Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment Only

At Colston Milton Parish Church's betting information service, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are designed for fun, and the odds always favour the operator in the long run.

Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you find yourself struggling to control your gambling habits, support is available.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to place bets or use casino services.

If you are under 18, please do not access betting or casino websites. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gambling, contact GamCare for confidential advice.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of the following signs in your own behaviour? If so, it may be time to seek help:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
• Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or healthcare professionals
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
• Neglecting work, education, family, or social commitments due to gambling
• Lying to others about the extent of your gambling activities
• Experiencing relationship conflicts related to your gambling
• Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement

If you identify with any of these warning signs, please reach out to a support service immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Most reputable betting sites offer a range of tools to help you manage your gambling responsibly. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on the amount you can deposit into your account.
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you are willing to lose during a specified period.
• Reality Checks: Request reminders during your gambling sessions to help you track time and spend.
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you feel you are losing control of your gambling.
• Account Pause: Take a break from gambling by suspending your account for a set period.
• Time-Out: Set time limits for your gambling sessions.

Make use of these tools when you sign up or at any time during your gambling. They are designed to support your safer gambling experience.

Support Organizations & Resources

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please contact one of these trusted support services:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (Monday to Friday, 9am–midnight; Saturday to Sunday, 9am–11pm)
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  Allows you to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators simultaneously
• Gamblers Anonymous – Support groups for people affected by problem gambling
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

International Resources

• 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) – Information on problem gambling support

Need Help? Reach Out Today

If you are struggling with gambling, remember that help is available and recovery is possible. You do not have to face this alone.

Contact GamCare today on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk for confidential, free support.

Whether you are concerned about your own gambling or that of a loved one, trained advisors are ready to help. Taking the first step is often the hardest – but it is the most important one.