:

Express concern calmly
Listen without judgment
Offer to help find support
Learn about gambling problems
Take care of yourself too
Set boundaries if needed

Don't:

Lecture or criticize
Take over their finances (unless they ask)
Pay off their debts (enables continued gambling)
Make excuses for them
Ignore your own wellbeing

Starting the Conversation

"I've noticed you've been gambling more. How are you feeling about it?"
"I'm worried about you. Can we talk about what's going on?"
"I'm here for you. Would it help to talk to someone together?"

Support for Families

GamAnon

Support for families of gamblers
Website: www.gamanon.org.uk
Meetings and resources