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Responsible Gambling

At Bestcasinostop.co.uk, we take responsible gambling seriously. While online casino can provide entertainment, we recognise that gambling can become problematic for some individuals. This page provides information, tools, and resources to help you gamble safely and responsibly.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment while maintaining control over the time and money you spend. It's about making informed decisions and recognising when gambling stops being fun.

Signs of Problem Gambling

You may have a gambling problem if you:

  • Spend more money or time gambling than you can afford
  • Chase losses by gambling more to win back money
  • Borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling
  • Neglect work, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
  • Feel anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling
  • Lie to others about your gambling activities
  • Have tried to stop or reduce gambling but couldn't
  • Gamble to escape problems or relieve negative feelings

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.

Stay in Control: Responsible Gambling Tips

1. Set Limits Before You Play

  • Deposit Limits: Decide how much you can afford to deposit per day, week, or month
  • Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
  • Time Limits: Decide how long you'll play and stick to it
  • Win Limits: Set a target win amount and stop when you reach it

2. Never Chase Losses

Trying to win back money you've lost is one of the most dangerous gambling behaviours. Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and never gamble more to recover them.

3. Don't Gamble Under the Influence

Avoid gambling when you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this impairs judgment and can lead to poor decisions.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Step away from gambling regularly to maintain perspective. Use this time to assess whether you're still enjoying yourself and staying within your limits.

5. Keep Gambling in Perspective

  • Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money
  • The house always has an edge in the long run
  • Winning is based on chance, not skill or strategy (for most games)
  • Never gamble with money you need for bills, rent, or essentials

6. Balance Gambling with Other Activities

Don't let gambling become your only form of entertainment. Maintain hobbies, social activities, and relationships outside of gambling.

7. Don't Gamble When Upset or Depressed

Gambling should never be used as an escape from problems or negative emotions. If you're feeling down, seek healthier coping mechanisms.

8. Keep Track of Time and Money

It's easy to lose track when gambling online. Regularly check how much time and money you've spent, and stop if you've reached your limits.

Tools Available at UK Licensed Casino

All UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licensed casino are required to offer responsible gambling tools. These include:

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your casino account. Once set, these limits cannot be increased immediately (there's typically a 24-48 hour cooling-off period).

Loss Limits

Limit the amount you can lose over a specific period. This helps prevent chasing losses.

Wagering Limits

Set limits on the total amount you can wager, regardless of wins or losses.

Session Time Limits

Set reminders or automatic logouts after a certain amount of playing time.

Reality Checks

Receive pop-up notifications at regular intervals showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.

Self-Assessment Tests

The casino offers questionnaires to help you evaluate your gambling behaviour and identify potential problems.

Take a Break / Time-Out

Temporarily suspend your account for a period ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this time, you cannot access your account or place bets.

Self-Exclusion

Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from a casino for a minimum of 6 months. This is a more serious step for those who need a complete break from gambling.

Self-Exclusion Schemes

GAMSTOP (National Self-Exclusion Scheme)

GAMSTOP is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all UK licensed gambling websites for a period of your choice (6 months, 1 year, or 5 years).

How it works:

  1. Register on the GAMSTOP website
  2. Provide your details (name, address, date of birth)
  3. Choose your exclusion period
  4. You'll be blocked from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites

Once registered, you cannot reverse your decision until the exclusion period ends.

Register at: www.gamstop.co.uk

GamBan

GamBan is software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps on all your devices. It's available for computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Cost: Paid subscription (free trial available)
Website: www.gamban.com

Betfilter

Betfilter is a free app that blocks gambling websites and apps on your devices.

Cost: Free
Website: www.betfilter.com

Help and Support Services

If you're struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available 24/7:

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.

  • Website: www.begambleaware.org
  • Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
  • Live Chat: Available on their website

GamCare

GamCare offers support, information, and advice for anyone affected by problem gambling, including friends and family.

  • Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
  • Live Chat: Available on their website
  • Forum: Peer support from others in similar situations

National Gambling Helpline

The National Gambling Helpline provides confidential advice and support.

  • Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Gordon Moody Association

Gordon Moody provides residential treatment and support for people with serious gambling problems.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and support each other in recovery from gambling addiction.

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon provides support for family and friends of problem gamblers.

For Parents and Guardians

Protecting Young People

  • Keep gambling activities private and don't involve children
  • Use parental controls on devices to block gambling sites
  • Monitor your children's online activities
  • Educate young people about gambling risks
  • Set a good example with your own gambling behaviour

Warning Signs in Young People

  • Unexplained loss of money or possessions
  • Secretive behaviour about online activities
  • Declining school performance
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or friends

If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, seek help from the organisations listed above.

Underage Gambling is Illegal

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the UK. All casino featured on Bestcasinostop.co.uk are required to verify the age of their customers and prevent underage gambling.

If you are under 18, do not attempt to gamble online.

Our Commitment

Bestcasinostop.co.uk is committed to promoting responsible gambling:

  • We only feature casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission
  • We provide clear information about responsible gambling tools
  • We do not target or market to vulnerable individuals or minors
  • We promote responsible gambling messages throughout our site
  • We provide easy access to help and support resources

Take Action Today

If you're concerned about your gambling or someone else's:

  1. Set limits on your gambling activities immediately
  2. Take a break using time-out or self-exclusion tools
  3. Seek help from one of the support organisations listed above
  4. Talk to someone you trust about your concerns

Remember: It's never too late to seek help. Recovery is possible.

Quick Links to Help

Gambling should be fun, not a problem. If it stops being fun, stop gambling. 18+ only.