Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At engage15.org.uk, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites should be enjoyed responsibly and within your means.
Remember: the odds are always in favour of the betting operator. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you intended.
Age Verification
All UK betting sites are legally required to verify that users are at least 18 years of age. This is the minimum legal age for gambling in the United Kingdom.
If you are under 18, you must not use any betting site. If you are aware of a young person gambling online, please report this to the relevant betting operator or to the UK Gambling Commission.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you have lost
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from friends or family
- Loss of control: Gambling for longer or with more money than intended
- Neglecting responsibilities: Allowing gambling to interfere with work, study, or relationships
- Financial difficulties: Borrowing money or using savings to fund gambling
- Anxiety or mood changes: Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Lying about gambling: Being dishonest with family members about time or money spent
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut down or quit gambling
- Prioritising gambling: Choosing to gamble instead of engaging in hobbies or social activities
- Needing bigger bets: Requiring larger wagers to achieve the same level of excitement
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself, please reach out for support as soon as possible.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most UK betting sites offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a set timeframe
- Wagering Limits: Restrict the stake size on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent
- Time Outs: Take a break from gambling for a set period (from a few hours to several weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing a betting site for a defined period (typically 6 months or longer)
If you feel your gambling is getting out of control, use these tools immediately. They are designed to protect you.
Support Organisations
If you are struggling with gambling, help is available. Please contact one of the following organisations:
United Kingdom
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GamCare — Free, confidential support and counselling
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) -
GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 197 8000 -
Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support and 12-step programme
Telephone: 020 7584 5000
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support
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Australia — Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au -
Canada — Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org -
United States — National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 -
Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Telephone: 0800 0040061 (free)
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact one of the support organisations listed above.
You are not alone, and help is available.
Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The earlier you reach out, the better the chances of recovery.
About This Page
This Responsible Gaming information is provided by engage15.org.uk in accordance with UK Gambling Commission regulations. We are committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices.
For more information about gambling regulation in the UK, visit the UK Gambling Commission.