Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution

We're committed to promoting responsible gaming across all our recommended betting sites. Gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment with money you can afford to lose—never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

If you're visiting healkids.org.uk to explore betting sites, please do so responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

All gambling activities in the UK are strictly regulated. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling, including betting on sports, casino games, and online wagering.

If you are under 18, please do not use any betting sites. If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, contact GamCare immediately.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop quickly. Check if you recognise any of these warning signs:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
• Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, or essential expenses
• Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to stop or reduce gambling
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
• Neglecting work, school, or relationships due to gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Experiencing mood swings or using gambling to escape problems
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling

If you recognise any of these signs, help is available.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Most reputable UK betting sites offer built-in tools to help you manage your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose in a given period
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a betting site for an extended period

We recommend using these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem.

Get Help – Support Organisations

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional support is available and completely confidential:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment
  Available through NHS referral in England

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
  Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  www.bzga.de

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're experiencing problem gambling yourself or are concerned about someone else, support is available:

• Contact GamCare for confidential counselling and support
• Use GamStop to self-exclude from UK gambling sites
• Speak to your GP or a healthcare professional
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member

You are not alone, and help is always available.