Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At counted.org.uk, we believe that betting should only ever be viewed as entertainment – similar to cinema, music, or dining out. It should never be considered a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits before you start. If you're using betting as a way to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek support.

Age Verification

Gambling is only legal for individuals aged 18 years or older in Great Britain. All operators featured on counted.org.uk are licensed and regulated to verify that users meet this minimum legal age requirement before allowing access to betting services.

If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. If you suspect someone underage is gambling, report it to the operator or contact GamCare.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else, seek help immediately:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Neglecting relationships, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down or stop
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Experiencing financial difficulties or debt due to gambling
• Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Responsible gambling operators provide tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a given timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or over a period
• Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a mandatory break from gambling for a set period (days to weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from a specific operator for a minimum period (usually 6 months to 5 years)

All UK licensed operators are required to offer these tools. Use them proactively to maintain control over your gambling.

Support Organisations & Resources

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Blocks access to all UK-licensed online gambling operators simultaneously
• Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings and fellowship
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Debtline – Free debt advice if gambling has caused financial hardship
  www.nationaldebtline.org

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) – www.bzga.de

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling:

• Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 for confidential support
• Register with GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed operators
• Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
• Visit your GP for professional assessment and treatment options

You don't have to face this alone. Help is just a call away.

This Responsible Gaming information is provided for educational purposes. counted.org.uk is an affiliate website and does not offer gambling services directly. All operators featured on our site are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. For complaints about specific operators, contact the UK Gambling Commission.