Play Responsibly: Your Guide to Safe Online Gambling

1. Understanding the Risks of Gambling

While many people gamble without any problems, it's important to acknowledge that gambling can be addictive and may lead to negative consequences if not managed carefully. Potential risks include:

• Losing more money than you can afford.
• Spending too much time gambling, neglecting other responsibilities (work, family, studies).
• Chasing losses, leading to further financial problems.
• Gambling affecting your mental health (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression).
• Developing a gambling addiction (problem gambling).

Being aware of these risks is the first step towards responsible play.

2. Tips for Staying in Control and Gambling Safely

Adopting sensible gambling habits can help ensure your experience remains positive:

• Gamble for Entertainment, Not to Make Money: View gambling as a leisure activity, not a source of income or a solution to financial difficulties.
• Only Gamble What You Can Afford to Lose: Set a budget for gambling and stick to it. Never use money intended for essential expenses like rent, bills, or savings.
• Set Time Limits: Decide beforehand how much time you want to spend gambling and take regular breaks. Don't let gambling consume excessive amounts of your time.
• Never Chase Losses: If you lose money, accept it as part of the game. Trying to win back losses by betting more can lead to a dangerous cycle.
• Don't Gamble When Emotional or Stressed: Avoid gambling when you are feeling upset, anxious, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this can impair your judgment.
• Understand the Games: Learn the rules and odds of the games you play. Remember that the house always has an edge in the long run.
• Balance Gambling with Other Activities: Ensure gambling doesn't become your only pastime. Maintain a healthy balance with other hobbies and social activities.
• Know When to Stop: Recognize the signs of problem gambling and be prepared to stop or take a break if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.

3. Recognizing Signs of Problem Gambling

It's important to be honest with yourself about your gambling habits. Ask yourself the following questions (adapted from Gamblers Anonymous):

• Do you find yourself preoccupied with gambling (e.g., constantly thinking about past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble)?
• Do you need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement?
• Have you made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling?
• Do you feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
• Do you gamble as a way of escaping from problems or relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?
• After losing money gambling, do you often return another day to get even ("chasing" your losses)?
• Do you lie to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with gambling?
• Have you committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling? (This is a serious sign)
• Have you jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling?
• Do you rely on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?

If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, you may have a gambling problem. It is crucial to seek help.

4. Tools for Managing Your Play (Offered by Licensed Operators)

All UKGC-licensed online casinos are required to provide tools to help you manage your gambling. We strongly encourage you to use these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money you can deposit into your casino account.
• Loss Limits: Limit the amount of money you can lose over a specific period.
• Wagering Limits: Control the total amount you can wager within a certain timeframe.
• Session Time Limits / Reality Checks: Set reminders or automatic logouts after a predetermined period of play to help you keep track of time.
• Cool-Off Periods (Time-Out): Take a short break from gambling, typically ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this time, you won't be able to access your account.
• Self-Exclusion: If you feel your gambling is out of control, you can self-exclude from one or all gambling operators. This is a more formal process, typically for a minimum of 6 months up to 5 years (or permanently). For comprehensive self-exclusion from all UK online gambling sites, register with GAMSTOP.

You can usually find these tools in your casino account settings or by contacting customer support.

5. Where to Get Help and Support

If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else's, confidential help and support are readily available. These organizations offer free advice and support:

BeGambleAware

Provides information, advice, and directs people to support to help keep them safe from gambling harms.

Website: www.begambleaware.org

National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Freephone, 24/7)

GamCare

Offers free information, support, and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. Operates the National Gambling Helpline.

Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (via BeGambleAware)

Gamblers Anonymous

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

GAMSTOP

A free service that lets you put controls in place to help restrict your online gambling activities. Sign up to be blocked from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.

Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

NHS (National Health Service)

The NHS provides support for gambling addiction through dedicated clinics and services.

Website: Search "NHS gambling addiction" for local services.

6. Protecting Minors (Under 18s)

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in the UK. SpinScout.co.uk is strictly for users aged 18 and over. We advise parents and guardians to:

• Use filtering software (e.g., Net Nanny, CyberPatrol) to block access to gambling websites on devices used by minors.
• Keep their casino account login details secure and out of reach of children.
• Educate children about the risks of underage gambling.
• Be aware of the signs of underage gambling.