Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Cumbria Advice Network, 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 should only be done with money you can afford to lose, and should never interfere with your essential expenses, relationships, or wellbeing.
If you're visiting this site for information about betting, we encourage you to gamble responsibly and within your means.
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 betting services.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or use any betting platform. If you are aware of a young person gambling illegally, please contact the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually and may affect anyone. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Loss of control: Being unable to stick to spending limits or stop when you plan to
- Gambling with essential money: Using money needed for bills, rent, food, or other necessities
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking out loans or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Escalating stakes: Needing to bet more money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
- Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling habits
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most responsible betting platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose within a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake per bet
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting platform
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop betting entirely
We strongly encourage you to use these tools if you feel your gambling may be becoming problematic.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free counselling and support services
www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop — National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all UK-licensed online betting operators in one place - Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support meetings and 12-step programme
Phone: 0203 034 1537 - National Debtline — Free debt advice if gambling has caused financial problems
Phone: 0808 808 4000
International Support (for reference)
- 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
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in asking for support—problem gambling is a recognized condition, and recovery is possible.
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (24/7, free and confidential) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk.
Your wellbeing matters. Help is available, and you don't have to face this alone.