Responsible Gaming

Gambling should remain a form of entertainment for adults and should never be treated as a source of income, an investment or a way to solve financial difficulties. Every gambling activity involves the possibility of losing money. Spending and time limits should therefore be established before a session begins, and money required for everyday expenses or financial obligations should not be used.

Principles of safer gambling

A controlled approach starts with clear financial and time limits. Stakes should remain within an amount that can be lost without affecting essential expenses, savings or existing commitments. Increasing bets after a loss or continuing beyond a planned stopping point can increase financial risk.

• set a maximum spending limit before starting;
• decide how long a session will last;
• take regular breaks;
• avoid chasing previous losses;
• do not borrow money for gambling;
• avoid gambling when stressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Limits should remain unchanged regardless of whether a session produces wins or losses. A previously planned stopping point provides a clearer boundary than decisions made while gambling.

Gambling does not guarantee profit

Results in games of chance cannot be predicted from previous outcomes. A previous win does not make another win more likely, while a sequence of losses does not mean that a winning result is due. Theoretical return percentages are calculated over very large numbers of rounds and do not predict what will happen during an individual session.

Every stake therefore carries a genuine risk of loss. Maximum prizes and advertised payout figures describe possible outcomes under the rules of a game rather than amounts that a particular player can expect to receive.

Warning signs of problematic gambling

Gambling may be becoming difficult to control when planned limits are repeatedly ignored or when the activity begins to interfere with finances, work, study or personal relationships. Changes in behaviour can also indicate that a break or professional support may be necessary.

• spending more money than originally planned;
• repeatedly trying to recover losses;
• increasing stakes to achieve the same level of excitement;
• borrowing money or using funds intended for essential expenses;
• hiding gambling activity from family or friends;
• feeling anxious, irritated or restless when not gambling;
• neglecting work, study or personal responsibilities;
• continuing despite financial or personal problems.

One warning sign does not by itself establish a gambling problem, but repeated or worsening patterns should not be ignored.

Self-assessment

Regular self-assessment can help identify changes in gambling behaviour before they become more serious. The following questions can be considered when reviewing recent activity.

• Has more money been spent than originally intended?
• Has gambling continued for longer than planned?
• Have losses led to attempts to win the money back immediately?
• Has money been borrowed to continue gambling?
• Has gambling affected work, study, sleep or relationships?
• Has the amount of time spent thinking about gambling increased?
• Has gambling activity been hidden from other people?
• Has stopping or taking a break become difficult?

Several positive answers may indicate that gambling is no longer functioning only as entertainment. Taking a break and seeking confidential support can help prevent further financial or personal harm.

Limits and breaks

Licensed gambling operators can provide tools designed to restrict spending or temporarily stop access. The exact controls available depend on the operator, but common options include financial limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.

• deposit limits;
• spending or loss limits where available;
• session reminders;
• temporary cooling-off periods;
• account closure;
• self-exclusion.

A break should be treated as a genuine interruption of gambling activity. Opening new accounts or moving to alternative services during a self-imposed break can undermine the purpose of the restriction.

Self-exclusion in the UK

GAMSTOP provides a free self-exclusion service for people in the UK who want to restrict access to gambling websites and apps operated by participating licensed companies. Available minimum exclusion periods include six months, one year and five years, with a five-year auto-renewal option also available.

Self-exclusion can be combined with other practical measures such as gambling transaction blocks provided by banks, blocking software and restrictions applied to gambling premises. Using several controls together can create a stronger barrier during a period away from gambling.

Protection of minors

Online gambling services intended for adults must not be accessed by children. Adults sharing computers, tablets or phones with minors should take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to gambling accounts and stored payment information.

• keep account passwords private;
• avoid saving login credentials on shared devices;
• log out after each session;
• protect devices with a password or screen lock;
• use parental control software where appropriate;
• restrict access to stored payment methods.

An adult’s identity documents, payment methods or account details should never be used to allow a minor to participate in gambling.

Support for family and friends

Problematic gambling can affect partners, relatives and friends as well as the person gambling. Concerns are generally better addressed by discussing observable behaviour and financial consequences without threats or accusations.

Providing additional money to continue gambling or repeatedly covering gambling-related debts can prolong the problem. Practical support can instead focus on encouraging a break, protecting shared finances and seeking specialist assistance.

When professional support may be needed

Professional assistance should be considered when gambling contributes to debt, repeated arguments, missed work, emotional distress, secrecy or an inability to stop. Earlier intervention can reduce the likelihood of further financial and personal consequences.

In the UK, confidential gambling support is available through the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. The service is free and operates 24 hours a day. Specialist support can provide information and assistance to people affected by their own gambling as well as family members and others close to them.

Responsible gambling information does not replace medical, psychological or financial advice. Where gambling is causing serious emotional, financial or personal harm, appropriate professional support should be sought as early as possible.