Responsible Gaming

Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming

At Counselling Gloucestershire, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you choose to gamble, please do so within your means and always play responsibly.

Age Verification

All gambling activities are strictly for individuals aged 18 years and over in the United Kingdom. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling. If you are under 18, you must not use any betting services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor and restrict access to gambling content.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please review the following warning signs. If you recognise any of these behaviours in yourself or someone you know, help is available:

• Chasing losses: Trying to recover lost money by gambling more
• Hiding gambling activity: Keeping gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
• Spending more than intended: Regularly gambling longer or with larger amounts than planned
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or important commitments due to gambling
• Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans, using credit cards, or borrowing money to fund gambling
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying to stop or reduce gambling without success
• Tolerance: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Financial difficulties: Struggling with bills, rent, or other essential expenses
• Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Most reputable betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before your account is restricted
• Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
• Reality Checks: Enable notifications to remind you how long you've been gambling
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic timeouts to pause your account
• Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from a betting site for a period you choose (days, weeks, months, or years)
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed

Always use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you maintain control and gamble safely.

Support & Help Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential)
• GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme – Register with multiple operators at once
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  Phone: 0808 175 0133
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Problem Gambling Clinic – Specialist NHS treatment service
  Phone: 020 7188 8662

International Support

• Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de

Take Action Today

If you believe you may have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. Gambling problems often worsen over time, but recovery is possible with professional support. You are not alone, and help is confidential and non-judgmental.

This information is provided for educational purposes. If you are experiencing gambling-related harm, please reach out to a qualified professional or one of the support services listed above. Your wellbeing is our priority.