At WhichBookie, we believe gambling should be fun. We encourage responsible gambling and fully support the tools that are available to enable users to bet responsibly, and safely.
Many people can enjoy a bet on football on weekends, or have fun playing casino slots in their spare time, whilst betting within their means. However, we understand that this isn’t the case for some people who find it difficult to control their gambling habits at times.
On this page, we’ll be sharing some useful, and very important information about responsible gambling, along with sharing some advice and support options for those who feel they may have a problem with gambling.
Sometimes it’s not easy to recognise that you have a problem with gambling, but there are warning signs that everyone who bets should be aware of so that they’re able to confront the issue before it causes any harm.
Gambling can have a negative impact on yourself, and your family, both emotionally, and financially. It’s estimated that 1.4 million (2.7%) of adults in the UK have a gambling problem.
Here are some of the main warning signs of problem gambling:
If you think you may have a problem with gambling, the advice listed below may help you stay in control.
The UK Gambling Commission requires all UK-licenced betting sites to provide responsible gambling tools that can help users stay in control of their gambling habits.
Some of the available tools include:
WhichBookie urges those who feel that they may have a problem with gambling to seek professional help. There are several organisations that specialise in helping individuals and friends & family who are impacted.
GamCare provides support to individuals affected by problem gambling. Their services include free counselling, live chat, and a 24/7 helpline. They offer a safe environment to discuss concerns, whether you’re directly struggling with gambling addiction or supporting someone who is. GamCare also runs the National Gambling Helpline, which offers real-time assistance to those in need.
GambleAware.org is a charity dedicated to minimising gambling-related harm. They fund research, prevention, and treatment programs across the UK. Through their “GambleAware” initiative, they provide educational resources, guidance, and free help for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction. Their services are completely confidential and connect users with counsellors and support groups which can help people regain control of their gambling habits.
GamblingTherapy.org offers international support to those impacted by problem gambling. They provide free online services, including live chat support, group therapy, and self-help resources in multiple languages. Gambling Therapy’s mobile app also provides tools like mood tracking and support forums.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a support group for individuals facing gambling addiction. GA encourages members to share their experiences and provide emotional support to each other. The organisation follows a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, helping members break the cycle of compulsive gambling through accountability and group meetings.
Gam-Anon is a support group specifically for family members and friends of those affected by gambling addiction. It offers emotional support and guidance to help loved ones cope with the consequences of problem gambling. Through regular meetings where they encourage participants to share their experiences, and a 12-step program, Gam-Anon helps individuals develop coping strategies for all those involved.
The Samaritans is a UK-based charity providing emotional support to people in distress or crisis, including those affected by gambling addiction. They operate a 24/7 helpline, offering free and confidential support for anyone struggling with emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or loneliness. Samaritans aim to prevent harm by listening without judgment.
The GamProtect tool is part of the UK’s initiative to enhance player protection within the gambling industry. The tool has been in development since 2020 and is encouraging betting companies to get involved, with brands such as Betfair, Paddy Power, Betway, Ladbrokes, Coral, bet365, and William Hill, already enlisted.
GamProtect works by receiving the data of individuals who have had their a betting account closed due to health related gambling harm. They then share this data with other enlisted betting brands who match it against their own customer database and ensure that the any matching players’ accounts are also closed with them.
With vulnerable players having access to potentially hundreds of betting sites, GamProtect can protect them from opening new accounts, or closing existing ones, once they have been identified as a problem gambler.
Safer Gambling Week 2024 will take place from November 18th to 24th. The annual event is an initiative aimed at promoting responsible gambling practices in both the UK and Ireland. The campaign encourages conversations about safer gambling between industry professionals, customers, and their families, while also raising awareness about tools and support systems that help players manage their gambling activities responsibly.
The week features activities such as social media campaigns, workshops, and industry-wide participation, with a focus on player protection. It also highlights tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and reality checks, which saw a significant rise in usage during the 2023 campaign.
