Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be a fun, enjoyable activity—a way to unwind and add a bit of excitement to your day. That being said, we also know that, for some, keeping gambling in check can be challenging. If left unadressed, this can lead to serious personal, mental and financial issues. This is why it is so important to set healthy boundaries, recognizing any red flags, and know when to take a break. This guide is here to help you do just that.

What is Responsible Gambling?

At their best, online casinos are hugely entertaining, however at their worst they could present a serious problem. Gambling is known for its ups and downs, and while everyone loves a win it’s also important to keep track of your losses. For this reason, in the UK, licensed operators are held to strict responsible gaming standards by the  UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which have been designed to protect vulnerable players whose gambling might get slightly out of hand.

The responsible gaming UK framework has been designed in a way to encourage players to think about gambling as a leisurely pastime rather than a way to make money. And while most players are in control and will only spend what they can afford to lose, others might start spending more, up to the point where casinos stop being fun and turn into an addiction. This sort of behaviour is also known to start to interfere with their personal life as well as potentially impacting friends and family in a negative way. The responsible gaming UK framework aims to:

  • Safeguard personal data
  • Ensure ethical and responsible marketing
  • Safeguard against criminal activity
  • Protect players online
  • Protect vulnerable players
  • Prevent underage gambling

Why is Responsible Gambling Important?

Responsible gambling has been shown to have several positive effects on players, apart from the obvious financial gain. By implementing these principes, online casinos are able to ensure the sustainability of their own industry. 

By prioritising responsible gaming UK measures and increasing player protection, online operators can also foster a sense of trust with their players, while minimising any regulatory risks and keeping up a great online reputation – it’s a win, win.

Responsible Gaming UK – A Quick Guide

Our guide offers practical steps and tips to help you play responsibly. Whether you’re a new player or experienced, these tools can make a big difference in ensuring a positive experience:

Steps to take for Responsible Gambling

The below are a good starting point to finding and knowing your limits when it comes to online gambling.

1. Set Deposit Limits

The deposit limiting tool is a handy option that allows you to select a limit of cash you’re able to deposit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Activating this option means that you won’t be able to adjust this limit before it’s run its course. This responsible gambling tool is ideal for those looking to avoid certain gambling pitfalls like chasing losses, as well as those who feel they might be overspending already. 

How To Do This

If you’re interested in implementing this option, this is generally what to expect and how to go about it. 

  1. Access the responsible gaming area 
  2. Select deposit limit 
  3. Choose whether you’d prefer a daily, weekly, or monthly limit 
  4. Read and accept the T&Cs 
  5. Confirm your limits and re-enter the casino 

2. Set Loss Limits

Rather than focusing on deposits, the loss limit takes control of the amount of money you’re able to allow yourself to lose – once again on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. The main purpose of a loss limit is to prevent you from placing any other wagers once you’ve hit your target, while preventing you from losing any other funds. Our responsible gambling guide reviewers agreed that this tool can be practical for players that feel they might be losing more than they can currently afford. 

3. Set Session Limits

The session limiting tool allows you to choose how much time you’d like to allocate to each gaming session before you start playing. Once your predefined time runs out, you’ll be automatically logged out and won’t be able to access your account before your chosen timeframe has elapsed. This is a great tool to make use of if you happen to get carried away and lose track of time a little too often when playing online. 

4. Set Playing Time Notifications / Reality Checks

Time and reality checks are more of a notification than a tool and could potentially help you manage your next gaming session more efficiently. By appearing periodically and sharing information about how long you’ve been playing for and what your bank balance is looking like, this tool will check up on you regularly allowing you to be more aware of your gaming activities. 

5. Never Borrow Money

Remember how we spoke about never spending more than we can afford to lose at the start of this responsible gambling guide? Sometimes, players struggle with gambling because they end up trapped in a never-ending spiral of borrowing money, resulting in significant debt. Always keep in mind that online gambling should never be considered a means to generate income, and borrowing money from others will undoubtedly result in bigger problems in the long run. 

6. Take Breaks

Because gambling should be regarded as a leisurely activity, then stepping away from it should be simple. This sometimes however is easier said than done, and feeling restless or irritable, or failing miserably when trying to walk away from your device could be signs of problem gambling, which leads us to our next point. 

7. Start a Conversation

Sometimes it can be difficult to word your concerns when it comes to gambling, but reaching out and speaking about it could be the first step towards getting the right kind of help. If you’re not able to reach out to a family member or friend first, there’s always the option of getting in touch with the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 if you’re located within the UK. Offering 24/7 support, this agency can offer information, advice, and support. 

If you’re addressing a loved one with regards to their gambling activities, it’s important to let them know you’re concerned about their wellbeing first and foremost. This can potentially help them feel safe and open up about their concerns, allowing you the chance to create an action plan together. 

8. Keep Records of Your Gambling Activity

The only way of really keeping track of your betting profit and losses is by keeping an updated record of your gambling activity. This responsible gaming guide is pleased to report that most UK licensed casinos offer full records of deposits, withdrawals and wagers, usually located in the ‘my account’ section. We’d recommend familiarising yourself with the area as much as possible to keep track of your finances while ensuring that you remain in control of your expenses. 

9. Take a Self-Evaluation Test

The self-evaluation test available at several online casinos in the UK includes a series of questions where you’ll be asked to indicate the way you feel about certain matters to learn more about your gambling habits. 

Once the test is complete, participants will then receive a summary that highlights parts of their lives that might be currently negatively impacted by gambling, along with helpful tips, contact information and resources for more responsible gaming. 

10. Consider Self Exclusion

If you feel like your gambling might be getting slightly out of hand, then we’ll always encourage you to take a break. The self-exclusion tool can be found in any licensed UK casino’s responsible gambling toolbox and allows you to shut your account down on a temporary or permanent basis. During the self-exclusion period you will not be allowed to log in to your account or place any wagers.

The primary legislation governing the UK scene is the Gambling Act of 2005, which requires all operators to hold a license from the UKGC. The Commission’s role here is to regulate, license, advise, and provide guidance to operators and businesses that offer gambling options within the UK. 

For this to happen, several mechanisms have been put in place as part of the responsible gambling national framework, whereby all license holders are legally required to follow several strict rules that have been created to protect those that are most vulnerable. Some of these measures include:

KYC

KYC refers to the process of ‘knowing your client’, which is used by businesses like online casinos to ensure that their clients meet the regulatory requirements set out by the Commission. At sign up stage, you’re required to verify your age and identity by uploading a full-colour photo of your government ID, driver’s license, or passport. You might also be required to upload a utility bill to confirm your registered address, as well as proof of income or a photo of your credit card once you’ve got a couple of deposits and withdrawals going – all standard responsible gambling practice of course. 

Ban On Credit Cards

As part of its consistent responsible gambling UK endeavours, Great Britain was the first country to place a blanket ban on credit cards used for the purposes of online gambling as of April 2020, with the intention of reducing risk related to overspending and increased debt related to this activity.  

Underage Gambling Prevention

In the UK, placing a wager while being under 18 is illegal. For this reason, as mentioned earlier on in our responsible gambling review, an age verification check is carried out at registration stage to ensure that the player is old enough to use a gambling service. This standard procedure has been developed exclusively with the intention of preventing underage gambling and is carried out by all licensed operators in the UK. 

Limiting or Blocking Online Ads

In more recent years, we’re constantly being bombarded by social media advertising, and some of it happens to be related to online gambling. This can be triggering to those who are already dealing with controlling their urges to wager. For this reason, there are various ways to limit or block these types of ads including ad blocking software, as well as opting out of all marketing material when signing up to a new casino for example.

Signs to Spot Gambling Addiction

As part of this responsible gambling review, we’d like to offer a couple of pointers to keep an eye out for if you feel your gambling habits or those of someone you love might be getting out of hand. these include:

  • Being worried about gambling, constantly planning activities related to gambling and hatching new plans to make money via gambling.
  • Trying to control, restrict or stop gambling without success. 
  • Feeling the need to gamble higher amounts to achieve the same levels of thrill. 
  • Feeling irritable or restless when trying to hold back from gambling. 
  • Using gambling to escape problems or comfort yourself from feelings of anxiety, guilt or depression. 
  • Desperately trying to recoup casino money by gambling more. 
  • Lying to friends and family about the extent of your gambling. 
  • Risking or losing employment, education, or relationships because of gambling. 
  • Borrowing money to finance your gambling debt.

If any of the above apply to you, seek help immediately. Acting quickly is the best action you can take for your well-being. Additional information related to gambling addiction can be found here.

Assistance: Where to Get Help

As part of our commitment to the cause, in this responsible gambling guide we’ve put together some of the main organisations in the UK that you’re able to reach out to, along with all their relevant contact details. 

Each of these websites include a wealth of information related to problem gambling, as well as more in-depth information regarding the services they provide to players and their loved ones. Some of these include financial advice, self-help groups, counselling sessions, forums, and more. These organisations are usually set up and run by professionals that are dedicated to helping players to overcome negative gambling habits.

GamCare

Founded in the late 90s, GamCare is an organisation that seeks to provide advice, information and support to those experiencing problem gambling. Operated by the UK national helpline, GamCare offers its treatments and services to players and their loved ones. This organisation is amongst one of the most active and aims at providing gambling-related risk education and prevention.

GamBlock

Blocking software such as this is a type of app or computer program that stops you from accessing certain types of services and websites. Many people have reported finding software like Gamblock useful, especially when finding hard to control their gambling urges.

Gamban

This award-winning gambling blocker now includes a new set of tools designed to help you quit problem gambling rather than simply taking a step back. Available on PC, Android and iOS devices, you’re able to start with a free trial before confirming a monthly or annual subscription.

Gamblers Anonymous

Dating back to 1964, Gambler’s Anonymous is one of the oldest and most established gambling protection organisations in the UK. Founded with the intention of helping problem gamblers overcome their addictions, this organisation offers a recovery program, a unity program, regular meetings, as well as Gam-Anon, a sister charity created to help those affected by someone else’s gambling.

Gam-Anon

Problem gambling can lead to strained relationships, which sometimes lead to irrational decisions. If you’re affected by someone else’s gambling activity, then Gam-Anon is able to help. Organising a series of meetings across the UK, relatives and loved ones of problem gamblers can confide in others while receiving professional advice and help in a private and safe environment. 

Gam-Anon and Gambler’s Anonymous meetings are often held in the same venue but in separate halls for practicality’s sake, however both rooms will maintain absolute confidentiality from one another so there’s nothing to worry about.

Gordon Moody

Established in 1971, the Gordon Moody charity has been created to help those tackling issues related to problem gambling. While helping people reclaim their lives, the organisation also focuses on helping affected players to rebuild their future away from the risks of problem gambling in a safe and supported environment. This is done via a series of interventions, therapies and counselling.

NHS

The NHS’s National Gambling Helpline is run by GamCare as mentioned earlier in our responsible gaming guide. Apart from that, there are also multiple resources and contact details available here to get you or your loved ones the help they need.

National Gambling Clinic

This free, confidential service is provided by the NHS and has been created with the intention of helping players who are experiencing any negative effects of gambling in the UK. This centre of excellence paves the way for treatments, research and innovation and has played an active role in shaping policies, training healthcare professionals and increasing general awareness when it comes to the risks associated with gambling both in the UK as well as internationally.

Advisories

Citizen’s Advice includes a team made up of over 14,000 highly trained volunteers that are committed to educating, informing and raising awareness on smart financial management practises. 

Chapter One is another charity that’s dedicated to helping problem gamblers and their loved ones completely free of charge by means of evidence-based treatment, information, education and training.

Additional Resources

For more insights and assistance, check out the following resources:

  • GamStop: A free self-exclusion tool for UK residents that restricts access to all online casinos.
  • BeGambleAware: Offers resources, advice, and helpline support for players and their families.
  • Responsible Gambling Trust: Funds research, education, and treatment programs for gambling-related issues.
  • Your Casino’s Responsible Gambling Page: Most casinos provide responsible gambling information and tools under a dedicated section in your account settings.