Responsible Gambling

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘When The Fun Stops, STOP!’. It’s one of several safer gambling messages that have been put out by betting brands with the aim of reducing the number of problem gamblers, both online, and in betting shops.

Although gambling can, and should be, fun, exciting and a great way to enhance the enjoyment of watching sports and playing casino games, for some people, it can also lead to financial and emotional issues.

WhichBookie.co.uk is committed to promoting safer gambling and providing information and details of organisations who can help those who may feel like they have a problem with gambling.

On this page, we’ll take a closer look at what problem gambling is, the signs of problem gambling for both yourself and others, and where you can seek help, support, and assistance if you think your gambling habits have crossed a line.

Recognising the signs of Problem Gambling

Spotting the signs of problem gambling is vitally important. Recognising that yourself, or others, may have developed a problem with gambling can help you tackle the issue early. Or even better, avoid it altogether.

• Chasing Losses: Persistent attempts to recover previous gambling losses.
• Preoccupation with Gambling: Constantly thinking about gambling activities.
• Betting More Than Intended: Regularly exceeding planned wagering limits.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, family, or social obligations due to gambling.
• Mood Swings: Experiencing extreme highs and lows related to gambling outcomes.
• Hiding Gambling Habits: Keeping gambling activities a secret from friends and family.
• Financial Strain: Facing financial difficulties as a result of gambling losses.
• Failed Attempts to Stop: Unsuccessful efforts to control or quit gambling.
• Borrowing Money: Depending on loans or borrowing money to support gambling habits.

Advice on Safer Gambling

Although there are several support options available to those who have problems with gambling, the best option is to take action to avoid gambling turning into an issue in the first place. This can be easier said than done for some people but there are steps you can take to be more responsible with your gambling habits.

1. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you gamble regularly, work out your disposable income each month and set a small portion of it aside for gambling.
2. Take a break. If you find yourself gambling more regularly, or with larger stakes than usual, take a break from gambling altogether for a period of time.
3. Don’t chase losses. It’s likely that you’ll experience a losing streak from time to time. Never chase your losses by placing more bets or larger stakes with the aim of winning your money back.
4. Be in a good frame of mind when gambling. Never gamble when you have consumed alcohol or drugs, or when feeling depressed, as it may cause you to make decisions that you will regret.
5. Get help before things get worse. If you feel you may have a problem with gambling, whether it be wagering too much, spending too much time betting, or hiding bets from friends & family, seek help as soon as possible. We have listed some support organisations further down this page that will be able to provide support and advice.

Responsible Gambling Tools

Bookmakers and casinos that operate with a UK licence must provide responsible gambling tools to their customers. These tools are designed to reduce the risk of gambling too much which may lead to problem gambling.

Below are some of the tools that are available to you if you wager with UK betting sites. Note that you are able to activate multiple tools at once should you wish to.

Deposit Limits: Set a maximum limit on your deposits. These limits can often be set based on daily, weekly or monthly total deposits.

Loss Limits: Set limits on how much you can lose gambling with a particular betting site or network during a specific period of time.

Cooling Off Periods: Take a break from gambling by implementing cooling off periods. This temporary suspension allows users to reassess their gaming habits. During the set cooling-off period, users are unable to access their account with the betting site.

Self Exclusion: For those needing a more extended break, self-exclusion allows users to voluntarily exclude themselves from a betting site for a specified period.

Tracking Profit/Loss/Wagers: Keeping track of your stakes, returns, profits & losses can give you a better understanding of gambling habits. Losses can often be forgotten about when a win comes around and so it can be useful to look at your long-term profit & losses.

Reality Checks: Receive reminders about your session duration when online to maintain awareness of your time spent gambling.

Problem Gambling Support Options

If you feel you may have a problem with gambling, we strongly suggest that you seek help as soon as possible. Thankfully, dedicated UK support organisations exist to assist.

GamCare

GamCare is a organisation dedicated to providing confidential support, information, and advice for individuals affected by problem gambling. They are a national charity based in the UK and have been a leading authority on responsible gambling since being established in 1997.

Services Offered by GamCare:

1. Confidential Helpline: GamCare operates a helpline where individuals can receive confidential support from trained advisors. The helpline is available to anyone affected by problem gambling, including gamblers themselves, family members, and friends.
2. Online Support: GamCare offers online support through forums and chat services, providing a safe space for individuals to share experiences and seek advice from others facing similar challenges.
3. Counselling Services: GamCare provides counselling services to help individuals explore and address the underlying issues contributing to their gambling problems. These services are available face-to-face, over the phone, or online.
4. Treatment Programs: GamCare offers structured treatment programs designed to assist individuals in overcoming problem gambling. These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant.
5. Education and Training: GamCare is actively involved in educating both individuals and industry professionals about responsible gambling practices. They provide training sessions to raise awareness and promote a safer gambling environment.
6. Support for Families: Recognising the impact of problem gambling on families, GamCare extends its support to family and friends of those affected. They offer guidance on understanding and coping with the challenges associated with problem gambling within the family.
7. Self-Exclusion Support: GamCare assists individuals in implementing self-exclusion measures, helping them voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.

How to get in touch with GamCare

GamCare offers confidential advice and support via several channels, both online and in person.

• Website: http://www.gamcare.org.uk
• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Open 24/7)
• GamCare Self Assessment: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/understanding-gambling-problems/self-assessment-tool/
• GamCare Address: GamCare, 2nd Floor, 7-11 St John’s Hill, London, SW11 1TR

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware is another organisation which is dedicated to helping those impacted negatively by gambling. They provide free, confidential support, advice, and information for individuals affected by gambling-related harm. BeGambleAware plays a crucial role in promoting responsible gambling and minimising the negative impact of excessive gambling.

Services Offered by BeGambleAware:

1. Helpline Services: BeGambleAware operates a helpline that individuals can contact for confidential support and information. The helpline is available 24/7, providing assistance to those affected negatively by gambling.
2. Website Resources: BeGambleAware’s website serves as a comprehensive resource hub, offering information on responsible gambling, potential risks, and available support services. Users can access educational materials and tools to asses their gambling habits and take action as needed.
3. Treatment and Support Programs: BeGambleAware collaborates with various treatment providers to offer individuals access to effective support and treatment programs.
4. Crisis Intervention: BeGambleAware provides crisis intervention services for individuals in immediate need of support. This includes addressing urgent situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
5. Awareness Campaigns: BeGambleAware actively engages in awareness campaigns to educate the public about responsible gambling practices.

How to get in touch with BeGambleAware

• Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/
• BeGambleAware Self Assessment: https://www.begambleaware.org/self-assessment-tool-entry/

Additional Support Options

GamCare and BeGambleAware are the two main support options for UK residents that have problems with gambling. However, there are several other organisations that can help.

Gamblers Anonymous

• http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• 207 384 3040

Gambling Therapy

• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org
• 01384 241292

Gam-Anon

• http://www.gamanon.org.uk
• 08700 50 88 80

The Samaritans

• http://www.samaritans.org
• 08457 90 90 90 (UK) / 1850 60 90 90 (ROI)

National Debt Helpline

• http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
• 0808 808 4000