Responsible Gaming Policy

1. Our Responsibility

As an affiliate site promoting UK-licensed casinos, we take our responsibility seriously:

• Only featuring UKGC-licensed operators with strong player protection
• Providing clear information about gambling risks
• Promoting self-awareness and self-control tools
• Linking to professional help and support services
• Ensuring age verification and preventing underage gambling
• Maintaining transparency about our affiliate relationships

2. Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively impacts your life. Warning signs include:

2.1 Behavioral Changes

• Spending more time and money gambling than intended
• Chasing losses with bigger bets
• Lying about gambling activities
• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble

2.2 Emotional Signs

• Anxiety or irritability when not gambling
• Mood swings related to gambling outcomes
• Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Guilt or shame about gambling behavior
• Preoccupation with gambling thoughts

2.3 Financial Warning Signs

• Unexplained financial problems
• Money missing from accounts
• Maxed-out credit cards or loans
• Unpaid bills despite having money to gamble

3. Gambling Safely

3.1 Set Limits Before You Play

• Money limits: Only gamble what you can afford to lose
• Time limits: Set a maximum time for gambling sessions
• Loss limits: Stop when you reach your loss limit
• Win limits: Consider stopping when you're ahead

3.2 Healthy Gambling Habits

• View gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money
• Never gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence
• Take regular breaks during gambling sessions
• Keep gambling separate from other activities
• Maintain other hobbies and interests
• Be honest with family and friends about your gambling

3.3 What Not to Do

• Don't chase losses by betting more
• Don't gamble to solve financial problems
• Don't lie about your gambling activities
• Don't gamble when you're feeling low or stressed
• Don't borrow money to gamble
• Don't gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs

4. Self-Help Tools

4.1 Self-Assessment

Ask yourself these questions honestly:

• Do you gamble more than you can afford?
• Do you need to gamble with more money to get the same excitement?
• Have you tried to cut back on gambling but couldn't?
• Do you feel restless when not gambling?
• Has gambling caused problems in your relationships?
• Do you gamble to escape problems or negative emotions?

If you answered "yes" to several questions, consider seeking help.

4.2 Personal Strategies

• Keep a gambling diary to track spending and time
• Remove gambling apps from your devices
• Block gambling websites using filtering software
• Give financial control to a trusted person
• Find alternative activities for entertainment
• Join support groups or online communities

5. Self-Exclusion and Limiting Tools

5.1 GAMSTOP - National Self-Exclusion

GAMSTOP is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme:

• Blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites
• Choose exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
• Cannot be reversed once activated
• Covers online and mobile gambling

Website: GAMSTOP.co.uk

5.2 Casino Self-Exclusion Tools

Individual casinos offer various tools:

• Self-exclusion: Block access for set periods
• Cooling-off periods: Temporary breaks (24 hours to 6 weeks)
• Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits
• Time limits: Limit session duration
• Reality checks: Pop-up reminders during play
• Account closure: Permanent account termination

5.3 Third-Party Blocking Software

• Gamban: Blocks gambling sites and apps
• NetNanny: Parental control software
• Cold Turkey Blocker: Free website blocking
• Router-level filtering: Block sites at network level

6. Support and Treatment Services

6.1 UK Helplines and Support

6.2 NHS Treatment Services

NHS provides free gambling addiction treatment:

• GP referrals to specialist services
• Community mental health teams
• Addiction services
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Group therapy sessions

7. Support for Families

Gambling problems affect entire families. Support is available:

7.1 Family Support Services

• GamAnon: Support groups for families and friends
• GamCare Family Support: Dedicated family services
• National Gambling Helpline: Family support line
• Gambling Therapy: Family counseling services

7.2 How to Help Someone

• Listen without judgment
• Encourage professional help
• Don't lend money or pay gambling debts
• Set clear boundaries
• Look after your own wellbeing
• Consider family therapy

7.3 Financial Protection

• Take control of joint finances
• Remove access to credit cards
• Monitor bank accounts
• Seek debt advice from Citizens Advice
• Contact creditors to explain the situation

8. Youth Protection

8.1 Age Verification

• Mandatory age verification on first visit
• No access to gambling content under 18
• Clear age restrictions displayed
• Technical measures prevent bypass

8.2 Parental Guidance

• Monitor children's internet usage
• Use parental control software
• Educate about gambling risks
• Report underage gambling to operators
• Seek help if child shows gambling behaviors

8.3 Educational Resources

• Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM)
• Safer gambling educational materials
• School gambling prevention programs
• Parent guidance resources

9. Vulnerable Customers

9.1 Identifying Vulnerability

Factors that increase vulnerability:

• Mental health conditions
• Substance abuse problems
• Financial difficulties
• Social isolation
• Learning difficulties
• Physical disabilities
• Grief or trauma

9.2 Additional Protections

• Enhanced monitoring systems
• Proactive intervention
• Specialized support services
• Simplified self-exclusion processes
• Regular check-ins and reviews

10. Recovery and Prevention

10.1 Recovery Process

• Acknowledge the problem
• Seek professional help
• Remove access to gambling
• Address underlying issues
• Build a support network
• Develop new hobbies and interests
• Focus on physical and mental health

10.2 Preventing Relapse

• Recognize personal triggers
• Develop coping strategies
• Maintain support group attendance
• Continue therapy or counseling
• Avoid high-risk situations
• Practice stress management
• Celebrate recovery milestones

11. Our Monitoring and Review

11.1 Content Review

• Regular review of promotional content
• Ensuring responsible messaging
• Removing harmful or misleading content
• Updating support resources

11.2 Partner Monitoring

• Regular assessment of casino partners
• Ensuring compliance with responsible gambling standards
• Removing partners who fail to meet standards
• Promoting best practice operators

11.3 Policy Updates

• Annual policy review
• Incorporating new research and best practices
• Responding to regulatory changes
• User feedback integration

12. Crisis Support