Responsible Gambling
At legaljackpot.co.uk, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling and player protection. We believe that gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems.
Understanding Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about gambling activities and maintaining control over the time and money you spend. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and knowing when to stop. Gambling should never interfere with your responsibilities, relationships, or financial stability.
Signs of Problem Gambling
It's important to recognise the warning signs of problem gambling. You may have a gambling problem if you:
- Spend more time or money gambling than you can afford
- Feel the need to bet more money to get the same excitement
- Try to win back losses by gambling more (chasing losses)
- Lie to family or friends about your gambling activities
- Feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Use gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve anxiety
- Neglect work, family, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling
- Feel guilty or depressed about your gambling
- Have unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
Setting Limits and Staying in Control
Before you start gambling, it's essential to set clear limits:
- Time limits: Decide how much time you will spend gambling and stick to it
- Money limits: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose - never with rent, bills, or food money
- Loss limits: Set a maximum amount you're prepared to lose and stop when you reach it
- Win limits: Decide when you'll walk away with winnings
- Never chase losses: Accept losses as part of the game and never try to win back money by gambling more
- Take regular breaks: Step away from gambling regularly to maintain perspective
- Don't gamble when emotional: Avoid gambling when upset, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Tools and Resources for Players
Most reputable online casinos offer responsible gambling tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits
- Time limits: Restrict how long you can play in a session
- Loss limits: Set maximum loss amounts for specific periods
- Self-exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
- Reality checks: Regular reminders of how long you've been playing
- Account history: Review your gambling activity and spending patterns
Help and Support in the UK
If you're concerned about your gambling or someone else's, help is available. The following UK organisations provide free, confidential support:
BeGambleAware
The UK's leading charity providing information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.
- Website: www.begambleaware.org
- Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Live chat: Available on their website
GamCare
Provides support, information, and advice to anyone affected by gambling problems.
- Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- Live chat: Available on their website
- Forum: Peer support community
Gambling Therapy
Global service offering free, confidential support for people with gambling problems.
- Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
- Online counselling: Free, confidential support
- Support groups: Online and local meetings
Samaritans
Provides emotional support for anyone in distress or struggling to cope.
- Website: www.samaritans.org
- Helpline: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Email: jo@samaritans.org
Self-Exclusion Options
If you need to take a break from gambling, several self-exclusion options are available:
- GAMSTOP: The UK's national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. Visit www.gamstop.co.uk to exclude yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites
- Individual casino exclusion: Contact customer support at any gambling site to self-exclude
- Payment blocking: Contact your bank to block gambling transactions
- Software solutions: Use apps like Gamban or Betblocker to block access to gambling sites
For Friends and Family
If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
- Approach the conversation with compassion and without judgment
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Don't lend money or bail them out of gambling debts
- Take care of your own wellbeing and seek support if needed
- Consider attending support groups for families affected by gambling
Financial Support and Advice
If gambling has caused financial difficulties, help is available:
- StepChange: Free debt advice charity - www.stepchange.org
- Citizens Advice: Free, confidential advice - www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- Money Helper: Free financial guidance - www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Our Commitment
We are committed to providing information only about licensed, regulated casinos that adhere to responsible gambling standards. All casinos we feature must demonstrate their commitment to player protection, including offering responsible gambling tools and supporting problem gambling prevention initiatives.
Remember
Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. If gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing problems in your life, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support, and recovery is possible with the right help and commitment.
Last updated: January 2025