Responsible Gaming

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities

Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming

At UKGamblingMap, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. While gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, we recognize that it can also lead to serious problems for some individuals. We believe that all gambling should be conducted in a safe and responsible manner.

Our goal is to provide information and resources to help you make informed decisions about gambling and to recognize when gambling might be becoming a problem.

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means gambling in a way that is safe, within your means, and doesn’t negatively impact your life or the lives of others. It involves:

• Setting limits on time and money spent gambling
• Only gambling with money you can afford to lose
• Never chasing losses
• Taking regular breaks from gambling
• Not gambling when upset, depressed, or under the influence
• Keeping gambling in perspective as entertainment, not a way to make money
• Being aware of the risks and signs of problem gambling

Setting Limits

One of the most important aspects of responsible gaming is setting and sticking to limits. Consider implementing the following:

Time Limits

• Decide how much time you want to spend gambling before you start
• Use alarms or reminders to help you stick to your time limits
• Take regular breaks during gambling sessions
• Don’t let gambling interfere with work, family, or other responsibilities

Money Limits

• Set a budget for gambling that you can afford to lose
• Never gamble with money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills
• Don’t borrow money to gamble
• Consider using deposit limits offered by gambling sites
• Keep track of your gambling spending

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognize any of these signs, it may be time to seek help:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
• Chasing losses by gambling more
• Lying to family or friends about your gambling
• Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Thinking about gambling constantly
• Unable to stop or control your gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions

Self-Assessment Tools

If you’re concerned about your gambling habits, consider taking a self-assessment. Ask yourself:

• Do you gamble more than you can afford to lose?
• Do you need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement?
• Have you repeatedly tried to control, cut back, or stop gambling unsuccessfully?
• Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling?
• Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?
• After losing money gambling, do you often return to try to win it back?
• Do you lie to family members or others to conceal the extent of your gambling?
• Have you jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity because of gambling?
• Do you rely on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling?

If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, you may have a gambling problem and should consider seeking help.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. There are many resources and organizations that provide support:

UK Support Organizations

GamCare

Free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.

Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Live Chat: Available on their website

Gamblers Anonymous

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other.

Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Meetings: Available across the UK

Gordon Moody Association

Provides residential treatment and support for people with gambling addictions.

Phone: 01384 241292
Website: www.gordonmoody.org.uk

National Problem Gambling Clinic

NHS-funded specialist treatment for problem gambling.

Phone: 020 7381 7722
Website: www.cnwl.nhs.uk

Self-Exclusion Options

Self-exclusion is a tool that allows you to restrict your access to gambling. There are several options available:

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Once you sign up, you won’t be able to use gambling websites or apps run by companies licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.

Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

Individual Casino Self-Exclusion

Most reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion options. You can typically set limits on:

• Deposit amounts
• Session time limits
• Loss limits
• Complete account closure

Tips for Family and Friends

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, here are some ways you can help:

• Approach them with compassion and understanding, not judgment
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Don’t lend them money or pay their gambling debts
• Set boundaries to protect yourself and your family
• Consider seeking support for yourself through organizations like GamAnon
• Learn about gambling addiction to better understand the problem
• Be patient – recovery is a process that takes time

Underage Gambling Prevention

Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and encourage parents and guardians to:

• Monitor your children’s internet activity
• Use parental controls and filtering software
• Educate young people about the risks of gambling
• Be aware of the signs of problem gambling in young people
• Seek help if you suspect a young person is gambling

Our Role

As a casino review website, we take our responsibility seriously. We:

• Only recommend licensed and regulated casinos
• Promote responsible gambling practices
• Provide information about gambling risks
• Include links to help and support resources
• Encourage the use of gambling tools and limits
• Do not target vulnerable individuals
• Support awareness campaigns about problem gambling

Remember

Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money or solve financial problems.

If gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing problems in your life, it’s time to seek help.

Remember: Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Additional Resources

For more information about responsible gambling and problem gambling support:

• BeGambleAware: www.begambleaware.org
• Gambling Commission: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
• Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)