Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
This is, without a doubt, the most important page on our entire website. Let's be crystal clear: online gaming should be a fun and exciting form of entertainment. It's a way to unwind, enjoy some thrilling games, and maybe even get lucky with a win. But it should always be about fun. The moment it stops being fun, or the moment it starts to impact your life negatively, it's time to take a step back.
We take our role as a player resource incredibly seriously. Part of that responsibility is to champion safe and controlled play. This guide is designed to provide you with the information, tools, and support networks you need to ensure your gaming habits remain healthy, safe, and firmly within your control. Please, take a few minutes to read this. It's for your own well-being.
Recognising the Signs: When Fun Becomes a Problem
Problem gambling can be insidious; it doesn't always look like the dramatic scenes you see in movies. It often starts small. Being honest with yourself and recognising potential warning signs is the first and most powerful step you can take. Ask yourself if you've experienced any of the following:
- Are you spending more money or time gambling than you can comfortably afford?
- Are you chasing your losses, trying to win back money you've already lost?
- Has gambling caused you to neglect your work, studies, or family responsibilities?
- Are you borrowing money or selling possessions to fund your gambling?
- Do you feel irritable, anxious, or depressed when you try to cut down or stop?
- Are you hiding the extent of your gambling from friends or family?
If you answered 'yes' to one or more of these questions, it doesn't mean you have a problem, but it is a strong signal that it's time to use the tools available to you and perhaps speak to a professional. There is no shame in seeking help.
The Tools in Your Armoury: Taking Control
Every single UKGC-licensed casino, including all those we review, is legally required to provide you with a suite of tools to help you manage your play. These are not optional extras; they are your right as a UK player. We strongly recommend setting these up from the moment you register an account.
Deposit Limits
This is your first line of defence. A deposit limit allows you to set a maximum amount of money you can deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once you hit that limit, you cannot deposit any more until the period resets. It's the most effective way to ensure you never spend more than you budgeted for.
Reality Checks
It's easy to lose track of time when you're engrossed in a game. A Reality Check is a simple pop-up that appears on your screen at set intervals (e.g., every 30 or 60 minutes). It reminds you how long you've been playing, giving you a clear prompt to take a break or stop your session.
Take a Break (Cooling-Off Period)
If you feel like your play is getting a bit too intense and you need a short-term pause, the 'Take a Break' tool is perfect. It allows you to temporarily block yourself from accessing your account for a period of your choosing, from 24 hours up to 6 weeks. It's a great way to enforce a cooling-off period without the long-term commitment of self-exclusion.
Self-Exclusion
This is the most serious tool in the arsenal and should be used if you feel you have lost control of your gambling. Self-exclusion is a formal process where you request to be blocked from a casino for a minimum period of 6 months. During this time, the operator is legally obligated to close your account and remove you from all marketing communications. This is a powerful step towards regaining control.
Where to Find Help: UK Support Networks
You are not alone. There are several incredible, free, and confidential organisations in the UK dedicated to providing support for anyone affected by gambling harm.
- GAMSTOP: This is a free national self-exclusion scheme. By registering with GAMSTOP, you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by all companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing. It is a single step to block yourself from all UK online operators.
- GamCare: A leading provider of free information, advice, and support for anyone harmed by gambling. They operate the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and offer live chat and face-to-face counselling services.
- BeGambleAware.org: An independent charity that funds research, education, and treatment services to help reduce gambling-related harm. Their website is a fantastic resource for information and self-assessment tools.