Responsible Gaming

Your Wellbeing Matters

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

Online gambling can be a fun form of entertainment when approached responsibly. The key word is entertainment - not a way to make money, solve financial problems, or escape from stress. When gambling stops being fun and starts causing problems, it's time to step back and reassess.

Most people can gamble without issues, but for some, gambling can become problematic. Understanding the risks and recognizing warning signs early can prevent serious problems from developing.

Setting Limits

Before you start gambling, decide how much money and time you can afford to spend. Set these limits before you play, not during or after. Treat gambling money as an entertainment expense, like going to the cinema or out for dinner - once it's spent, it's gone.

Never gamble with money you need for bills, rent, food, or other essentials. Don't borrow money to gamble or try to win back losses by gambling more. These behaviors are warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem.

Deposit Limits

Most UK online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Use these tools. They're there to help you stick to your budget and prevent impulsive decisions during play. Once set, these limits usually cant be increased immediately, giving you time to reconsider any decisions made in the heat of the moment.

Warning Signs

Problem gambling doesn't develop overnight. It's usually a gradual process with warning signs along the way. Recognizing these signs early in yourself or someone you care about is important.

Common warning signs include spending more money or time gambling than you intended, lying to family or friends about gambling, borrowing money to gamble, chasing losses, gambling when you're upset or stressed, and neglecting work or personal relationships because of gambling.

If gambling is causing arguments, financial strain, or affecting your mental health, these are serious red flags. Problem gambling isn't a moral failing or lack of willpower - it's a recognized condition that requires support to overcome.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, self-exclusion is an effective tool. In the UK, you can register with GamStop, which blocks access to all licensed online gambling sites for a period you choose - 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

GamStop is free and covers all UK Gambling Commission licensed operators. Once registered, you won't be able to access these sites until your exclusion period ends. This gives you breathing space to address the underlying issues without the temptation to gamble.

Other Blocking Options

Beyond GamStop, you can also use software that blocks gambling websites on your devices. Banks may offer the option to block gambling transactions on your cards. Some people find it helpful to have a trusted friend or family member manage their finances during recovery.

Getting Help

If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. These services are confidential and free. You don't have to face this alone.

The National Gambling Helpline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. BeGambleAware offers online chat support and resources at begambleaware.org. Gamblers Anonymous runs support meetings across the UK where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.

For Friends and Family

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, it affects you too. GamCare offers support not just for people who gamble but also for their family and friends. You can access advice on how to approach the conversation and support yourself through what can be a difficult situation.

Underage Gambling

It's illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online in the UK. We take this seriously and require age verification. If you're a parent concerned about a young person's gambling, talk to them about the risks and consider parental control software that blocks gambling sites.

Additional Resources

BeGambleAware - begambleaware.org - Offers treatment, support, and information for anyone affected by problem gambling.

GamStop - gamstop.co.uk - Free service for self-exclusion from all UK licensed gambling operators.

Gamblers Anonymous - gamblersanonymous.org.uk - Support groups following a 12-step recovery program.

GamCare - gamcare.org.uk - Provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm.

National Gambling Helpline - 0808 8020 133 - Free, confidential helpline available 24/7.

Our Commitment

At GoodSpins, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling. While we review casinos and discuss games, we never encourage irresponsible gambling behavior. If our content is causing you to gamble more than you should, please take a break and seek support.