Responsible Gambling

Gaming should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a source of financial stress or personal problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring that all players can enjoy online gaming safely. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about recognising problem gambling, using self-control tools, and accessing support when needed. Understanding the risks and implementing proper safeguards is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with online gaming activities.

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling occurs when gaming activities begin to negatively impact your daily life, relationships, finances, or mental health. It can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or gaming experience. Unlike recreational gaming, problem gambling involves a loss of control over gaming behaviour, leading to continued play despite negative consequences.

The transition from recreational gaming to problem gambling often happens gradually. What begins as casual entertainment can evolve into compulsive behaviour when proper boundaries are not maintained. Understanding this progression is essential for early intervention and prevention. Problem gambling is recognised as a behavioural addiction that shares similarities with substance addictions, affecting the brain’s reward system and decision-making processes.

Financial institutions, healthcare providers, and gaming operators now work together to identify and address problem gambling behaviours. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals receive appropriate support while maintaining their privacy and dignity throughout the recovery process.

Recognising Warning Signs

Identifying the early warning signs of problem gambling is crucial for timely intervention. These signs can be behavioural, emotional, financial, or social. Being honest about these symptoms can help prevent more serious consequences.

Spending more money on gaming than you can afford to lose
Chasing losses by increasing bet amounts or gaming frequency
Lying to family or friends about gaming activities or spending
Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities to game
Borrowing money or using credit to fund gaming activities
Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gaming
Gaming for longer periods than originally intended
Using gaming as an escape from personal problems or negative emotions
Attempting to stop or reduce gaming but being unable to do so
Experiencing relationship problems due to gaming behaviour

If you recognise several of these signs in your own behaviour, it may be time to reassess your gaming habits and consider seeking support. Remember that acknowledging these signs is a sign of strength, not weakness, and help is available.

Self-Assessment Tools

Regular self-assessment helps maintain awareness of your gaming habits and their impact on your life. Honest self-evaluation can prevent minor issues from developing into serious problems. Consider these questions when assessing your gaming behaviour.

Ask yourself whether gaming has caused you to miss work, school, or important appointments. Consider if you have ever lied about your gaming activities or felt the need to hide your gaming from others. Reflect on whether you have borrowed money, sold possessions, or used money intended for essential expenses to fund your gaming activities.

Evaluate your emotional state when gaming and when unable to game. Notice if you feel anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gaming, or if you use gaming primarily to cope with stress or negative emotions. Consider whether you have attempted to reduce or stop gaming but found yourself unable to maintain these limits.

Professional assessment tools are also available through various organisations. The Problem Gambling Severity Index and the DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder provide structured approaches to evaluating gaming behaviour. These tools can be accessed through healthcare providers or addiction specialists.

Setting Personal Limits

Establishing clear boundaries before you begin gaming is one of the most effective ways to maintain control. These limits should cover time, money, and frequency of gaming sessions. Once set, these boundaries should be treated as non-negotiable commitments to yourself.

Financial limits should be based on your disposable income after all essential expenses are covered. Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, food, or other necessities. Set daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits that reflect your entertainment budget. Remember that these limits should remain constant regardless of wins or losses.

Time limits help prevent excessive gaming sessions that can lead to poor decision-making. Decide in advance how long you will spend gaming and stick to this limit. Avoid gaming during times when you should be working, sleeping, or spending time with family. Consider setting reminders or alarms to help maintain these boundaries.

Set a maximum amount you can afford to lose before starting any gaming session
Establish specific days and times for gaming activities
Never chase losses by increasing your limits or extending gaming sessions
Take regular breaks during gaming to reassess your situation
Keep track of your gaming activities and expenses
Avoid gaming when feeling stressed, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol

Available Control Tools

Modern online gaming platforms offer various tools to help players maintain control over their gaming activities. These tools are designed to support responsible gaming habits and can be customised to meet individual needs. Utilising these features demonstrates a proactive approach to responsible gaming.

Deposit limits allow you to set maximum amounts for daily, weekly, or monthly deposits. Once reached, you cannot add more funds until the time period resets. These limits can typically be decreased immediately but may require a cooling-off period to increase, preventing impulsive decisions during emotional moments.

Time-based controls include session time limits and reality checks. Session limits automatically end your gaming after a predetermined period, while reality checks provide regular reminders about how long you have been gaming. These tools help maintain awareness of time spent gaming, which can easily be lost during extended sessions.

Loss limits set maximum amounts you can lose over specific periods. When reached, these limits prevent further gaming until the period resets. Wager limits control the maximum amount you can bet on individual games or during specific timeframes, helping prevent impulsive high-stakes gaming.

Self-Exclusion and Cooling-Off Periods

Self-exclusion is a voluntary process that allows individuals to restrict their access to gaming activities for specified periods. This tool is available for those who recognise they need a complete break from gaming to regain control or address underlying issues.

Temporary self-exclusion options include 24-hour cooling-off periods, weekly breaks, and monthly exclusions. These shorter periods can help break problematic gaming patterns and provide time for reflection. During these periods, access to your account is completely blocked, preventing impulsive returns to gaming.

Long-term self-exclusion options range from six months to five years or more. These extended periods are suitable for individuals who need substantial time to address gambling-related problems. The exclusion process typically requires identity verification and cannot be reversed easily, ensuring the protection remains effective during vulnerable moments.

The GAMSTOP scheme in the United Kingdom provides a free service that allows individuals to exclude themselves from all licensed online gaming operators simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures that self-exclusion cannot be circumvented by simply moving to different gaming sites.

Self-exclusion applies immediately upon request and cannot be reversed during the chosen period
All promotional materials and communications will cease during the exclusion period
Customer support can provide information about the exclusion process and timeline
Professional support services can help you make the most of your exclusion period

Support Resources and Professional Help

Numerous organisations in the United Kingdom provide specialised support for individuals affected by problem gambling. These services are typically free, confidential, and available through multiple channels including telephone helplines, online chat, email support, and face-to-face counselling.

GamCare offers a comprehensive range of services including a 24-hour helpline, online chat support, and face-to-face counselling throughout the UK. Their NetLine service provides specific support for online gaming issues, while their Safer Gambling Standard works with gaming operators to promote responsible practices.

BeGambleAware provides extensive educational resources, self-help tools, and treatment services. Their website offers detailed information about problem gambling, recovery options, and practical advice for those seeking to change their gaming behaviour. They also fund treatment services across the country through qualified counsellors and therapists.

Gamblers Anonymous follows a twelve-step recovery programme similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, providing peer support through regular meetings. These meetings offer a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Online meetings are also available for those unable to attend in person.

National Problem Gambling Clinic provides specialist NHS treatment for severe gambling disorders
Gordon Moody Association offers residential treatment programmes for serious gambling addiction
Gambling Therapy provides free online support in multiple languages
Citizens Advice can help with debt problems related to gambling
StepChange Debt Charity offers free debt advice and support

Protecting Minors and Family Support

Protecting minors from gambling-related harm requires active vigilance from parents, guardians, and family members. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to developing problematic relationships with gaming due to developing decision-making capabilities and increased exposure to gaming content through digital media.

Age verification systems are the first line of defence, but parents should implement additional protective measures. These include monitoring internet usage, discussing the risks of gambling, and maintaining open communication about online activities. Understanding that children may encounter gambling content through video games, social media, and online advertising helps parents address these influences proactively.

Family members affected by someone else’s gambling problems also need support. The stress, financial strain, and emotional impact of living with problem gambling affects entire families. Support services specifically designed for family members provide coping strategies, practical advice, and emotional support.

Use parental control software to block access to gambling websites
Monitor bank statements and online accounts for unauthorised transactions
Educate children about the risks of gambling and how advertising works
Seek family counselling if gambling problems are affecting household relationships
Consider joining support groups specifically for families affected by gambling
Maintain secure access to financial accounts and credit cards

Remember that recovery from problem gambling is possible with appropriate support and commitment. Taking the first step to seek help demonstrates courage and responsibility. Whether you are concerned about your own gaming behaviour or that of someone close to you, professional support services are available to provide guidance, treatment, and hope for positive change.

Last updated: December 2024