Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At respiratoryresources.org.uk, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling. Betting apps and casino games should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always keep gambling in perspective as part of your leisure activities.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 18 years of age to legally gamble. All betting apps and online casinos have a legal obligation to verify your age before allowing you to participate. If you are under 18, gambling is strictly prohibited. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss the risks of gambling with young people in their care.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding or being secretive about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, family, or social commitments due to gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to gamble
- Feeling a need to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back or control gambling
- Lying to friends and family about the extent of your gambling
- Experiencing emotional distress (anxiety, depression, guilt) related to gambling
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable betting apps offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly. Take advantage of these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications at regular intervals reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent excessive play
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's platform for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available from the following organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free support, advice, and counselling for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme allowing you to self-exclude from all licensed UK gambling operators
www.gamstop.co.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic – Specialist NHS treatment service
Call: 0203 031 5141 or email: cnwl.npgc@nhs.net
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
Need Help? Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you feel your gambling is out of control, or if gambling is causing harm to you or your loved ones, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support – many people recover from problem gambling with professional assistance.
Contact GamCare (0808 8020 133) or GamStop today. Your wellbeing matters more than any bet.