Responsible Gambling Guide

Responsible Gambling on Your Bookmaker

Almost all UK bookmakers will have tools to help you stay in control, and gamble responsibly.

• Self-assessment tests - Most bookmakers offer a self-assessment test to give you guidance on whether you are a risk of developing a gambling problem. They are fully anonymous, and your answers will not be recorded. Some betting sites also include diaries, budget calculators and other tools to help stay in control.
• Reality Checks - These can monitor the time you spend on a betting site and even your wins/losses during that period.
• Deposit Limits - Everyone should set gambling limits, and there is no better way than putting in a deposit limit. This will stop you from depositing more than your set limit! You can set deposit limits per day, week, or month and they can be changed if needed.
• Take a break - If you want to exclude yourself for a shorter time, check out the betting sites "Take a Break" or "Cool Off" features. Betting sites have different names for this tool, but it is essentially a period to block access to the site.
• Self-exclusion - If you want to take a longer break, self-exclusion is an option too. You can self-exclude on the site or with GamStop which blocks you from playing on all UK gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

Tips and Advice for Responsible Gambling

1. Thinking of gambling as a way to make money - Yes, you can make money with gambling, but it is not the case for most people. Set yourself a budget, and gamble only what you can afford to lose.
2. Never chase your losses - Again, gamble what you can afford to lose. If you lose more than that, do not try to win the money back. Chasing your losses will likely lead to even bigger losses.
3. Avoid gambling if you are upset, angry or down - Gambling will not make you happy, it will likely lead to further stress or negativity. Try to only gamble when you're feeling positive.
4. Take regular breaks - We take regular breaks, and so should you! We will take 1-3 days off each week, but we recommend you take more breaks than that.
5. Set time and money limit - Set a time limit for how long you will spend gambling while always sticking to a budget you can afford to lose.
6. Avoid gambling while drinking or on drugs - It is never recommended to gamble while under the influence of any drugs. You will struggle to stick to a budget and it could be very costly.
7. Speak about your gambling with friends or family - If you are worried about your gambling habits, speak to your friends or family for help and advice. Never put gambling before your friends or family.
8. Check your account history - It is easy to lose track of how much you are gambling if you do not set out a budget. Be sure to regularly check your account history to keep an eye on your spending.
9. Seek help - If you break one or several of these tips, it could be time to seek help. Below is a list of problem signs to look out for, and a list of sites that provide professional help.

Relate to Any of These Signs?

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford, or chasing losses.
• Struggling to take breaks from gambling.
• Always thinking about or talking about gambling.
• Lying about your gambling habits and losses.
• Arguing with friends or family about gambling, be it yours or theirs.
• Borrowing money, or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Anxiety, stress or any worrying feelings while gambling.
• Neglecting school, work, family, friends, or responsibilities due to gambling.

Of course, there are other signs to look out for, and it can be difficult to admit or know if someone has a problem with gambling. But, know you are not alone, and there are plenty of services out there to help you.

Services Offering Free Professional Help

YGAM - Young Gamblers Education Trust is a UK-registered charity with the purpose to "inform, educate and safeguard young people against problematic gambling and social gambling".

BeGambleAware - A leading independent charity in the UK that is committed to reducing gambling-related harms.

GamCare - Another great provider of gambling support, advice, information and free treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous - The site offers various help for those affected by problem gambling including a forum, chat room, information, and local meetings.

Gambling Therapy - A global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.

Gordon Moody - A unique intensive residential treatment programme in the UK for those gamblers most severely addicted. Also, the site provides advice, education and therapeutic support to problem gamblers.

NHS - Help for problem gambling - Helpful advice from the NHS, including advice, links to supporting sites and more.

OKrehab - "OK Rehab specialises in addiction treatment. This treatment is available via both inpatient and outpatient treatment providers."