Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At The Disability Benefits, we believe that gambling should only ever be considered as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or watching live sports. Betting apps and casino games are designed for enjoyment and should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

Remember: the odds are always in favour of the operator. Please gamble responsibly and only spend what you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. This is a legal requirement and is enforced to protect young people from the potential harms of gambling.

If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. If you are aware of a young person gambling illegally, please report this to the relevant authorities or the Gambling Commission.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone else, help is available:

• Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling activity: Being secretive about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Increasing stakes: Needing to bet more money to experience the same excitement
• Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritising gambling over work, family, or personal commitments
• Financial difficulties: Borrowing money, using credit, or getting into debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying to stop or cut down without success
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
• Relationship strain: Experiencing conflict with family or friends due to gambling
• Neglecting health: Changes in sleep, eating habits, or overall wellbeing

If you experience any of these warning signs, please seek support immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Controls

Most reputable betting apps and online casinos provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
• Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Time Limits: Set automatic session time limits to prevent extended gambling periods
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block access to your gambling account
• Account Cooling Off: Take a mandatory break from gambling for a specified period

We strongly encourage you to use these tools from the outset, regardless of your level of experience. Responsible gambling practices protect your wellbeing and finances.

Support Organisations

If you are struggling with gambling, professional support is available. Please reach out to one of the following organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free confidential support for problem gamblers and their families
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  Allows you to self-exclude from all regulated online gambling operators in Great Britain
• Gambling Commission – The UK's independent regulator for gambling
  Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Other Countries

• Australia – Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Website: www.bzga.de
  Helpline: 0800 1 37 27 00

All of these organisations offer free, confidential support and can help you or a loved one access treatment and recovery services.

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out

If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please know that support is available and recovery is possible. You are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking help.

Contact GamCare today:

• Call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Visit www.gamcare.org.uk for webchat and online support
• Register with GamStop for immediate self-exclusion from all UK-regulated online gambling sites

Your wellbeing matters. Please make the choice to seek help today if you need it.