Responsible Gaming

Six rules that keep it entertainment

• Set a budget before you deposit — decide the amount, and treat it as the cost of the evening.
• Never chase a loss. Trying to win it back is the single most reliable way to lose more.
• Set a time limit too. Hours matter as much as pounds.
• Never gamble with borrowed money — and remember credit cards are banned for gambling in Great Britain.
• Do not gamble to escape stress, loneliness, boredom or low mood.
• Do not gamble while drinking or when you are exhausted.

Tools every UK licensed account must give you

• Deposit limits — daily, weekly or monthly. A reduction takes effect immediately; an increase must wait out a cooling-off period.
• Reality checks — an on-screen reminder of how long you have been logged in.
• Time-out — lock yourself out for 24 hours up to six weeks, instantly, no questions asked.
• Self-exclusion — six months to five years with that operator, with marketing switched off.
• Account closure — permanent, with any balance returned to you.

Both brands we review offer all of the above and are connected to GAMSTOP. If a website will not let you set a limit, it is not licensed for British customers and you should not deposit with it.

Signs it may have stopped being fun

• Gambling with money meant for rent, bills or food.
• Borrowing, selling things or hiding spending to fund it.
• Lying to family or friends about how much time or money is involved.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you cannot gamble.
• Needing bigger stakes to feel the same excitement.
• Losing interest in work, study, friendships or hobbies.

If any of these are familiar, the help below is free, confidential and available today. Speaking to someone early is far easier than speaking to someone late.

Protecting people under 18

Gambling under 18 is a criminal offence in the United Kingdom. Licensed operators verify age before you can wager and again before any withdrawal. On a shared device, filtering software such as Net Nanny or CYBERsitter can block gambling content entirely. Never let anyone under 18 use your account, and never leave one logged in.