Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

Gambling should be treated as a form of paid entertainment, not as a way to earn money, invest, or solve financial problems. There is no strategy or system that guarantees a profit, and losses are always possible.

Only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose. Set a firm spending and time budget before you start, never borrow money to gamble, and never try to win back losses. Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, lonely, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

acetc.co.uk encourages anyone experiencing gambling-related harm to stop gambling and seek support. You do not need to wait until the problem becomes severe.

Age Verification and Underage Gambling

You must be 18 or older to gamble in Great Britain. Operators may ask for identification and other documents to verify your age and identity. Never provide false information, gamble on behalf of someone under 18, or allow a minor to access a gambling account.

Parents and carers should keep gambling accounts and payment details secure, avoid sharing passwords, and consider using device-level parental controls and gambling-content blocks.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling may be becoming harmful if you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else:

• Chasing losses or increasing stakes to try to win money back.
• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Hiding gambling, lying about losses, or deleting account and payment history.
• Borrowing money, using credit, selling possessions, or missing bills because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, education, sleep, family, friendships, or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop.
• Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or control your gambling.
• Thinking constantly about gambling or planning the next opportunity to play.
• Experiencing relationship conflict, financial difficulty, shame, or distress because of gambling.

This checklist is not a diagnosis. Even one of these signs can be a good reason to pause, use blocking tools, and speak confidentially with a support service.

Self-Help and Player-Protection Tools

• Deposit limits: Set a strict maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month. Do not raise a limit to chase losses.
• Loss and spending limits: Where available, set a maximum net loss or total spend and stop when you reach it.
• Reality checks and session limits: Use reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. Take regular breaks and set a firm finishing time.
• Time-outs: Use a short cooling-off period if you need space to reassess your gambling. A time-out is not a substitute for longer self-exclusion when gambling is causing harm.
• Self-exclusion: Ask each operator you use to self-exclude you and close your account. For online operators licensed in Great Britain, you can also register with GamStop.
• Additional blocks: Ask your bank about gambling-transaction blocks and consider reputable gambling-blocking software on your devices. Remove saved payment details and avoid carrying extra funds intended for gambling.

Important: GamStop does not cover every overseas website. If you have self-excluded, do not use non-GamStop sites or other methods to bypass that decision. Doing so can undermine your recovery. Strengthen your protections with device and banking blocks, and contact GamCare or another support service for help.

Support Organisations in Great Britain

• GamCare — Free, confidential information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day. Live chat and other support options are available at www.gamcare.org.uk.
• GamStop — A free self-exclusion service for online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Register or learn more at www.gamstop.co.uk.
• NHS — Information about gambling harm and routes to treatment and support, including NHS gambling services. Visit NHS gambling support or speak with your GP.
• Gordon Moody — Support and treatment for people severely affected by gambling, including residential and online services. Visit gordonmoody.org.uk.
• Gamblers Anonymous — Peer-support meetings for people who want to stop gambling. Find meeting information at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk.

Support is also available for partners, family members, and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

If Gambling Is Causing Harm, Seek Help Now

If you recognise any warning signs, stop gambling, do not chase further losses, and tell someone you trust. Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential support, and consider self-exclusion and gambling blocks. Asking for help is a positive step, and support is available without judgement.

If you feel unable to keep yourself safe or are in immediate danger, call 999. If you need urgent emotional support in the UK or Ireland, contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.