What is Responsible Gambling?

Q: What does it mean to gamble responsibly?

Gambling responsibly essentially means betting safely and in a way that doesn’t lead to addictive tendencies. By betting in a more responsible manner, you can avoid any negative issues – such as financial or family problems – that are commonly suffered by problem gamblers.

Q: Who regulates bookmakers to ensure they promote responsible gambling?

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission regulates bookmakers in the UK. This governmental body ensures sites adhere to responsible gambling practices and provides overarching guidelines to protect punters from addiction.

Q: Are all betting sites required to have a responsible gambling policy in the UK?

The short answer is yes – all UKGC-regulated betting sites in the UK must have a responsible gambling policy. However, sites that are not licenced or regulated by the Gambling Commission do not.

Q: What is Safer Gambling Week?

Safer Gambling Week – sometimes erroneously referred to as Responsible Gambling Week – is a campaign aimed at raising awareness of problem gambling. Usually held in November, many initiatives such as workshops and webinars are provided to educate the general public about the dangers of problem gambling.

19 August 2024

Adam Creagh

Betting Expert

Fact Checked

Michael Lee

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Responsible gambling is the only way to maintain a safe healthy betting experience. This guide provides tips for gambling responsibly, links to gambling help organisations, and advice for anyone who may be suffering from betting addiction.

Responsible gambling is the term used to describe and promote a safer betting landscape in the United Kingdom. Comprising several practices and measures supported by the wider betting industry, its main aim is to curtail problems associated with gambling addiction.

Guide to What is Responsible Gambling

A safer gambling landscape is in the interest of punters, operators, and the Gambling Commission in the UK. The latter oversees the regulation and supervision of the gaming industry in the UK and is responsible for highlighting and spearheading responsible gambling campaigns.

By promoting safer gambling initiatives to bettors, it is hoped that financial, social, and health-related issues can be tackled more effectively. Self-exclusion, deposit limit trackers, and regular affordability checks all contribute to this wider aim. Furthermore, operators and gambling harm bodies now work together to raise awareness of safer practices.

What Should I Consider Before Betting?

Preparation is one of the most crucial aspects of responsible gambling. As such, taking appropriate measures to limit your chances of losing can go a long way to being able to enjoy betting. Here are some steps to take toward a safer betting experience.

Be Mindful of Your Gambling Budget

Never spend more than you can afford to lose – this is the golden rule of responsible gambling. Before starting a new betting session, manage your bankroll and stick to it. This helps you stay within your budget and signals when it’s time to end your session and walk away.

Is This a Safe and Regulated Bookie?

You are responsible not only for how you bet but also where you bet. While these two aspects can overlap, it’s crucial to wager only with safe and responsible betting sites. One benefit of betting with bookies regulated by the UK Gambling Commission is access to responsible gambling tools.

How Much Time Will You Spend Gambling?

It’s easy to get carried away when gambling, whether you’re winning or losing. This can negatively affect your work or personal relationships and cause distress. Set time limits, either manually or through an online betting site’s responsible gambling tools, to stay on track.

Are You Chasing Losses or Gambling Excessively?

Chasing losses, which involves betting more to recover previous losses, can lead to more loss and significant financial trouble. As it happens, excessive gambling can strain your finances to the point that you can miss important bills or even rent and mortgage payments. It’s crucial to seek help if you find it difficult to control your betting.

Available Responsible Gambling Tools That Help You

Guide to What is Responsible Gambling PP

You can potentially avoid problematic gambling behaviours by using some of the more effective responsible gambling tools. The safest online betting sites provide these tools for free and can even assist you in setting them up.

Deposit Limits

Set deposit limits to control how much can be deposited into your betting account over a set period. For example, you can set your daily deposit limit at £25 and/or your weekly limit at £175. This tool can help you avoid overspending and assist with remaining within your budget.

Time-Outs

Remember that you can always take short breaks from betting by using time-outs. These can be set for anything between a few hours and a month. We recommend using time-outs when you need a short break away from betting – this can help you regather your thoughts and assess whether more betting is the answer.

Self-Exclusion

All bookies regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission allow you to self-exclude from playing at their sites. Typically, self-exclusions can be set up for 6 months up to five years, with some offering an indefinite self-exclusion period. If you want to “ban yourself” from all sites, registering with GAMSTOP will take care of this for you.

Loss Limits

Like deposit limits, loss limit tools are great for keeping bettors focused, as they are triggered when you lose a set amount of cash. While no one likes to be cut off when trying to win money back, this is exactly what happens when you set up a loss limit. It can help you walk away from betting at that site, as it offers no choice in the matter.

Reality Checks

Reality checks are useful for keeping track of time, as they periodically remind you how long you have been gambling in one sitting. Such notifications may encourage you to stop betting and take a break to get some fresh air or something to eat or drink.

Reach Out to Customer Support

One of the easiest and most effective ways to control gambling at UKGC-regulated sites is to contact customer support. Let them know what the problem is, such as if you’re spending over your budget or losing more money than you can afford. They may impose a break, or even close your account if they believe you are at risk of problem gambling.

Organisations Offering Help & Support with Responsible Online Gambling

If you are struggling with gambling addiction, or know someone who is, gambling addiction help groups can assist. These organisations offer a mix of support advice, therapy, and counselling to help with overcoming addiction.

Organisation	What They Do	Contact Details
BeGambleAware	Independent charity providing free advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.	Begambleaware.org 0808 8020 133 Live Chat Available
GamCare	Offers impartial help and support, including counselling, for gambling addiction.	gamcare.org.uk 0808 8020 133 Forum and chatroom
GamStop	Free self-exclusion service blocking access to all UKGC-regulated betting sites.	gamstop.co.uk 0800 138 6518 Live Chat Available
National Gambling Helpline	24/7 confidential support and advice for problem gamblers and their loved ones.	0808 8020 133
Gamblers Anonymous	Fellowship of gambling addicts providing support groups and meetings for recovering gamblers.	gamblersanonymous.org.uk Online & In-Person Meets
NHS	Provides treatment, therapy, and counselling programmes for problem gamblers.	nhs.uk

Many of these organisations form part of the National Gambling Support Network, which can be accessed by calling 0808 8020 133, free of charge.

Responsible Gambling Tips

Although addiction of any kind can be difficult to stop, there are some common warning signs when it comes to problem gambling. A clear preoccupation with betting, neglect of relationships, and frequent borrowing of money may be consistent with a gambling problem.

If you feel as though you may be exhibiting these kinds of behaviours, these tips may help you address any problems.

Seek Help Immediately – If you can’t control your gambling, don’t hesitate to reach out and put a stop to it now. Many of the other responsible betting tips may be ineffective if you are addicted to gambling.
Take Regular Breaks – If you usually play on for hours, limit yourself to 15 minutes of betting at a time. This will give you the mental clarity to assess your position and whether you should stop entirely.
Never Bet While Intoxicated – Alcohol and drugs limit inhibitions and may impair judgment, leading to poor decisions and an increased risk of losses.
Allow a Trusted Loved One to Handle Finances – Sometimes, it can help to transfer your wages or savings to someone you can trust. This can ensure that bills get paid on time and rent or mortgage payments are not spent gambling.
Use Blocking Software for Gambling Sites – Several companies offer specialist software that you can install on your computers or mobile devices to block the use of betting or casino sites.

Again, if you feel that your gambling is out of control, we recommend seeking help. There has never been more free and impartial support for problem gamblers to tackle their problems.

Protecting Minors from Underage Gambling

As set out in the Gambling Act 2005, you must aged 18 or over to gamble in the UK. With that said, children can sometimes access gambling websites by using the credentials or identities of friends and family. Here are some tips for preventing minors from gambling.

Keep Emails and Passwords ProtectedMonitor Computer ActivityDiscuss the Dangers of GamblingInstall Specialist Anti-Gambling Software

Prevention can be better than the cure in many cases, so be sure to lock your computer and never leave it unattended. Sign out of gambling sites and create separate profiles, if necessary, to prevent anyone accessing login details.

There is a myriad of free computer programs – as well as those that can be used to track websites accessed on phones – to keep tabs on minors who may be trying to access gambling sites.

Ensure any minors in your home are educated about the dangers of problem gambling as well as the legalities of betting while underage. Look to gambling help resources for assistance in this matter.

You can install software that prevents gambling websites from being accessed at the touch of a button. Furthermore, you can prevent 18+ websites of all kinds being accessible via your internet service provider.

Following these steps can prevent minors from accessing gambling content. If you require more specialist advice, feel free reach out to any of the gambling help organisations in confidence.

FAQs

What does it mean to gamble responsibly?

Who regulates bookmakers to ensure they promote responsible gambling?

Are all betting sites required to have a responsible gambling policy in the UK?

What is Safer Gambling Week?

Adam Creagh

Betting Expert

Adam Creagh

Betting Expert

Adam is a sports writer and casino gaming enthusiast with over 10 years of experience. Boxing, football, and rugby are Adam's favorite sports to cover when he's not playing poker and baccarat. You can find his in-depth bookie reviews, betting tutorials, and more of his industry knowledge at BettingSitesReviewed.

All posts by Adam Creagh

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Guide to Responsible Gambling in the UK